DoorDash to buy SevenRooms for $1.2B

The deal comes on the heels of DoorDash’s $3.9 billion Deliveroo acquisition and will add tools like reservations, waitlist and table management to its merchant products. 

By Julie Littman • May 6, 2025

Circle K adding Burrito Express QSRs in Phoenix

The retailer, which has over 150 c-stores in the city, is expected to open six Burrito Express Fast and Fresh restaurants as it strengthens its foodservice capabilities.

By Brett Dworski • May 6, 2025

El Pollo Loco will open 500th restaurant this year

The chain will open at least 10 units this year, most of which will be outside of California, as the chain works toward regaining unit growth momentum.

By Julie Littman • May 5, 2025

Shake Shack rolls out digital menu boards, combos to speed up drive-thru

The drive-thru efforts build on five consecutive quarters of improvements to speed of service and order accuracy.

By Bryan Wassel • May 5, 2025

Wendy’s to deploy drive-thru AI to over 500 restaurants this year

The chain has installed Fresh AI at over 160 units as part of its larger strategy to improve the customer experience.

By Julie Littman • May 2, 2025

McDonald’s to test expanded beverage menu this year

Adding more items to its menu, including energy drinks and coffee, will help the chain compete with sector rivals and boost profitability.

By Julie Littman • May 1, 2025

McDonald’s US traffic slides due to economic uncertainty

Low- and middle-income guests pulled back spending in Q1, but the chain expects improved performance from promotions and the launch of chicken strips.

By Julie Littman • May 1, 2025

Chili’s notches 21% traffic surge

The casual chain’s focus on value is driving success where rivals are lagging, with many competitors reporting sliding same-store sales. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 29, 2025

Independent restaurants could use pandemic-era strategies against tariffs

Navigating supply chain challenges under Trump’s fluctuating trade policy will require both flexibility and conservative cost measures, experts and restaurateurs say.

By Danielle McLean • April 28, 2025

How c-stores can pull loyalty from QSRs

Strong value, including meal deals and quality food, could help c-stores make inroads against fast food, says restaurant technology company Tillster.

By Jessica Loder • April 25, 2025

Jersey Mike’s hires Charlie Morrison as CEO

Morrison, former CEO of Wingstop and Salad and Go, takes over for Peter Cancro, who has led the chain for 50 years. 

By Julie Littman , Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated April 24, 2025

Chipotle’s same-store sales wobble on economic uncertainty

The fast casual giant — a sales overperformer in 2024 — said its comparable transactions fell in what could be an early warning of anemic diner spending.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 24, 2025

Nando’s Peri-Peri hires Ruby Tuesday vet as CEO

Kimberly Grant, who is also former CEO of Jose Andres Group, will oversee the chain’s growth as it opens more company-owned locations in the U.S.

By Julie Littman • April 22, 2025

How KFC’s customer listening program helps it nail the first experience

The program is designed to collect data from a range of sources, disseminate findings across the company and coordinate teams to solve customer pain points, KFC COO Rob Swain said.

By Bryan Wassel • April 22, 2025

Chipotle is going to Mexico

Alsea, a restaurant operator with 4,700 restaurants in Latin America and Europe, will build the chain’s first Mexico location by early 2026.

By Julie Littman • April 21, 2025

7 Brew opens first walk-thru location in Walmart

The coffee chain’s partnership with the mega retailer will help diversify 7 Brew’s development model as it works toward becoming a nationwide brand.

By Julie Littman • April 18, 2025

Circana: Restaurant traffic stalled in 2024, but diner spending rose 2%

Starbucks, McDonald’s and Burger King all had flat spending, but Circana’s David Portalatin said “flat is the new up” given current macroeconomic trends.

By Julie Littman • April 18, 2025

Krystal to open first Texas travel center location

The QSR is focusing on non-traditional locations like travel centers, c-stores and airports as part of a strategy to add high-traffic restaurants to its portfolio.

By Julie Littman • Updated April 17, 2025

NRA: Consumers want more takeout, but lack the cash

Millennials and Gen Z consumers largely view takeout as a vital part of their lifestyles, per a National Restaurant Association report.

By Julie Littman • April 16, 2025

57-unit Burger King operator goes bankrupt

Despite high performance metrics, Consolidated Burger Holdings has faced traffic declines and revenue losses since the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Julie Littman • April 16, 2025

Donatos Pizza drops DoorDash’s AI ordering system for Revmo AI

The chain is using automation to take rote tasks off employees’ plates so they can better focus on the guest experience.

By Julie Littman • April 14, 2025

Will restaurants be hit hard by tariffs? 6 experts weigh in

America’s baseline tariffs and the potential for renewed, country-specific taxes could pose significant problems for the restaurant industry. But analysts and trade groups are split on just how much risk looms.

By Restaurant Dive Staff • April 14, 2025

Dave & Buster’s overhauls its remodel strategy as sales continue to fall

The restaurant chain still wants to offer unique experiences — but leaders are aiming for higher returns on investment.

By Bryan Wassel • April 14, 2025

Noble Gas bringing Capriotti’s sandwiches to East Coast c-stores

The retailer will open the sub shop inside its newest gas station in Enfield, Connecticut, later this month, with several more sites to come.

By Brett Dworski • April 14, 2025

Tillster: 61% of users want more restaurant kiosks

Diners are becoming more comfortable with kiosks since they can review their orders for accuracy, per a report.

By Julie Littman • April 14, 2025