2,397 stories · last 30 days by relevance
New IRS overtime rules now require employers to report eligible overtime compensation on employee W-2 forms, signaling a shift in how restaurant payroll documentation will need to be handled.
CEO reveals growth and franchising playbook for a fast-casual brand thriving despite market headwinds — relevant for operators evaluating expansion and unit economics.
AI adoption in restaurant kitchens is accelerating beyond transaction-focused systems, though many operators remain uncertain about specific operational applications.
Restaurant chains are increasingly using microtargeting—leveraging loyalty data and customer behavior to deliver personalized ads—with Red Robin cited as an example of the approach's effectiveness in
Angry Chickz launched a mobile app and rewards program, signaling the Nashville hot chicken chain's shift toward direct customer ordering and loyalty—a common pattern as chains seek to reduce commissi
Shell is offering McDonald's loyalty members discounts at Shell gas stations through mid-September, signaling a cross-category partnership to drive foot traffic and reward program enrollment.
Wendy's U.S. president Pete Suerken has resigned after his position was eliminated, and he will return to lead the company's supply chain co-op.
Wonder and Serve Robotics are expanding autonomous delivery through Grubhub to Chicago, Los Angeles, and Alexandria, Virginia, signaling growing adoption of robotic fulfillment in restaurant order log
AI discussions have become ubiquitous among restaurant executives across marketing, operations, labor, and guest experience functions, suggesting the industry has moved past early skepticism to treati
Subway is working to prevent franchisee store closures, signaling ongoing tension between the chain and its franchise network.
Cava proves low-spend marketing (1% of revenue) can outperform via loyalty, social, and experience — a martech efficiency model worth studying for budget-constrained chains.
Red Robin appointed Scott Hudler, who previously held marketing roles at Whataburger, Dunkin', and Torchy's Tacos, as its new Chief Marketing Officer.
Congress has passed the Common Cents Act, which establishes rounding guidelines for penny phase-out, building on a Trump administration executive order from 2025.
Shake Shack's stock price of $67.90 has shown mixed recent performance, prompting analysts to question whether margin improvements could support a higher valuation.
CAVA's COO Douglas Thompson purchased 6,500 shares valued at $432,000, expanding his stake by 51%; insider buying activity may signal management confidence in the company's direction.
Brinker International has attracted upgraded analyst ratings and earnings estimates, with analysts citing Chili's traffic gains and menu innovation as growth drivers.
Huddle House is offering franchising discounts to attract multi-unit operators, as the chain seeks to reverse recent net closures and boost unit growth.
Chipotle's plan to scale to 7,000 units depends on maintaining new-store profitability and operational efficiency amid expansion.
Whataburger introduced a value menu called More for $4.
Jollibee is using a selective 90-day vetting process for North American franchisees to ensure cultural alignment, signaling that QSR chains are increasingly prioritizing brand-culture fit over rapid e
Brinker's Q4 earnings met expectations while revenues exceeded them, driven by Chili's comparable sales and traffic growth alongside margin expansion.
FSR Magazine profiles five female leaders at First Watch, a brunch chain with over 630 locations, tracing their diverse career paths to their current roles at the brand.
Rise Harvest, a Utah-based franchise operator, signed leases for three new Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations in Riverdale, Clearfield, and Farmington, bringing its portfolio of the brand to nine units.
Aggregate of seasonal menu drops and single-franchise openings — illustrative of mid-market promotional activity but no systemic operator insight.
Canadian Tire and Tim Hortons have launched a partnership to enhance their loyalty programs.
Haidilao has adopted Infobip's data-driven personalization platform to enhance its global loyalty program, suggesting the chain is investing in customer retention tools as it expands internationally.
WOWorks opened 23 new restaurants and announced plans for 15 additional locations, signaling continued momentum in its multi-brand expansion strategy.
PAR Technology has launched Guest360, a platform designed to unify guest data across restaurant transactions.
Red Lobster is reducing its footprint to 540 locations following bankruptcy proceedings, signaling continued portfolio rationalization in the casual dining sector.
U.S. lawmakers Nadler and Frost have called for an antitrust review of Sysco's proposed acquisition of Restaurant Depot, signaling regulatory scrutiny of consolidation among major foodservice distribu
Consumers now evaluate restaurants against a broader competitive set including grocers and convenience stores, choosing based on specific meal needs rather than dining category alone.
McDonald's is nearing completion of a unified digital platform across major markets, which the company expects could enable growth, personalization, and operational efficiency.
Blaze Pizza has appointed Tracy Stockard as chief marketing officer.
KFC's 7% unit closure rate signals portfolio tightening — franchisees and investors need to understand what mix of locations survives and what capex/operations are changing.
Artistry Restaurants closed four Hickory Tavern locations citing cannibalization, leaving 16 units operating in the Carolinas.
Levain Bakery has promoted two long-time executives to co-CEO roles as the chain, which operates 19 units, enters a new growth phase, with departing CEO John Maguire remaining on the board.
Wendy's CEO Bob Wright acknowledged the chain prioritized cost savings over ingredient quality and hired a former McDonald's marketing executive as part of a turnaround effort after dropping from its
Buffalo Wild Wings introduced a limited-time Throwback Menu featuring archived items and partnered with Von Dutch on branded merchandise, signaling nostalgia-driven marketing and potential collaborati
McDonald's beverage/afternoon daypart strategy pressures QSR and coffee operators — signals a major player attacking white space and shifting traffic patterns.
Uber and Zipline have partnered to offer drone delivery through Uber Eats in the US, signaling the company's continued push to expand delivery methods beyond traditional courier networks.
CNBC's Jim Cramer analyzed McDonald's Q2 earnings on air, citing execution issues at the fast-food chain alongside recent results from Restaurant Brands International.
Brinker International posted Q2 revenue of $1.54 billion, up 5.1% year-over-year, and raised full-year guidance to $6.21 billion midpoint, suggesting the chain's menu and operational improvements are
Restaurant Brands reported steady Q2 results with Burger King and international markets as growth drivers, signaling continued execution across its multi-brand portfolio.
CAVA Group's stock surged after beating second-quarter revenue and earnings targets with 9% same-restaurant sales growth, signaling that cyclospora concerns that had pressured the fast-casual sector m
Taco Bell is launching a limited-time offering featuring Tajín seasoning and a collaboration with artist Peso Pluma.
Cava posted strong Q2 results driven by increased customer traffic and new restaurant openings.
Brinker International reported Q2 revenue that met expectations and raised its full-year guidance slightly above consensus, signaling management confidence in near-term performance.
Strong traffic growth translating to profit gains — signals that Cava's pricing/positioning strategy is sustaining both volume and margins.
CAVA reported Q2 2026 sales that exceeded analyst expectations, sending shares up 10.2%.