The Latest
-
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Tracking the same-store sales of 21 major restaurant chains
Major publicly traded restaurant chains had a strange Q2 for comps growth, from Chili’s 23% jump to Sweetgreen’s 7.6% shortfall.
Updated Aug. 18, 2025 -
Permission granted by Portillo's
Portillo’s cuts projected openings, breakfast pilot
The fast casual chain will focus on core markets and simplify operations as pricing and promotional problems weigh on same-store sales.
-
Permission granted by Subway
Subway resurrects Fresh Fit menu
The latest iteration of the health-focused menu, which debuted in 2007, combines protein-rich options and vegetables to create low-calorie meals.
-
Permission granted by Potbelly
Potbelly sold to RaceTrac for $566M
The sandwich shop said its acquisition by the c-store retailer will help it reach its 2,000-unit goal.
Updated Sept. 10, 2025 -
Permission granted by Togo's Sandwiches
Togo’s Sandwiches former CEO retakes the helm
Glenn Lunde, who was at the brand for five years before joining Yoshinoya’s, will reprise his role with a focus on digital channels and franchised growth.
-
Courtesy of Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel halts remodels after logo backlash, lackluster test
The chain only remodeled four stores before deciding to discontinue its reimage efforts, which drew the ire of loyal customers.
-
Courtesy of Pinstripes
Pinstripes goes bankrupt
The eatertainment chain, whose founder dreamed of reaching 150 units, is now down to eight after traffic and spending declines pressured liquidity.
-
Courtesy of Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels elevates store template
The bagel chain is the latest restaurant brand to prioritize warmth and a separation between digital pickup and in-store channels in its store design.
-
Permission granted by Starbucks
By the numbers: Starbucks’ first year under CEO Brian Niccol
What’s changed 12 months after the chain’s dramatic restaurant leadership shakeup? The numbers reveal a mix of store growth, declining comp sales and continued labor strife.
-
Courtesy of Taco Bell
Yum prepares for CEO swap with more exec changes
As Chris Turner prepares to take over Yum, Taco Bell’s parent company promoted three leaders, including a CFO, and will add a chief scale officer role.
-
Permission granted by Benihana/The One Group Hospitality
The One Group Hospitality promotes Benihana exec to CFO
Nicole Thaung, who has been at the Japanese chain for 15 years, becomes the parent company’s top financial executive following Tyler Loy’s departure.
-
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
Waffle House expands DoorDash delivery partnership nationwide
While delivery will be available from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. from Waffle House’s digital channels, a handful of restaurants will offer delivery 24/7 from DoorDash’s app.
-
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte broke records. Is that enough?
CEO Brian Niccol said the chain had its strongest sales Tuesday ever, and Placer.ai data showed the launch outpaced rivals’ fall LTO debuts.
-
Courtesy of Portillo's
Portillo’s hires Marco’s Pizza exec as CMO
Denise Lauer will help enhance the fast casual chain’s digital capabilities and boost guest engagement and brand awareness.
-
Courtesy of Checkers and Rally's
Why Checkers and Rally’s are keeping the pedal to the metal on value
CMO Scott Johnson explains how the sister chains built on a new brand platform via a partnership with rapper GloRilla as the QSR value wars persist.
-
Courtesy of Starbucks
An inside look at Starbucks’ coffeehouse redesign
With 1,000 renovations and new builds set to incorporate warmer colors, more seating and experiential changes, Starbucks may be on its way to physically restoring its coffeehouse-vibe.
-
Courtesy of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s acquired by Rhône
The fast casual brand grew from 400 units to over 550 under Thompson Street Capital Partners and will continue its current momentum under new ownership.
Updated Sept. 4, 2025 -
Scott Olson via Getty Images
Sweetgreen hires Chipotle vet as CFO
Mitch Reback will retire after serving in his post for a decade with Jamie McConnell, former Chipotle exec, taking his place.
-
Courtesy of McDonald's
McDonald’s leaves NRA over policy differences
The National Restaurant Association confirmed McDonald's terminated its membership after CEO Chris Kempczinski criticized the tip credit — a political keystone for the NRA — on CNBC.
-
Adam Gray via Getty Images
Starbucks deploys AI for in-store inventory management
Computer vision is helping the chain keep track of its in-store inventory and may be used to automate some stock ordering.
-
Courtesy of Raising Cane's
Raising Cane’s heads to the UK
The chicken finger brand will develop company-operated units in London and plans to open urban stores and suburban drive-thrus.
-
JHVEPhoto via Getty Images
Noodles & Company to consider sale
The chain, which is struggling with growing net losses, is also considering refinancing debt and refranchising as part of a strategic review.
-
Mario Tama / Staff via Getty Images
How 3 quick-service restaurants are looking to CX to revive traffic
Wendy’s is focusing on operations, McDonald’s on loyalty and Taco Bell on digital ordering. How can each approach keep customers coming back?
-
Permission granted by Fat Brands
Andrew Wiederhorn returns as Fat Brands CEO
The shift in leadership comes after the U.S. Department of Justice dropped fraud charges against Fat Brands and Wiederhorn in July.
-
Permission granted by McDonald's
McDonald’s latest value deals target combo meals
The Extra Value Meals will decrease the price of eight meals by 15% compared to ordering items a la carte.
