The Latest
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Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Tracking the same-store sales of 21 major restaurant chains
Very few chains — not even Chipotle and Domino’s — were immune from same-store sales slides reported in Q1 2025 as consumers spend less.
Updated May 21, 2025 -
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks teases protein drinks, new food
After simplifying its menu, the coffee giant will focus on experiential beverages, artisanal foods and non-coffee drinks.
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Permission granted by Fat Brands
DOJ drops charges against Fat Brands, Andy Wiederhorn
The original indictment alleged misconduct over a loan scheme involving $47 million transferred from Fat and Fog Cutter Capital to Wiederhorn.
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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images
Starbucks pledges $500M in additional labor as sales slide continues
The coffee chain’s same-store sales dropped for the sixth consecutive quarter, but CEO Brian Niccol said the brand is seeing positive indicators in its operational metrics.
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Retrieved from McDonald's on July 24, 2025
How McDonald’s dug into nostalgia and reignited the chicken wars
The return of the chain’s Snack Wrap has spurred competitors including Popeyes and Taco Bell to launch and advertise around similar offerings.
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Nikola Stojadinovic via Getty Images
DC city council limits tipped wage hikes
The municipality voted to cap the tipped wage at 75% of the city’s minimum wage, gutting a law passed by referendum in 2022 to end the tip credit.
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Courtesy of White Castle
White Castle offers robot delivery in Chicago with Uber Eats, Coco
The slider chain said delivery robots may help it reduce parking lot congestion and speed up service.
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Permission granted by BJ's Restaurant
Why BJ’s CEO is betting on menu innovation to revive the brand
Starting with its pizza, the chain is updating ingredients and flavors to boost guest satisfaction, which has waned in recent years.
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Courtesy of PopUp Bagels
PopUp Bagels bakes up 300-unit franchise pipeline
The company, which has only a handful of stores, plans to hit 100 units by the end of 2027.
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Permission granted by Yum Brands
KFC US hires chief growth officer
Tiffany Furman joins the chain from The Habit Burger & Grill, where she helped oversee the brand’s transformation after its acquisition by Yum.
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Permission granted by Shipley Do-Nuts
Shipley Do-Nuts sold to Levine Leichtman
The chain’s new owners grew Tropical Smoothie Cafe into a brand valued at $2 billion. Now they want to repeat that success with the doughnut maker.
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Courtesy of Wahlburgers
Wahlburgers expands into Detroit airport
Airports are becoming a key growth channel for the burger chain, which also has locations in casinos, naval bases, ballparks and racecourses.
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Courtesy of Chipotle
Chipotle to boost catering with high-efficiency equipment rollout
The chain will test a new catering system in 60 restaurants and expects the channel, which only makes up about 1% to 2% of orders, to be a significant growth opportunity.
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Courtesy of McDonald's
McDonald’s to test premium drinks in 500 stores
After winding down CosMc’s, McDonald’s will start testing drinks inspired by the spinoff in 500 stores across Wisconsin and Colorado in September.
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Permission granted by Bonchon
Bonchon signals speedy US growth with new hires
The Korean fried chicken chain plans to expand its global system from about 500 stores to 1,000 in five years, with the U.S. accounting for much of that development.
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Courtesy of Taco Bell
Taco Bell boosts fan-created mobile orders with free advertising
Fan Style encourages mobile ordering and creativity by rewarding users each time someone purchases their custom order once it’s been shared.
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Courtesy of Chipotle/Photograph by Media Wisdom Photography Ltd
Chipotle’s negative same-store sales streak continues
Despite a 4% decline in comparable sales during the quarter, management is optimistic that enhanced marketing efforts and menu innovation will help drive traffic and boost sales.
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Permission granted by Wendy's
Wendy’s marketing embraces the macabre with ‘Wednesday’ collaboration
The chain’s pigtail-sporting mascot is swapped for scowling Wednesday Addams for a limited-time meal collaboration and in-app mobile game.
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Permission granted by Del Taco
Del Taco reopens Colorado stores in phases
Months after an operator closed all of its locations in the state, the chain is in the process of opening 17 with new kiosks and refreshed in-store experiences.
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Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Wendy’s replaces outgoing US president
Pete Suerken, CEO and president of Wendy’s independent purchasing cooperative, will succeed long-time executive Abigail Pringle on Aug. 15.
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simon2579 via Getty Images
Want a great quick-service restaurant experience? Keep it fast and efficient
Customers are happier with human-led ordering at the counter or the drive-thru than they are with using kiosks, according to a Qualtrics Instant Insights survey.
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Courtesy of Domino's
Domino’s carryout business reaches new heights
Comparable sales for the chain’s takeout channel rose 5.8% in Q2, boosted by its rewards program, and are expected to remain positive throughout 2025.
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Joe Raedle via Getty Images
Brix Holdings acquired by Friendly’s franchisee
CEO Sherif Mityas will continue to lead Brix, which plans to expand its marquee family dining brand in Georgia, the Carolinas and Texas.
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Retrieved from Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom on July 22, 2025
SPB Hospitality offloads Old Chicago Pizza
The sale comes about six months after Krystal’s parent company sold its brewery and specialty concepts to focus on its core brands.
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Michael M. Santiago / Staff via Getty Images
Worker says Dunkin’ franchisee retaliated after she researched tip law
“That’s AI,” the worker’s supervisor allegedly said in response to her findings. “That’s not real.”
