Starbucks to cut 300 jobs, close 4 support centers

Despite improved sales and the impending opening of a secondary headquarters in Nashville, the coffee chain is undertaking its third round of layoffs under CEO Brian Niccol.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 15, 2026

How Krispy Kreme is making its US operations more profitable

With its shift to third-party logistics complete, the company is focusing on improving operations, growing digital sales and making better doughnuts.

By Julie Littman • May 14, 2026

Lance Tucker out as Jack in the Box CEO

Tucker held the CEO post for just over 13 months, coinciding with continued sales declines and a tough fight with activist investors. Mark King will succeed him on an interim basis.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated May 13, 2026

How refranchising is helping Corner Bakery rise from ‘scorched earth’

After years of focus on hospitality, menu reconstruction and unit economics, the fast casual brand is looking to recruit its next generation of operators.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 12, 2026

What independent restaurants want out of politics in 2026

Immigration enforcement, high swipe fees, delivery commissions and a lack of market power threaten restaurant margins, said the Independent Restaurant Coalition’s executive director.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 12, 2026

Dunkin’ owner Inspire Brands files for an IPO

The company’s sprawling brand portfolio, ranging from sports bars to breakfast QSRs, could help insulate it from downturns within restaurant subsectors.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 11, 2026

Sweetgreen sales wilt in another punishing quarter

The brand launched wraps to supplement its core bowl and salad business, following its worst quarterly same-store sales performance.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 8, 2026

Wendy’s bets order accuracy and clean stores will revive sales

A 7.8% drop in comparable sales is pressuring the chain to draw consumers back, as Burger King and McDonald’s have seen gains in recent quarters.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 8, 2026

CEC Entertainment adds Texas Roadhouse vet as CFO

Chris Monroe will oversee the finance and real estate teams for Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company as it looks to expand.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 7, 2026

Shake Shack appoints former Portillo’s CFO as it finance chief

Michelle Hook will oversee financial operations at the fast casual chain as it works toward reaching 1,500 units.

By Julie Littman • May 7, 2026

McDonald’s value, menu innovation drive positive Q1 comparable sales

Traffic could build in the U.S. with the second-quarter launch of an Under $3 Menu and beverage expansion.

By Julie Littman • May 7, 2026

Subway closed at least 729 stores in 2025

This marks the beleaguered chain’s steepest decline since 2021, driven by oversaturation and a low average unit volume.

By Julie Littman • May 5, 2026

Huey Magoo’s cuts drive-thru build costs by 40%

The regional chicken tender chain is looking to increase the flexibility of its real estate development strategy.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 4, 2026

Chipotle traffic turns positive after menu innovation

The chain saw transactions and sales growth during Q1 with customers attracted by Chicken Al Pastor, a Cilantro Lime sauce and high-protein items.

By Julie Littman • April 30, 2026

Red Robin hires long-time Bloomin’ exec as CFO

Mark Graff, a former Bloomin’ exec, will oversee the burger brand’s finances as it undergoes its First Choice turnaround plan.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 30, 2026

Chili’s chicken sandwiches are boosting traffic, sales

The casual chain is already selling 161% more chicken sandwiches since its April 14 launch, and reports strong guest satisfaction with the bigger portions.

By Julie Littman • April 29, 2026

Domino’s same-store sales hit a speed bump — but execs aren’t worried

Competitive pressures over value, dwindling consumer confidence and bad weather resulted in a same-stores sales increase of just 0.9%, far below expectations and Q4’s 3.7% growth. 

By Julie Littman • April 27, 2026

Hardee’s operator files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy

ARC Burger’s 77 stores have been closed since December, following a lawsuit by Hardee’s against the operator.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 23, 2026

Why old school pizza delivery won’t disappear, despite third-party dominance

Platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash can bring new visibility and customers to pizza chains. But first-party delivery still often remains supreme.

By Danielle McLean • April 22, 2026

Jersey Mike’s could go public

Rapid store growth and strong unit volumes have made the sandwich chain a restaurant sector success story. Will that track record yield a successful IPO?

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 20, 2026

Carl’s Jr franchisee says California’s $20 minimum wage led to bankruptcy

Friendly Franchisees Corp.’s subsidiary Sun Gir said the pay increase led to significant expenses, while sales declines exacerbated financial woes.

By Julie Littman • April 8, 2026

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill appoints Kura Sushi exec as CFO

Jeff Uttz will join the roughly 70-unit full-service chain on May 18 after four years at the sushi chain, which is in the process of finding his replacement.

By Julie Littman • April 8, 2026

Major Carl’s Jr franchisee in California files for bankruptcy

A 65-unit operator filed for Chapter 11 protections under various subsidiaries after owning the sites for more than two decades. 

By Julie Littman • Updated April 7, 2026

The Cheesecake Factory, Chick-fil-A leads AUVs among major restaurant chains

Pizza brands, sandwich chains and beverage concepts tended to have weaker average unit volumes than casual dining brands and chicken QSRs in 2025, according to Circana’s data.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 6, 2026

Dave & Buster’s CEO: Guest experience ‘can never exceed’ staff experience

The chain is reducing turnover, increasing engagement and “fostering a collaborative culture” among employees to drive traffic, Tarun Lal said.

By Bryan Wassel • April 2, 2026