KFC appoints first-ever ‘global chief brand officer’ as fast-food chain faces fierce competition
KFC created a new global chief brand officer role, signaling intensified focus on brand management amid competitive pressures in fast food.
38 stories · last 7 days by relevance
KFC created a new global chief brand officer role, signaling intensified focus on brand management amid competitive pressures in fast food.
KFC Global appointed Amy Ellis Durini as Chief Brand Officer in a newly created role, reporting to CEO Scott Mezvinsky starting November 2026, to lead global brand strategy and loyalty initiatives.

Chipotle, Domino's, and food delivery platforms have announced layoffs.

Kayla Edidin has taken a majority stake and COO role at Red Door Brands following a challenging period for the franchise operator, signaling a leadership transition aimed at stabilizing the company.

California regulators penalized Dickey's Barbecue Pit for deceptive practices toward franchise entrepreneurs, signaling enforcement of disclosure standards in the QSR franchise sector.
Nearly half of restaurant operators surveyed by Toast plan to maintain current staffing levels in 2026, up 10 percentage points from the prior year—signaling growing stability in labor planning after

Uber cut over 3,000 employees (10% of workforce) and Wonder laid off 150 this week, signaling that delivery platforms are shifting strategy as they navigate profitability pressures amid market maturat

A proposed change to SNAP benefits may affect quick-service restaurant sales across nine states.

Wendy's will remain public after activist investor Trian withdrew its take-private proposal, while the chain appointed a new CMO focused on marketing and customer growth—signaling continued operationa
Wendy's breakfast exit and Subway's late-night expansion illustrate that extended hours can backfire operationally and financially for some chains, signaling the need for careful unit-level economics

Restaurants posted job growth in August after two consecutive months of losses, suggesting a near-term stabilization in hiring across the sector.

Pickleman's Gourmet Café appointed Jim Morey, an executive with experience at Wawa, Outback Steakhouse, and McDonald's, to its advisory board to support expansion efforts.
P.F. Chang's appointed Jim Mazany, a veteran of casual-dining chains including Applebee's and Joe's Crab Shack, to lead the brand as it seeks a turnaround—signaling renewed confidence in executing a p

Caribou Coffee appointed Zane Thomas-Rogers as COO, restructuring operations to separate coffeehouse management from warehouse and logistics oversight.

A restaurant news roundup covers Chili's performance, operational roles, and iconic breakfast establishments, reflecting ongoing industry dynamics across chains and independent operators.
A majority of quick-service restaurant workers who perceived onboarding as inefficient left before their first day, signaling that streamlined hiring processes may reduce pre-employment attrition in t
A recent ruling involving Starbucks has highlighted tensions between maintaining brand standards and complying with labor rights obligations.
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.
HTeaO, a Texas iced tea concept, reported $147M in 2025 sales and is positioning its water purification system and customization capabilities as differentiation points in the beverage market under new

A major pub and restaurant chain is closing 66 locations today, affecting approximately 3,800 jobs.
A podcast episode explores recruitment and retention strategies for restaurant teams, with Vanteo's Tom Kilby discussing approaches to hire and keep employees in an industry facing persistent staffing
Starbucks veteran Rob Dellinger has joined Whataburger as Vice President of Restaurant Technology, signaling the chain's push to strengthen its digital and operational infrastructure.
Mo' Bettahs promoted Kylee Arreaga to VP of Marketing after two years leading efforts that strengthened the brand's marketing organization during its national expansion.

KFC promoted an executive internally, Sweetgreen launched a 30-day customer challenge, and a South Korean bakery-cafe chain plans a U.S. debut.
Wendy's promoted a new CMO, Pizza Hut separated from Yum Brands, and independent restaurants have seen sales growth, according to a debate between industry analysts.
Industry experts are examining the potential federal definition of ultra-processed foods and its implications for restaurant operators, signaling possible regulatory shifts ahead.
Restaurants are exploring Gen X and Baby Boomer hiring as a potential response to labor turnover, signaling a shift toward older demographics who may bring different workforce characteristics than you
Maria Rivera, former Krispy Kreme president, has launched RC Hospitality Group to support emerging restaurant brands led by female and minority entrepreneurs.

Wonder laid off approximately 150 employees, representing 7% of its workforce, as part of a streamlining effort.

A U.S. court ruled that Starbucks' dress code did not violate labor rights for workers in New York City, suggesting the company's uniform policy survived legal scrutiny on worker protections.
A Sussex-based restaurant chain acknowledged a processing error that resulted in staff being underpaid.
Franchising employment is expected to grow 1.8% in 2026, but this is largely promotional content without operational insights for multi-location brand operators.

Hai Hospitality, the Austin-based restaurant group behind Uchi and related concepts, appointed Carl Segal as its first Chief Operating Officer, effective August 24, signaling the group's move toward f

HB Protein Smoothies appointed Tyler Doolittle to lead real estate and expansion efforts.

CC's Coffee House appointed Bailey Richard as Director of Marketing to support the brand's efforts to expand its reach and positioning.

Case study on franchisee workforce practices — value depends on whether story reveals replicable retention tactics or operator cost-saving strategies.
EU plastic-cup mandate for dine-in service — a compliance cost and operational friction point for multi-country operators.
KFC franchise operator Gerard Nicholas was recognised for 50 years with the brand, signalling the value of long-term franchisee loyalty in the QSR sector.