Popeyes hires US COO from Burger King

Chris Padoan's appointment signals a greater investment in Popeyes’ store-level execution, as the chain lags its chicken competitors in operations. 

Domino’s uses AI to improve Tracker pickup and delivery times

The tracking engine combines inputs from team members with machine learning to offer more accurate time estimates.

Why Chick-fil-A is spending millions to build its own distribution network

A $50 million Lubbock, Texas, facility will open in 2027, while the company builds at least four other distribution centers to serve hundreds of units.

Wonder hires CFO ahead of potential 2027 IPO

Marc Lore has built a vertically integrated food delivery network including food halls, a makeline manufacturer and Grubhub. Now, he wants to take it public.

Why Chicken Salad Chick is driving interest from millennial, Gen Z franchisees

The brand said a surge of interest from younger entrepreneurs, who want both independence and stability, has helped it fill a 300-unit development pipeline.

Panda Express taps tech, distribution network to keep menu fresh

The restaurant chain has only six months to lock in suppliers that can scale to demand for new menu items, Chief Supply Chain Officer Roland Ornelas said.

Starbucks challenged by labor-friendly activist investors

Starbucks and Workers United may resume bargaining within weeks, despite an ongoing proxy battle over labor relations.

McDonald’s Big Arch Burger drives only mild traffic boost

Traffic rose just 2.2% during the week of the premium burger’s launch despite the product generating significant social media buzz, per Placer.ai.

Chipotle CFO on expanding globally while maintaining a debt-free model

Adam Rymer explains how the fast casual chain is using AI tools, funding rapid restaurant growth and operating with a debt-free balance sheet​​​​​.

How Fat Brands’ bankruptcy could impact franchisees

From diminishing marketing support to a sale of assets, operators could see changes that impact operations as the Fatburger parent continues through the Chapter 11 process.

Bonchon hires Pollo Campero vet as chief development officer

Blas Escarcega joins the chain as it focuses on rapid growth in the U.S., where it now has over 150 units.

Chicago Mayor plans to veto tipped wage freeze

The city council froze the tipped minimum wage at 76% of the city’s overall wage, following industry opposition to the gradual end of the tip credit.

Fat Brands CEO agrees to temporary leave of absence

Andrew Wiederhorn can still bid on the company during its sales process, but will be removed from management in exchange for the company receiving debtor-in-posession financing.

These 6 restaurant chains will close hundreds of units this year

From Wendy’s to Papa Johns and Pizza Hut, chains facing several quarters of consecutive same-store sales and traffic declines are removing underperforming units from their systems.

How snow derailed Olive Garden’s traffic growth

Darden will run an extra week of value promotions for Olive Garden this quarter after bad weather stunted transactions.

Maggiano’s raises portion sizes in Chili’s-style value play

Increasing portions could help the brand draw more traffic, but structural factors mean its turnaround won’t be as fast — or dramatic — as Chili’s revival.

Gas price spikes don’t impact restaurant traffic: BTIG

By analyzing 20 years of data, the firm found little correlation between gas prices hikes and restaurant traffic drops.

Wetzel’s Pretzels plans to double c-store presence

After opening a company record 20 QSRs in nontraditional locations in 2025, the chain is pursuing convenience retail growth over the next two years.

Taco Bell adds premium chicken quesadilla to permanent menu

The Yum Brands subsidiary is building a differentiated chicken lineup as the protein takes QSR menus by storm.

Fat Brands could sell its assets

If approved by the court, Fatburger’s owner, which is undergoing Chapter 11, will seek bids for all or some of its assets beginning in April.

El Pollo Loco adds big experiences to loyalty program

Personalized offers, bonus rewards and access to menu items and events, like the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game, could boost engagement.

Q4 2025’s restaurant winners and loses

Casual dining? Good, not great. Fast casual? Bad, not terrible. Taco Bell? Living Más. Wendy's? Living Menos.

Portillo’s hires former Papa Johns exec as chief development officer

Jennifer Pecoraro-Striepling will oversee the chain’s real estate, site selection strategy and construction, and help develop prototypes in her new role.

Sonic launches caffeinated refreshers as QSR drinks boom

The drinks boast 45 milligrams of caffeine alongside fruit inclusions, giving the brand a premium product for snacking occasions and the afternoon daypart.

Burger King’s CMO on firing its mascot as brand evolves in new campaign

“There’s A New King And It’s You” is the next step in a turnaround effort that puts the fast food chain’s customers at the forefront.