SPB Hospitality CEO launches strategy change 6 months in

Krystal and the company’s upscale casual brands will operate as parallel businesses under one leadership team, GJ Hart said Thursday.

By Julie Littman • June 5, 2026

Illinois restaurants face more tip fees, for now

A federal court blocked the state's interchange fee ban. Delays to the law could cost local businesses $500 million a year, proponents say. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 3, 2026

The restaurant industry’s real crisis isn’t food costs — it’s access to financing

To stay financially healthy, operators must know how to discern a trustworthy capital partner from a predatory one, says US Professional Funding and US Medical Funding’s Christopher Cornella.

By Christopher Cornella • June 1, 2026

How restaurants can navigate MCA loan debt

Merchant cash advance loans can provide operators quick funding for cash shortfalls, but they can be costly in the long run, Coastal Debt Resolve’s Nathan Mor said.

By Julie Littman • June 1, 2026

Dairy Queen adds $150K development incentive for food-focused stores

The cash incentive and further rewards for multi-unit development could help the brand grow its Grill & Chill concept. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 27, 2026

Qdoba completes $435M whole business securitization

The transaction will allow the chain to refinance debt, providing liquidity to help it reach 2,000 units and support investments in remodels and digital makelines.

By Julie Littman • May 27, 2026

Fat Brands to be sold to multiple buyers for nearly $1B

Elevation Burger and Hot Dog on the Stick will go to different owners in cash transactions, while Twin Peaks and the remaining Fat restaurant concepts will be sold in debt sales to two entities. 

By Julie Littman • May 21, 2026

Cava wins Q1 with 9.7% same-store sales jump

The fast casual chain posted the strongest comparable sales results of the segment, while Sweetgreen and Wingstop faced steep declines.

By Julie Littman • May 19, 2026

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