The Latest
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Tracking the same-store sales of 24 major restaurant chains
Q4 2025 saw more evidence of a casual dining resurgence, as fast casual sales continued to slow and QSRs posted divergent results.
Updated March 10, 2026 -
Permission granted by Papa Johns
Papa Johns suffers major 6.4% comp sales drop
The chain hopes new menu items, operational improvements and local advertising cooperatives can fend off Domino’s value offensive.
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Permission granted by Dutch Bros
How Dutch Bros doubled its brand awareness in 18 months
Mobile ordering, loyalty upgrades, a new breakfast menu and increased density in key markets accelerated sales growth for the brand.
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Courtesy of Shake Shack
Shake Shack appoints former Portillo’s CFO as it finance chief
Michelle Hook will oversee financial operations at the fast casual chain as it works toward reaching 1,500 units.
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Courtesy of Subway
Subway closed at least 729 stores in 2025
This marks the beleaguered chain’s steepest decline since 2021, driven by oversaturation and a low average unit volume.
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Permission granted by Refuel Operating Company
Refuel to open its first Whataburger
The South Carolina-based retailer will debut the burger QSR adjacent to an upcoming c-store in Kenedy, Texas, later this year.
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Courtesy of Burger King
Burger King’s sales jumped, Popeyes slumped in Q1
Years of investment in the burger brand’s operations and menu have won consumers back, but a loss of focus on service and the core menu hurt the chicken chain.
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Courtesy of Portillo's
Portillo’s CFO departs
Michelle Hook will pursue another opportunity after serving in her position for five years and playing an important role in Portillo’s 2021 IPO.
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Courtesy of KFC
KFC expands $10 bucket deal across weekdays
The brand is positioning the bucket deals as a value-oriented solution for weekday dinners, which could help it drive traffic.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Taco Bell grows loyalty and digital sales
The brand’s loyalty program is resonating with consumers and driving them to engage with the brand more frequently, Yum Brands CEO said.
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Walter Cicchetti via Getty Images
Popeyes wraps join core menu
This move strengthens the chain’s snacking offerings and could help it capture more occasions as it struggles to improve sluggish sales.
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Courtesy of Huey Magoo's
Huey Magoo’s cuts drive-thru build costs by 40%
The regional chicken tender chain is looking to increase the flexibility of its real estate development strategy.
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Courtesy of McDonald's
McDonald’s updates McCafé branding ahead of beverage expansion
The chain updated the font style and coloring on its McCafé cups to better showcase its forthcoming crafted sodas, refreshers and energy drinks.
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Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Shake Shack’s tech chief forges a practical AI strategy
CITO Justin Mennen is prioritizing efficiency with a mix of enterprise-built and custom AI products.
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krblokhin via Getty Images
Culver’s to add computer vision to 1K restaurants
Through a partnership with Berry AI, the fast food chain will use the technology to measure service execution, vehicle flow and throughput to improve accuracy and speed of service.
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Courtesy of Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen hires Amazon, Starbucks alum as development chief
The embattled fast casual chain’s newest C-suite appointment may signal a shift toward experiential store design.
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Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Chipotle expands drone pilot, accelerates equipment package deployment
New technology and the chain’s high-efficiency equipment package are helping teams perform better and improve hospitality, boosting sales.
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DKart via Getty Images
Starbucks’ loyalty update is driving frequency as membership grows
Starbucks Rewards is no longer “a coupon book,” CEO Brian Niccol said. “We had to stop doing all that discounting. This needed to be about engagement.”
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Courtesy of Chipotle
Chipotle traffic turns positive after menu innovation
The chain saw transactions and sales growth during Q1 with customers attracted by Chicken Al Pastor, a Cilantro Lime sauce and high-protein items.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Red Robin hires long-time Bloomin’ exec as CFO
Mark Graff, a former Bloomin’ exec, will oversee the burger brand’s finances as it undergoes its First Choice turnaround plan.
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Courtesy of Wingstop
Wingstop links same-store sales slides to Iran War
Low-income consumers cut spending following gas price spikes, but large portions and a loyalty update could bring them back, the chain’s CEO said.
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Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks turnaround plan is paying off, CEO says
A litany of changes, from remodels to customizable caffeine levels, are helping the coffee giant grow transactions and speed up its turnaround.
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Courtesy of KFC
Yum Brands wants AI and beverages to supercharge growth
The company tested AI-arranged digital menu boards at Taco Bell and created a KFC Global Innovation Pantry to transfer successful LTOs between markets.
Updated April 29, 2026 -
Courtesy of Chili's
Chili’s chicken sandwiches are boosting traffic, sales
The casual chain is already selling 161% more chicken sandwiches since its April 14 launch, and reports strong guest satisfaction with the bigger portions.
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Courtesy of Whataburger
Whataburger adds toys, interactive packaging to kids meals
The new kids meals could help the chain compete for family dining dollars with QSR brands that have long offered kids flashy meal perks.
