Corner Bakery invests over $6M in cafe remodels, other brand improvements

Two years after emerging from bankruptcy, the chain has completed seven remodels and plans to invest another $500,000 in additional renovations.

Inside Maverik’s decision to cut Kum & Go’s foodservice program

The move, which coincided with nixing the Iowa retailer's mobile ordering platform, underscores the culturally dissonant integration between the companies, several former corporate staffers say.

Cava opens first Indiana unit

The growing Mediterranean brand is looking at cities like Indianapolis, Detroit and Pittsburgh as fresh markets for development in 2025.

Little General debuts small-format Buffalo Wild Wings in West Virginia

The c-store retailer plans to bring at least five more Buffalo Wild Wings “Go” locations to West Virginia, with the next one set to open within 30 days.

Tony Roma’s future will be embedded with AI, robotics

CEO Mohaimina Haque said these technologies can help inform operator decisions such as real estate selection and back-of-house workflows.

Nathan’s Famous debuts standalone restaurant design in South Carolina

The restaurant showcases a modernized point-of-sales system and double drive-thru, elements that could attract franchisees and boost domestic growth.

Qdoba’s development pipeline surpasses 500 units

The chain is well on its way to reaching its 1,500-unit goal with commitments for 33 new restaurants.

Casey’s sees strong growth from food innovation

Recent coffee and chicken wing launches plus strength in areas like bakery and hot sandwiches helped grow the company’s inside margins to over 34%.

Brian Niccol’s 6-month update on Starbucks turnaround plan

The coffee chain’s CEO said investments in store experience are ramping up, but union members say the brand isn’t spending enough on hourly workers.

Updated March 13, 2025

The 6 biggest casual chain bankruptcies since the COVID-19 pandemic

CEC Entertainment and CPK have long since recovered from Chapter 11, while others like Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy last year after failing to grow sales.

Rutter’s announces new stores with bar and lounge

This design is the latest in a series of updates the Pennsylvania-based retailer has rolled out over the past few years.

Flynn Group surpasses 1K Pizza Hut units with latest acquisition

The franchisee bought 45 Pizza Huts in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee and operates almost 20% of the franchisor’s U.S. business.

McDonald’s creates ‘restaurant experience’ team to sharpen menu innovation

The Golden Arches’ new team replaces its customer experience unit and includes three cohorts dedicated to chicken, beef and beverage/dessert.

Jollibee to ramp up US growth with franchising program

With an AUV of about $4.3 million, the Filipino chicken chain’s unit economics could make it compelling for multi-unit operators.

Domino’s promotes long-time exec to COO, US president

Joseph Jordan, who has been with the chain since 2011, was elevated to the role as part of a larger change in the pizza chain’s organizational structure.

These 6 restaurant companies have laid off thousands in 2025

Staff reductions hit every corner of the restaurant industry, from Grubhub’s elimination of 500 workers to Starbucks’ 1,100 corporate job cuts.

How PAR’s acquisition strategy targeted major restaurant chain clients

The company is buying up software firms and building on its point-of-sale hardware to fill gaps in enterprise restaurant tech systems.

Walk-On’s redesigns menu, adds new cocktails

The changes are designed to better attract the brand’s core audience of “sports enthusiasts” and “team moms.”

Gross bathroom? It can cost your customer experience

Dirty restrooms, out-of-stock paper towels and stalls with gaps can flush away an otherwise positive customer experience and send sales down the toilet.

Pinstripes keeps itself afloat with $7.5M loan

The troubled eatertainment chain was suspended from the New York Stock Exchange and won’t appeal its delisting, as its lender takes an 85% share in the company. 

Noodles & Company to roll out 9 new dishes next week

Its initial menu update in October helped drive positive same-store sales during the fourth quarter.

Wendy’s wants to open 1K stores in 3 years

The burger brand is planning to globalize its supply chain and build up geographical strongholds outside the U.S.

The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics

Although turnover stabilized last year, early data from 2025 shows increased unemployment and a decrease in hours worked.

Updated March 7, 2025

Papa Johns invites pizza fans to ‘Meet the Makers’ for TV, social ads

The chain’s first work under CMO Jenna Bromberg includes tie-ups with food influencers and real team members for behind-the-scenes content. 

Carl’s Jr parent appoints Joe Guith as CEO

Guith spent the past two years at Church’s Texas Chicken, where he repositioned the brand and improved unit-level profitability.

Updated March 6, 2025