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 -
shutterstock.com/Drazen Zigic
Sponsored by Prime ShrimpThe Modern Mise En Place: Why smart restaurants are embracing streamlined food solutions
Smart restaurants are using curated, pre-prepped foods to boost consistency, profit, and quality.
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McDonald’s launches $200M grassland conservation initiative
The sustainability project doubles as a long-term investment in U.S. beef supply chains, as tariffs on major beef producers loom.
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KFC hires Wingstop marketer as CMO to fire up comeback plan
Melissa Cash takes over at the Yum chain for Catherine Tan-Gillespie, who was promoted from CMO to president in April.
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The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics
After a year of relatively stability, turnover and unemployment are on the rise again, while total jobs and wage growth are nearly flat.
Updated Sept. 16, 2025 -
Retrieved from Black Rock Coffee Bar on September 12, 2025
Black Rock Coffee raises nearly $300M in IPO
The 158-unit chain is the first major coffee brand to go public since Dutch Bros debuted on the stock exchange in 2021.
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IHOP offers $6 value menu daily
The breakfast chain could be looking to replicate sister brand Applebee’s success in using expanded value offerings to drive traffic.
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Value menu traffic rose 1% in Q2: Circana
Foodservice traffic otherwise fell by 1% during the quarter, revealing how various deals and offers are helping bring customers back.
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Chipotle is cheaper than competitors, but consumers haven’t noticed: BTIG
The Mexican fast casual brand has a significant pricing advantage over competitors like Sweetgreen, but it is still facing value-perception problems.
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How Shake Shack removes friction between web traffic and app downloads
As it begins to invest in paid media at scale, the fast casual chain teamed with Google to drive more app conversions and return on ad spend.
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Chipotle is coming to Asia in 2026
The brand has signed an agreement with operator SPC Group to open stores in South Korea and Singapore starting next year.
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RaceTrac fills a key gap with Potbelly acquisition
The fast-growing regional chain isn’t known as a foodservice destination. That could all change quickly with this latest deal, experts said.
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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.
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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.
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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 -
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.