Rutter’s announces new stores with bar and lounge

This design is the latest in a series of updates the Pennsylvania-based retailer has rolled out over the past few years.

Flynn Group surpasses 1K Pizza Hut units with latest acquisition

The franchisee bought 45 Pizza Huts in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee and operates almost 20% of the franchisor’s U.S. business.

McDonald’s creates ‘restaurant experience’ team to sharpen menu innovation

The Golden Arches’ new team replaces its customer experience unit and includes three cohorts dedicated to chicken, beef and beverage/dessert.

Jollibee to ramp up US growth with franchising program

With an AUV of about $4.3 million, the Filipino chicken chain’s unit economics could make it compelling for multi-unit operators.

Domino’s promotes long-time exec to COO, US president

Joseph Jordan, who has been with the chain since 2011, was elevated to the role as part of a larger change in the pizza chain’s organizational structure.

These 6 restaurant companies have laid off thousands in 2025

Staff reductions hit every corner of the restaurant industry, from Grubhub’s elimination of 500 workers to Starbucks’ 1,100 corporate job cuts.

How PAR’s acquisition strategy targeted major restaurant chain clients

The company is buying up software firms and building on its point-of-sale hardware to fill gaps in enterprise restaurant tech systems.

Walk-On’s redesigns menu, adds new cocktails

The changes are designed to better attract the brand’s core audience of “sports enthusiasts” and “team moms.”

Gross bathroom? It can cost your customer experience

Dirty restrooms, out-of-stock paper towels and stalls with gaps can flush away an otherwise positive customer experience and send sales down the toilet.

Pinstripes keeps itself afloat with $7.5M loan

The troubled eatertainment chain was suspended from the New York Stock Exchange and won’t appeal its delisting, as its lender takes an 85% share in the company. 

Noodles & Company to roll out 9 new dishes next week

Its initial menu update in October helped drive positive same-store sales during the fourth quarter.

Wendy’s wants to open 1K stores in 3 years

The burger brand is planning to globalize its supply chain and build up geographical strongholds outside the U.S.

The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics

Although turnover stabilized last year, early data from 2025 shows increased unemployment and a decrease in hours worked.

Updated March 7, 2025

Papa Johns invites pizza fans to ‘Meet the Makers’ for TV, social ads

The chain’s first work under CMO Jenna Bromberg includes tie-ups with food influencers and real team members for behind-the-scenes content. 

Carl’s Jr parent appoints Joe Guith as CEO

Guith spent the past two years at Church’s Texas Chicken, where he repositioned the brand and improved unit-level profitability.

Updated March 6, 2025

On the Border is the latest casual chain to file for Chapter 11

The company, which has 60 units remaining, closed 40 underperforming locations in February after several months of declining liquidity.

Taco Bell franchisee allowed sexually hostile environment to fester for over 2 months, EEOC says

EEOC noted in 2024 guidance that an employer who opens an investigation one day after a complaint is made has acted promptly, while one who waits two months “very likely has not acted promptly.”

Applebee’s hopes renovations, dual-branding will prevent more closures

Dine Brands will remodel 30 restaurants it acquired from franchisees last year to help revive the ailing casual dining chain.

Taco Bell targets $3M AUV

The brand wants its Cantina Chicken Menu and beverage orders to each account for $5 billion in yearly sales by the end of the decade.

Starbucks replaces CFO with Walmart, Target vet

Cathy Smith will replace Rachel Ruggeri at an undetermined date, with Ruggeri remaining for some time to ease the transition.

Craveworthy Brands becomes managing partner in Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken

The partnership will further the chicken chain’s aggressive growth strategy, which has 40 units open and a pipeline of 350 restaurants.

A&W promotes COO to CEO post

Betsy Schmandt, who has been with the company for 18 months, will work on enhancing the brand’s position, focus on value and continue the chain’s growth trajectory.

Caribou Coffee appoints CFO as interim CEO

Scott Kennedy will take on the interim leadership role when John Butcher steps down from his position on March 14.

Portillo’s launches loyalty without an app

The hot dog chain hopes its loyalty program, based in digital wallets, can offer personalized options for guests and businesses without causing app fatigue.

Domino’s launches stuffed crust pizza, encroaching on Pizza Hut

Internal research showed as many as 13 million Domino’s customers ordered stuffed crust pizza from competitors each year.