Elite Restaurant Group buys Project Pie in latest takeover

As part of its most recent attempt to overhaul a struggling brand, Elite will rebrand the newly acquired company under its Patxi's Pizza banner.

By Lauren Manning • Aug. 7, 2019

Taco Bell global brand chief departs, duties split between 2 SVPs

Marisa Thalberg plans to retain an advisory role at parent company Yum Brands, which recently appointed retail vet Mark King as Taco Bell's CEO. 

By Peter Adams • Aug. 5, 2019

Taco Bell blames supplier for the great tortilla shortage of 2019

After a nine-day lapse in supply at some locations that led one customer to call 911, Yum Brands' CEO said the company has spoken to its supplier and hopes to avoid similar situations in the future.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 5, 2019

Shift Change: Domino's adds HR exec; Mendocino Farms appoints CEO

This week's Shift Change also highlights new leadership at Punch Bowl Social, Black Bear Diner and more. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 2, 2019

Chipotle smashes TikTok records with #GuacDance challenge

In TikTok's top branded challenge in the U.S. to date, the burrito chain saw 250,000 video submissions for its National Avocado Day dance-off.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 2, 2019

Impossible Burgers are coming to grocery shelves in September

The plant-based burger maker announced a large co-packing agreement with OSI Group that will ramp up its production and reach, which could help ease supply shortages for restaurants.

By Emma Liem Beckett , Jessi Devenyns • Aug. 2, 2019

California Pizza Kitchen adds take-and-bake pizzas to line-up

Uncooked pizzas can be baked in 10 minutes or less and reflect CPK's latest attempt to tap into the off-premise market.

By Lauren Manning • Aug. 2, 2019

Cheesecake Factory diversifies with $353M Fox Restaurant Concepts buy

The deal brings 45 experience-focused restaurants into the casual giant's portfolio, which the company aims to use as an incubator for future concepts.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 1, 2019

Times Square McDonald's takes infill building to the extreme

Constructing the $10 million, eight-month-long project on such a heavily trafficked site meant overcoming myriad challenges and safety issues, said Schimenti's Gregg Chappell.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 1, 2019

McDonald's pilots takeaway-only format in London

The test store's streamlined format includes ATM-style order kiosks and has no seating, focusing entirely on takeout orders.

By Lauren Manning • Aug. 1, 2019

Pizza Hut could temporarily close up to 500 stores over next 2 years

Underperforming units will be transformed into express stores focused on carryout and delivery with existing or new franchisee partners.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 1, 2019

Beyond Meat will double production capacity by the end of 2019

Internal production capacity is essential to meeting the company's goal of underpricing meat in multiple categories, said CEO Ethan Brown. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Aug. 1, 2019

Taco Bell Spain debuts vegan meat substitute

The chain has opted for a more robust vegetarian menu in the U.S. as the list of QSRs going plant-based grows.

By Lauren Manning • July 31, 2019

Beyond Meat's restaurant and foodservice revenue skyrockets 486%

The division raked in $53.8 million in the first half of the year, driving half of the plant-based company's revenue just three months after its IPO. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 30, 2019

Sweetgreen's new store layout eliminates assembly line

The new store, which will open in New York City this fall, also swaps out chalkboard menus for digital displays and lets customers order from kiosks or staff with iPads.

By Lauren Manning • July 30, 2019

Chuck E. Cheese staying private after failed merger

The eatertainment's parent company and Leo Holdings terminated their merger agreement on Monday, a move that will keep the chain from re-entering the public market. 

By Julie Littman • July 29, 2019

Tim Hortons fries up plant-based eggs for breakfast

The Canadian QSR is the first major fast food restaurant to use Just Egg and follows up on its addition of Beyond Sausage to its menu. 

By Lauren Manning • July 26, 2019

Shift Change: Dunkin' Brands hires HR exec; Quiznos parent appoints CFO

This week's Shift Change highlights new leadership at REGO Restaurant Group, Dunkin' Brands, McDonald's, Moe's Southwest Grill and more. 

By Julie Littman • July 26, 2019

Yum Brands taps new CEOs for Taco Bell, Pizza Hut

With Taco Bell CEO Mark King and Pizza Hut CEO Artie Starrs, the two QSR brands appear to be eyeing continued rapid international growth. 

By Julie Littman • July 26, 2019

Starbucks' digital strategy is working. Now it wants to dive deeper

With $6.8 billion in revenue during the last quarter and its stock price at an all-time high, the coffee chain is already banking on its tech initiatives.

By Roberto Torres • July 26, 2019

Dunkin' will roll out Beyond Meat breakfast sandwich nationwide

The chain will offer the plant-based product across U.S. stores beginning Nov. 8, and diners can sample the menu item for free for a limited time. 

By Lauren Manning • Updated Oct. 21, 2019

Popeyes plants its flag in KFC territory: China

Popeyes signed an agreement to develop over 1,500 units in China during the next 10 years, which could start chipping away at KFC's longtime dominance in the region. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 24, 2019

Cracker Barrel buys $140M stake in Punch Bowl Social

In a move that lets it better diversify, the casual dining chain has taken a non-controlling position in the eatertainment brand, which grew 34% last year. 

By Julie Littman • July 23, 2019

McDonald's departing global CMO will be replaced by 2 new SVPs

Two current employees will fill the newly created roles of global marketing SVP and marketing technology SVP after Silvia Lagnado's departure. 

By Barry Levine • July 23, 2019

Starbucks to license exclusive technology with new partnership

Brightloom, formerly eatsa, will create an all-in-one platform, which will include the coffee giant's mobile and loyalty technology, that will be available to the wider industry.

By Julie Littman • July 23, 2019