The Latest
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Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Tracking the same-store sales of 23 major restaurant chains
Q2 2026 saw more evidence of a casual dining resurgence, as fast casual sales stabilized and QSRs posted mixed results.
Updated Aug. 27, 2026 -
Smallhands Creative
Sponsored by Toast Inc.How restaurant operators turn real-time AI insights into action during peak service
AI is showing up in the thick of service. Discover where operators are finding key opportunities.
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Brandon Bell / Staff via Getty Images
Wendy’s activist investors propose $1.4B buyout
Trian Fund, owned by former Wendy’s chair Nelson Peltz, alongside other private equity firms said a sale would help the chain focus on long-term profitability.
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Maddie Meyer via Getty Images
The Cheesecake Factory hits record 15.2% comps growth
The brand’s strong managerial retention, social media marketing and menu innovation drove an exceptional quarter.
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Courtesy of P.F. Chang's
Q&AP.F. Chang’s CMO is cooking up a plan to recapture chain’s old magic
The casual Asian dining chain is a year into a turnaround and has moved from 22nd place to third in same-store sales growth among its competitive set.
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Courtesy of Cafe Rio
Cafe Rio hires Cava vet as COO
Adam Klaers joins the chain as it works to improve its operations and strengthen its brand identity under new CEO Mike Burns.
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Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
What the midterm elections mean for restaurants
With affordability reshaping party politics, restaurants can’t look to a single party to defend all their interests, the National Restaurant Association said.
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Scott Olson via Getty Images
Sweetgreen raises top manager pay to $200K
The change is a substantial increase in the brand’s compensation ceiling, reflecting continued investment in career paths and retention, according to COO Jason Cochran.
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Courtesy of McDonald's
What McDonald’s dropping its FIFA sponsorship means for sports marketing
The fast food giant's marketing model is evolving, which could have downstream implications for QSR competitors’ marketing efforts.
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jetcityimage via Getty Images
Deep DiveWhat this Wendy’s operator bankruptcy can teach franchisees
Meritage Hospitality Group’s fiscal troubles are likely a harbinger of rough times to come, but franchisees can work with creditors and vendors to better their financial positions, experts said.
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Courtesy of Casey's General Stores
Casey’s launches pan pizza
The retailer is adding the offering to all of its stores as it found many markets lacked easy access to the crust type.
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Courtesy of Taco Bell
Taco Bell, Pepsi renew vows after KFC divorce
Remaining with the sodamaker signals strategic menu continuity for Taco Bell and the Mountain Dew Baja Blast, while sister-brand KFC pursues an overhaul.
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Permission granted by McDonald's
AnalysisWhy Q3 marked the end of fast food value wars
A two-year QSR value war produced only losers, analysts say, and brands are now looking to quality, rather than price, as a frequency driver.
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chameleonseye via Getty Images
OpinionRestaurants are about to inherit the food industry’s hardest labeling problem
Multistate operators need to create a single plan to satisfy allergen notification rules across state lines, writes Steritech’s Chris Boyles.
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Permission granted by Bojangles
Bojangles will bring voice AI to 100 more drive-thrus
Hi Auto’s voice ordering tech processes 1 million orders a week across 500 Bojangles restaurants with 98% accuracy, the chain said.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Meritage to sell 42 Wendy’s restaurants for $18.6M
The operator plans to divest units across Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri to Divine Infinity Operations as part of its bankruptcy proceedings.
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Permission granted by Olo
Olo wants to kill delivery commissions
The restaurant software company’s CEO says its new app can bring delivery to consumers for less, while avoiding exorbitant commission rates for restaurants.
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Courtesy of Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen expands craft drink lineup
Restaurants offering the four new housemade drinks saw the share of beverage transactions jump nearly 25%.
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hapabapa via Getty Images
How Whataburger’s supply chain chief curbed inflation — and fought fires along the way
The burger chain’s CSCO has worked to diversify its partner network, as well as tackle the rising cost of beef and diesel fuel.
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Courtesy of Wendy's
Wendy’s bets $7.99 meal deal will boost traffic
The chain’s combo meal LTO could help restore its value proposition following six quarters of sliding sales.
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Courtesy of Domino's Pizza
Domino’s links with Minecraft to push personal pizza via gaming
The collaboration with the popular video game includes creator content, in-game items, packaging and giveaways in support of the new Domino offering.
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Courtesy of Pollo Campero
Pollo Campero hires CKE vet as US CEO
Julio Sánchez, who has over 25 years of restaurant experience, will focus on the chain’s next phase of growth as it targets 250 units in the U.S.
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Restaurant chain to pay $3M to settle EEOC allegations of rampant sexual harassment
The agency learned of at least 100 women negatively affected by the work environment at California-based Il Fornaio’s multiple locations, an EEOC attorney said.
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Courtesy of Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Tropical Smoothie Cafe will open 40 stores in the Northeast
The chain is historically underrepresented in New York and Connecticut, but a new deal with Aurify Kingstar could remedy that.
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M. Suhail via Getty Images
Q&AApplebee’s CMO on differentiating marketing in a value-obsessed industry
Michelle Chin digs into how the casual dining chain’s marketing is evolving, including through a new partnership with agency BBDO Chicago.
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Permission granted by Salad and Go
Salad and Go is coming back from the dead
Roughly 100 former Salad and Go locations were approved for sale during bankruptcy, but the buyer of its intellectual property plans to reopen some units.
