Shake Shack to launch loyalty program in 2025

 A rewards program will be a long-term sales driver, but it will not likely impact 2025 performance at the fast casual chain.

Fast casual chains steam ahead with expansion as other sectors pull back

Shake Shack, Chipotle and Wingstop are on track to open over 700 units combined this year, while targeting strong sales growth.

Chipotle remains focused on core strategy, efficiency improvements, interim CEO says

Under Scott Boatwright, Chipotle aims to follow a steady course and carry out key initiatives like adding expediters and back-of-house equipment to boost throughput.

With E. coli outbreak contained, McDonald’s focuses on next steps

The chain’s traffic fell almost 10% nationwide and more than 30% in Colorado in the days following the public health crisis, according to visitation data.

Perkins to open fast casual stores in Texas debut

Griddle & Go will serve as the casual chain’s entry to the Lone Star state as it expands into major U.S. markets.

Subway adds $6.99 meal deal through year’s end

The monthslong discount signals a shift towards greater value emphasis for the chain, which has stayed largely aloof from 2024’s QSR price wars.

McDonald’s US comp sales turn positive in Q3

The fast food giant gained traffic with the help of its $5 Meal Deal and expects to release a holistic value platform in early 2025.

Zaxbys raises 4 dishes from LTO to permanent status

As the chicken chain looks to accelerate national growth, new menu items could play a pivotal role in driving sales.

7-Eleven plans 600 stores with new food-focused design by 2027

The retailer’s newest format features “a larger product assortment and expanded food and beverage offerings,” CEO Joseph DePinto told investors on Thursday.

3 ways Denny’s is boosting the digital guest experience

The chain continues to invest in virtual brands as well as direct and third-party ordering. It also will revise its loyalty program to build its digital customer base.

McDonald’s to return Quarter Pounders to menu this week

After tests confirmed fresh beef patties were not the source of an E. coli outbreak, the chain said it will bring the burgers back to the menu.

TGI Fridays has closed 60 stores since September

The casual dining chain, which may be considering bankruptcy after a failed merger, has closed roughly 100 stores since January. 

McDonald’s E. coli outbreak has sickened 75 people

An additional 26 individuals said they fell ill after eating at the fast food chain, according to a Friday update from the CDC.

Hooters’ alleged colorism costs $250,000 in EEOC case

Following the layoff of about 43 employees in the Greensboro, North Carolina area in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hooters allegedly rehired workers who were predominantly White or had lighter skin.

Lawsuit accuses McDonald’s of negligence over E. coli outbreak

In what appears to be the first lawsuit filed over the deadly outbreak, a Colorado customer who became ill after eating a Quarter Pounder also accused the chain of product liability and breach of warranties.

Red Lobster names new CMO

Nichole Robillard, who recently led a rebrand for Smokey Bones, was praised for her ability to blend creative and operational expertise.

Chick-fil-A targets families with entertainment-focused mobile app

The free app will launch Nov. 18 and include podcasts, games, interactive stories and original animated shows like “Legends of Evergreen Hills.” 

McDonald’s takes Quarter Pounders off the menu at a fifth of restaurants after E. coli outbreak

The CDC said that 49 people fell ill after eating the burgers, but an analyst said comparisons to Chipotle’s past outbreaks were premature.

Qdoba hires Applebee’s exec as COO

Kevin Carroll has over 30 years of restaurant experience and most recently served as COO at Applebee's overseeing 1,600 units.

McDonald’s grilled by senators on price increases

The chain said the lawmakers contorted facts and made inaccurate claims, and that their concerns reflect a lack of understanding of its franchising model. 

Starbucks’ US sales down as traffic nosedives

CEO Brian Niccol said the chain will address issues with its complex menu, pricing architecture and mobile order and payments system.

Pizza Hut franchisee to settle delivery drivers’ FLSA dispute for $4.75M

The drivers alleged their actual payment fell below minimum wage due to unreimbursed gas costs, vehicle upkeep and more.

Denny’s to shutter 150 underperforming stores

An extensive review of all the chain’s restaurants revealed 265 locations never fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Red Lobster hires Yum Brands vet as CFO

Bob Baker brings 30 years of restaurant experience to the brand that emerged from Chapter 11 in September.

Shari’s closes remaining Oregon restaurants

The casual chain, which had 42 locations in the state at the beginning of this year and has faced financial difficulties, has an estimated 17 locations left in the Northwest.