Domino’s adds loaded tater tots to menu

The menu item, which comes in three varieties as part of the chain’s $6.99 Mix & Match Deal, marks Domino’s first potato product on its national menu.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 6, 2023

Starbucks’ stagnating traffic drives reinvention plan

Transactions per store per day are down globally compared to last year, but Starbucks says retention is up and traffic is more concentrated in specific dayparts.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 3, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Menu development

Restaurants big and small are experimenting with their menus to align with the preferences of on-the-go diners and mitigate the impact of rising food costs, supply chain disruption and shrinking consumer discretionary funds. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

Franchise spotlight: How Shuckin’ Shack grew from a dive bar to a budding chain

By focusing on secondary markets, the full-service oyster bar has built a loyal customer base and strong same-store sales growth.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 2, 2023

How Chowly’s Koala buy will broaden online ordering access for SMBs

With Koala’s enterprise-level digital ordering capabilities, Chowly will be able to offer a user-facing tool for its small and mid-size restaurant clients. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 2, 2023

Red Robin hires CPK vet as VP of culinary

Brian Sullivan, who spent 34 years at California Pizza Kitchen, will help Red Robin invest in higher food quality and a menu refresh. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 2, 2023

Subway’s North American same-store sales rise nearly 8%

Subway’s efforts to improve its brand positioning and franchising system may be paying off, but it’s unclear what role inflation played in sales growth.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 2, 2023

McDonald’s will lean into chicken, coffee to grow diner frequency

The core menu categories pose significant growth opportunity, McDonald’s executives said Tuesday, as the chain aims to better compete with chicken-only chains and leverage coffee’s high margins. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 31, 2023

Earnings instability has led to fewer restaurant lenders

Despite institutions pulling back from offering loans to restaurants, CapitalSpring’s Erik Herrmann says there are other options.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 30, 2023

Nothing Bundt Cakes appoints Starbucks exec as chief development officer

Chris Tarrant, who previously oversaw U.S. and Canada store development at Starbucks, joins the cake chain during a time of rapid growth.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 27, 2023

Mod tries expanding beyond pizza with wings test

If the pilot is successful, Mod could add wings to its permanent menu, revising its offerings alongside brands like Pizza Hut, Papa Johns and Pie Five.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 26, 2023

Church’s Texas Chicken hires procurement VP

The chain tapped Will Cash, who has supply chain experience at Popeyes and Krispy Kreme, to help lead its purchasing efforts.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 25, 2023

Sprinkles bakes up plan to sign 100 franchised units

The cupcake chain opened its first franchised unit at the end of 2022 and is eying extensive domestic and international growth.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 24, 2023

Starbucks marketing exec exits after 14 years

The company will immediately conduct an internal and external search for a successor to Jen Quotson, who leaves the VP of global creative studios post.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 20, 2023

Focus Brands hires 3 execs to optimize development

The company appointed a new chief brand officer at Auntie Anne’s, as well as new SVPs of design and construction and real estate at the parent company.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 19, 2023

McDonald’s franchisee to pay $1.9M to settle claim that teen workers were sexually harassed

The settlement is the latest EEOC agreement targeting alleged pervasive sexual harassment of teen workers in the fast food industry.

By Laurel Kalser • Jan. 18, 2023

Franchise spotlight: Teriyaki Madness to double openings in 2023

The Asian chain is signing leases faster than ever and is on a trajectory to reach 500 units within the next few years.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 18, 2023

Starbucks, DoorDash will take delivery partnership nationwide

The chain is offering delivery through DoorDash in select markets including Northern California, Texas, Georgia and Florida before expanding in March.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 17, 2023

KFC veteran joins southern chicken chain as chief supply chain officer

Carl Mount will join Zaxby's to manage partnerships and optimize solutions, starting Jan. 17.

By Alejandra Carranza • Jan. 13, 2023

Starbucks’ corporate workers must return to office 3 days per week

Interim-CEO Howard Schultz said low rates of office usage pushed the chain to make office work a requirement for employees living within commuting distance of its headquarters and regional offices.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 13, 2023

Wendy’s eliminates chief commercial officer role as part of corporate restructure

The company will shift its focus to more traditional store development and remains committed to building its breakfast daypart, accelerating its digital business and growing its overall footprint.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 13, 2023

Former Applebee’s head becomes CEO of Modern Restaurant Concepts

John Cywinski will lead the company, which operates Qdoba, Modern Market Eatery and Lemonade, effective immediately. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 12, 2023

Franchise spotlight: Toppers Pizza expects to surpass 100 units in 3 years

A tenured executive team, long-term franchisees and a strong support system are helping the 70-unit pizza chain expand in the U.S.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 12, 2023

Shake Shack expects to open up to 70 units in 2023

Of these units, 40 will open in the U.S., including a mix of traditional, drive-thru and non-traditional locations, such as travel centers. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 11, 2023

Texas Roadhouse promotes exec to president

Gina Tobin, who has worked at the casual chain for nearly 30 years in various roles, will keep her responsibilities as chief learning and culture officer. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 11, 2023

In-N-Out Burger will open Nashville restaurants in 2026

The burger chain will invest $125.5 million to establish an Eastern territory office, which will support its first restaurant openings east of Texas.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 11, 2023