The Latest
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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 -
Courtesy of Grubhub
Grubhub, Wonder test robotic delivery in New Jersey
The aggregator is looking to grow its autonomous delivery operations outside of college campuses, starting with a pilot program with Avride at a Wonder location in New Jersey.
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Jessica Loder/Restaurant Dive
Wawa increases coffee program customization
Customers can use ordering touchscreens in stores to control how much milk, sweeteners and flavors they add to their beverages.
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Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks poised to hire around 8K assistant mangers
The chain is testing the assistant manager role — a step between hourly shift supervisor and salaried manager — at 62 stores to fine-tune the position before expanding it to nearly all U.S. and Canadian stores.
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Courtesy of Yelp
Yelp adds AI Host and Receptionist to restaurant toolbox
The customizable solutions can answer diner questions, ask follow-ups and book reservations, reflecting restaurant interest in voice technology.
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Permission granted by Layne's Chicken Fingers
Layne’s Chicken Fingers signs agreements for 68 stores
Layne’s is the latest brand to bet on chicken fever and franchising to catapult it to national status — but the competitive landscape may be shifting.
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Brandon Bell / Staff via Getty Images
Pizza Hut operator to close 68 UK stores
DC London Pie has entered administration to manage its debt, but Yum Brands will continue to run 64 of the operator’s locations.
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Courtesy of Rutter's
Inside one c-store chain’s bold and greasy foodservice playbook
As convenience chains ramp up their made-to-order menus, here’s how Pennsylvania chain Rutter’s is winning over customers with indulgent dishes like The Hangover Burger.
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Courtesy of Taim Mediterranean Kitchen
Deep Dive4 brands growing in Cava’s shadow
As the Mediterranean fast casual segment grows, franchised chains like Taim and Taziki’s are competing to see who will emerge as Cava’s main challenger.
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Courtesy of Philz Coffee
Philz Coffee launches points-based loyalty program
Fresh off its acquisition by Freeman Spogli, the coffee brand is adding a new system meant to reward frequency and deepen consumer connections.
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Courtesy of Cava
Cava ties gaming culture to loyalty rewards with Clix collaboration
A partnership with the pro Fortnite player centers on a Cava Pass Challenge that looks to drive more people to the chain’s newly revamped loyalty program.
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Courtesy of Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires CFO
ABM Industries veteran Earl Ellis brings 30 years of financial leadership experience to the fast casual chain, which is in the midst of a transformation.
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hapabapa via Getty Images
Whataburger taps tech chief to guide infrastructure rollout
Rohit Kapoor, formerly EVP and CIO at Claire's, will be tasked with leading an expansion of the company's digital infrastructure in support of its growth plans.
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Courtesy of White Castle
White Castle opens new prototype in Ohio
The new unit takes a page out of Chick-fil-A’s playbook with a drive-thru hospitality door and features new tech like a robotic fry cook, drive-thru voice AI and self-order kiosks.
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TennesseePhotographer via Getty Images
R&R Brands takes over management of Bravo, Brio restaurants
The multi-concept hospitality company will roll out a support plan spanning operations, management and technology, to improve both Italian brands.
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Permission granted by Del Taco
Jack in the Box sells Del Taco to Yadav for $115M
Less than four years after spending $575 million to acquire the chain, Jack in the Box is selling it to a franchisee.
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Permission granted by First Watch
How First Watch’s expansion is outpacing casual dining growth
The breakfast chain recently reached 600 units and anticipates opening nearly 60 restaurants in 2025 — making it one of a handful of casual chains to boast positive unit growth this year.
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Courtesy of Save Mart
Starship raises $50M to scale delivery bots
The robotics maker plans to expand its operations from U.S. college campuses to urban markets, as delivery aggregators begin to scale their partnerships with various robotics firms.
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Courtesy of El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco opens 500th restaurant
The Colorado Springs location is the third in Colorado and shows the chain’s rapid expansion outside of its home state of California.
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Permission granted by Fireside Market
Fireside Market launches food-focused c-store design
The 9,700-square-foot store in Slinger, Wisconsin, features a drive-thru and will serve as a model for future locations, a spokesperson said.
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Courtesy of Panera Bread
Panera Bread tests 4 premium drinks
As QSRs eat into beverage occasions with refreshers, menu innovation could become an important defensive move for fast casual and coffee brands.
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Joe Raedle via Getty Images
Domino’s posts biggest US comparable sales growth in 6 quarters
The chain has had two consecutive quarters of growth driven by deal promotions and the popularity of Parmesan Stuffed Crust.
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Papa Murphy’s shutters underperforming stores
The take-and-bake pizza chain has faced significant competition from other pizza brands that have invested heavily in aggressive marketing campaigns.
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Permission granted by 7 Brew
7 Brew hits 500 store mark
The brand has grown its storebase by more than 50% in 2025, and its dramatic expansion could put pressure on legacy chains at the top of the coffee sector.
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Getty Images
Instacart, Uber, DoorDash bringing food delivery to ChatGPT
The three e-commerce providers are among several apps set to join the AI-powered chatbot.
