RB Daily

Menu price inflation is starting to slow down. Papa Johns has a deal for more locations. And I Heart Mac and Cheese is in hot water once again.

One fast-casual pizza chain has shuttered more than two dozen locations. There’s lots of activity in tech provider funding. A controversial Florida bill that could change restaurant operations there awaits the governor’s signature.

Restaurants both large and small are rolling out new menus with one thing in common: Value. Also, Panera Bread’s tech outage appears to have been a cyberattack, and Shake Shack pokes some fun at Chick-fil-A.

Reports indicate that Jersey Mike’s may be for sale. Business at Chick-fil-A is booming. And a new chicken battle is brewing.

Avian flu hits the nation’s biggest egg supplier. McDonald’s is buying out its franchisee in Israel. And the CEO is out at a big QSR chain.

McDonald’s CEO got a pay boost. How has Red Lobster unraveled in recent years? And Dave & Buster’s is ready to focus on the food part of its food and games offering.

Seven members of Jose Andres’ aid group are killed in Gaza. A big Wendy’s franchisee buys more Wendy’s. And BurgerFi is having some financial problems.

Wall Street is smiling at fast-casual concepts. A fast-growing drinks chain is looking for a new leader. And Dave & Buster’s is heading overseas.

What ever happened to Punch Bowl Social? A mac and cheese franchise is hit with a fine in California. And a look at Gen Z’s restaurant tech preferences.

Bob Evans is apparently for sale. McDonald’s price increases are not created equally. And what CEO Denise Nelsen plans to do at Smashburger.

Credit card swipe fees are going down, so why are restaurants so unhappy? Benihana is sold for $365 million. And a group of baseball players are accused of illegally trading Del Taco stock.

McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme are expanding their partnership. Danny Meyer is offering his hospitality expertise to non-restaurant businesses. And a look at some of the biggest marketing flops in restaurant history.

Panera Bread is dealing with a digital outage. Full-service restaurants in D.C. are slashing jobs. And the pizza business has fallen on hard times.

Restaurant sales are slowing. Red Lobster has a new CEO. And how Shake Shack lured Rob Lynch away from Papa Johns.

Lower-income diners aren’t going to Olive Garden as often as they used to. California’s fast-food wage-setting process seems to be getting more and more complicated. And Shake Shack just named the second CEO in its history.

Chipotle makes New York Stock Exchange history. Why Subway’s switch to Pepsi is such a big deal. And can AI make artisanal bread?

McDonald’s CEO is adding a new title to his job description. Subway is switching soda suppliers. And Wonder lands another nine-figure funding round.

It looks like Panera Bread is not, in fact, exempt from California’s fast-food wage hike. Get to know unified commerce, the latest tech buzzword. And Virtual Dining Concepts continues to collect concepts.

Corner Bakery is bouncing back from bankruptcy. Subway franchisees just hired a high-powered attorney. And former employees of the struggling Boston Market say they’re having problems filing their taxes.

The new concept from Chipotle’s founder is looking to reimagine fast-casual dining. Digital restaurant group C3 has made another acquisition. And &Pizza has a new-ish CEO.

Get ready for bigger burgers at McDonald’s (again). Five Iron Golf gets a high-profile endorsement. And Pizza Hut tries the bagel business.

Restaurant menu prices are easing. There’s a new partnership between two delivery-focused fast casuals. And what is the Keith Lee effect?

Boston Market appears to be down to just a couple dozen locations. Is the supermarket the next restaurant bastion? And here’s how to tell if restaurant employees are looking to unionize.

Starbucks passes Subway on the list of biggest restaurant chains. Noodles has a new CEO and a new menu strategy. And Potbelly is seeing good results from a revamped loyalty program.

Bojangles franchisees are taking their franchisor to court over marketing. Will Panera Bread ever go public? And Florida lawmakers are changing the way restaurants can communicate with delivery customers.

A Taco Bell operator is facing sexual harassment claims. Many restaurants want more from their loyalty programs. And First Watch co-founder Ken Pendery dies at 70.

The activists lobbying for seats on Starbucks board have withdrawn their nominations. First Watch opened a significant number of new stores during its fourth quarter. And DoorDash said New York City’s wage boost for couriers is hurting its sales.

The members of California’s Fast Food Council have been named. Whole Foods has a scaled-down new store design. And a look at a salad concept that grows all of its lettuce on site.

Sweetgreen is going all in on its digital kitchens. Starbucks received some key endorsements in its board fight with a union-backed group. And expect to see a lot more from Papa Johns.

Delivery apps are beating Papa Johns at its own game. Red Robin wants you to know about its free refills. And Subway pressures franchisees on remodels.

Wendy’s isn’t testing dynamic pricing after all. Panera Bread is revamping its menu. And Applebee’s and IHOP could soon co-brand in the U.S.

Wendy’s recent mention of a surge-pricing test is going viral. A buffet chain is in the midst of a data breach. And Cava had an impressive first year as a public company.

Emergency pizza has been a hit for Domino’s. Here’s the inside scoop on the latest Jack in the Box burger. And Walmart has a new delivery-focused food hall.

Bloomin’ Brands is doing some pruning of its older restaurants. Starbucks’ board is getting some attention from labor activists. And reports of the restaurant industry’s demise are, apparently, greatly exaggerated.

Jack in the Box is cooking up a bigger burger. No news is good news at The Cheesecake Factory. And an update on the federal case against the founder of Burgerim.

Wingstop is seeing double-digit same-store sales growth, but investors aren’t impressed. Some McDonald’s franchisees want to get in on the CosMc’s action. And yet another QSR is putting energy drinks on the menu.

Focus Brands is rebranding. Andy Wiederhorn is facing charges from the SEC. And a record number of Starbucks stores filed to form unions.

Another restaurant tech supplier is in the midst of a major restructuring. Bad weather had a bad effect on the earnings of at least one casual-dining chain. And Texas Roadhouse appears to be grabbing customers from some of its competitors.

Inspire Brands is reportedly considering an IPO. Wendy’s is planning big investments in digital and marketing. And 7 Brew coffee has a high-profile new investor.

McDonald’s franchisees are lobbying for the return of a popular snack item. A look inside the current state of restaurant labor. An

Restaurant prices keep rising. BJs Restaurants is facing pressure from an activist investor. And Burger King franchisees are having a big year.

Taco Bell just divulged its marketing plan for the year. Boston Market’s owner is filing for bankruptcy yet again. And there’s an emerging taco chain that’s worth watching.

The world’s largest restaurant franchisee might be for sale. California fast-food workers get a union ahead of a big wage hike. And a look at how restaurants in the state plan to handle that 25% raise.

TikTok is wielding an influence on restaurant menus. Yum Brands is making a major growth push. And Whataburger is popping up in some unexpected locations.

Chipotle bucks industry traffic trends with a monster quarter. Taco Bell is winning with lower-income guests. And some restaurants are embracing the darker side of Valentine’s Day.

Diners appear to be cutting back on fast-food spending. McDonald’s has reached a big sustainability goal. And KFC has a new rewards program.

Grocery stores are hurting McDonald’s sales. Burger King is letting customers create its next burger. And find out which brand dominated the conversation on Reddit last year.

Restaurants are going all in on AI. The original lifestyle influencer will be the keynote speaker at RLC this spring. And restaurants didn’t add any jobs last month, though consumer confidence continues to grow. Welcome to RB Daily, a quick look at the industry’s top stories from the editors of Restaurant Business. I’m Heather Lalley, RB managing editor.

Footlong cookies and other treats are helping sales at Subway. The shuttered Sweet Tomatoes concept is making a comeback. And news tidbits from Starbucks recent earnings.

Starbucks is having some traffic troubles. Chili’s customers are tightening their belts. And the Savory Fund is now the private-equity owner of better-for-you concept.

Boston Market will have to pay US Foods $12 million. Olo agreed to settle a shareholder lawsuit. And McDonald’s revamped burgers are going national.

Domino’s Pizza is apparently the latest chain to experience backlash over violence in the Middle East. A little-known sushi chain has plans to go public. And, are food costs actually, finally, going down?

Is this the end of the Bagger Dave’s chain? Two members of the family behind a cheesesteak concept are in hot water with the feds. And restaurants appear to be missing that boost that could come from EV charging stations

Digital coupons are causing headaches for some California Subway franchisees. Starbucks’ sales appeared to have slowed late last year. And Jersey Mike’s is getting a high-tech assist with answering its phones.

Potbelly’s franchise acceleration efforts are working. Dave & Buster’s is sporting a new prototype. And Chipotle is boosting its benefits again.

People eating less lunch at fast-food restaurants. Burger King is suddenly a big restaurant operator. And ezCater is spotlighting underrepresented groups.

Craveworthy Brands is buying a dessert concept. In-N-Out Burger is making an unusual move. And Subway’s new snack line has some interesting partners.

Boston Market is facing yet another censure. Subway’s new slicers aren’t quite cutting it, franchisees say. And newly public eatertainment chain Pinstripes said it hopes to grow significantly.

Peet’s is taking over coffee roasting for Caribou Coffee. A big Applebee’s franchisee is expanding. And Craveworthy Brands has a packed 2024 agenda.

Inside Wetzel’s Pretzels new franchise program. Jersey Mike’s is heading north. And Jimmy John’s is going global.

Red Lobster is for sale again. Burger King makes a big acquisition and Subway franchisees in California are joining forces to face a frightening labor landscape ahead.

7-Eleven is going to become the owner of a 600-unit taco chain. Restaurants appear to have scored a victory on the joint-employer standard. And Shipley Do-Nuts has sugar-fueled growth plans.

Struggling Boston Market is waiving traditional franchising rules, allowing just about anyone to operate under its brand. Veggie Grill has a new owner. And Chipotle’s founder is germinating a new concept.

Flippy the burger-flipping robot is ready for the big time, its CEO says. Might Qdoba go public? And here’s how Famous Toastery whipped up a college bowl title sponsorship in just a few weeks.

First Watch is buying up more franchised locations. One small coffee chain is opting out of its union. And BurgerFi’s turnaround is on the horizon, its CEO says.

MOD Pizza gets a new CEO. Dutch Bros adds three c-level executives. Papa John’s wants to spend more on marketing amid an expansion push. And a Las Vegas operator discovers how tough Uncle Sam can be when you try to cheat on your taxes.

Kura Sushi had a solid quarter. A Boston restaurateur is closing several restaurants and selling others. And the National Restaurant Association has a new chairman.

War in the Middle East is apparently impacting sales at McDonald’s. There’s a new drive-thru salad concept worth watching. And Boston Market keeps shrinking.

TGI Friday’s is shrinking. More new restaurants are opening. And Bloomin’ Brands gets an interesting new director.

Is pizza self-delivery going the way of the dinosaurs? Tropical Smoothie Cafe is apparently up for sale. And a Brazilian acai concept has big U.S. expansion plans.

A look at the best stories of the year in Restaurant Business. FSC Franchising Co. has acquired the Newk's fast casual brand. And on-the-job deaths of restaurant workers rose 22% last year.

Same-store sales softened in the third quarter. McDonald’s launches Squishmallows Happy Meals. And the Seattle restaurant JuneBaby is scheduled to close permanently.

Chuck E. Cheese is for sale. McDonald’s is surveying its franchisees about child labor law violations. And NRD Capital is getting into the pickleball entertainment business.

Darden Restaurants has not seen much trading down by customers. Restaurant visits for breakfast are up 4% this year. And Sweetgreen opened its second location of its Infinite Kitchen concept.

Wingstop has a new CIO. Restaurant sales keep going up. And US Foods accused Boston Market of delay tactics.

A look at why McDonald’s wants a piece of the specialty beverage market. Chipotle’s venture fund has made two more investments in planet-friendly technology. And TGI Fridays names new executives.

2023 was the year of delivery ordering “for the vibes.” The owner of Boston Market has filed personal bankruptcy. And restaurant chains are buying some international units from franchisees.

Randy Garutti is retiring as CEO of Shake Shack. Wendy’s is testing AI voice ordering, And Boston Market is accusing US Foods of overcharging the chain for its food.

McDonald’s new drive-thru beverage concept had a soft open this week. Chipotle is partnering with digital business loan marketplace Bridge. And Rock N Roll Sushi names new executives.

As the cost of labor rises, automation seems to make more sense. Restaurant brands are going big into development. And Pizza Hut gives free pizza to delivery drivers.

McDonald’s reveals plans for CosMc’s, a drive-thru beverage concept. Nearly two-thirds of consumers plan on dining out for the holidays. And Carrabba's Italian Grill launches Carrabba’s Sandwich Bistro.

Popeyes wants to make its restaurants more efficient. Restaurant franchises are focused a lot more on smaller franchisees. And DoorDash said it will raise its delivery fees.

Domino’s is helping plow streets. Wendy’s could get an activist investor. And Taco Bell is helping college students get through final exams.

Panera Brands is getting closer to its planned IPO. Maggiano’s Little Italy has a new president. And restaurant chains are promoting Christmas specials

Modern Market Eatery has opened its first drive-thru unit. Subway’s footlong cookie is becoming a permanent menu offering. And McDonald’s launches a new adult happy meal.

A look at what restaurants are most concentrated in California. Shake Shack is marketing a value message. And Chipotle launches a new line of merch.

Jack in the Box gets a warm welcome in new markets. Crumbl Cookies is pulling a Dunkin. And Kitchen United closes its Kroger locations.

Restaurants are gearing up for the holiday party season. IHOP launched a Willy Wonka themed menu. Jack in the Box is expecting some problems from California.

Retailers are buckling up for a tougher economy. But restaurants have a lot to be thankful for this year. Plus, a look at some notable new openings.

Brian Wheeler has launched Big Taco in Florida. McDonald’s is buying back a big chunk of its China business. And some lenders and financiers expect an M&A comeback in 2024.

Wage inflation remains the industry’s No. 1 challenge. Hybrid work could be the new normal. And what consumers are doing for Thanksgiving this year.

A look at the most craveable tacos. Taco Bell debuts Breakfast Tater Tots as an LTO. And consumers are concerned about fast food prices.

A Wendy’s franchisee declares bankruptcy. Consumers are getting tired of tipping. And the big theme at this week’s Restaurant Finance and Development Conference? Uncertainty.

Fast-food prices keep rising. Patrick Doyle thinks Burger King struggled because it had too much risk. And McDonald’s teams up with Crocs on its latest merchandise line.

Joe & the Juice has a new owner. Hotel breakfast is perking up. And Bartaco’s CEO will pull double duty at another Mexican chain.

Noodles CEO is out. A pair of new mobile apps are taking on Yelp. And a look at the biggest winners and losers from restaurants’ third quarter.

Peppermint is taking over beverage menus. Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s may expand their partnership. And stronger sales do wonders for franchisees margins.

Another Burger King operator goes bankrupt. Steak and Ale will be back by April. And Mellow Mushroom gets a new look.

Which restaurant chain sells the most tequila? Many restaurant chains report declining traffic. And a Wingstop franchise group has won a growth investment.

Restaurants’ labor pains appear to be easing. Starbucks workers are getting a raise. And a look at the tech making an impact at restaurants.

Sweetgreen wants to open at least seven more automated restaurants next year. Larry Roberts is stepping down as president and CEO of El Pollo Loco. And Wendy’s is convincing franchisees to build new units.

Today on RB Daily, it’s an earnings bonanza, with results from Starbucks, Papa Johns, Portillo’s and more. Also, Panera laid off some corporate staff. And marketing departments turn to the holidays.

Consumers apparently crave Wingstop’s chicken sandwiches in tough economic times. Chicken also performed well for Chili’s in its first fiscal quarter. And Savory Fund is getting into hot chicken.

TGI Fridays has its second new CEO in as many months. A small Florida chain files for bankruptcy. And why ratings agencies aren’t exactly thrilled with Raising Cane’s.

Potbelly has signed an agreement with Royal Restaurant Group to develop 36 units in Ohio and Florida. Digital and price hikes helped McDonald’s last quarter. And McDonald’s executives believe the brand can grow in California.

The economy is sending mixed signals. Texas Roadhouse wants to grow its to-go business. And a new federal bill calls for much harsher penalties for child labor violations.

Got student loans? You’re eligible for free Domino’s. Restaurants are rolling out more spooky promos. And how the blockchain could improve loyalty programs.

The Taco Tuesday wars are over. Mrs. Fields has a new owner. And David Chang’s Momofuku Ko is set to close.

Sweetgreen wants to do more dinner business. QSRs continue to dominate restaurant traffic. But eatertainment has also been a big winner.

PF Chang’s names Eduardo Luz CEO and president. Madison Square Garden taps new restaurant partners for the 2023-24 season. And Fat Brands is looking for strategic purchases.

Starbucks’ union accused the chain of stoking a boycott of its own stores. TGI Fridays is ready to take some risks. And a new restaurant from the founder of Whole Foods has closed.

Starboard Value has big plans for Outback Steakhouse. Chili’s is celebrating Nicki Minaj fans with its second Barbz Day. And Chipotle and other brands are making a push for late-night business.

The FTC wants to crack down on fake reviews. BurgerFi’s new CEO is making some changes. And the owner of Moonbowls raises some money.

Could Ozempic really hurt restaurant demand? The industry had a surprisingly strong September. And restaurants respond to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Chick-fil-A has published a cookbook. Pizza Hut said thousands of its locations have extended their hours until 2 a.m. And TGI Friday’s is adding sushi to the menu.

Domino’s Pepperoni Stuffed Cheesy Bread could mark a new era of menu innovation for the chain. The best-performing malls have this restaurant brand in common. And what to look for this coming earnings season.

Taco Bell adds a surprising new menu item. Chipotle and Sweetgreen play rock em sock em robots. And there’s a roughly 12% chance you - yes you - worked at McDonald’s at some point.

Consumers are becoming a lot more demanding. Dutch Bros is the most “shorted” restaurant stock right now. And you can now use Uber Eats to order from two restaurants at once.

Teens love chicken. Post Malone designs another Raising Cane’s. And the tale of El Pollo Loco shows how tough the M&A market has been

A c-store chain stakes its claim to pizza dominance. Domino’s launches an aggressive giveaway offer. And why Olive Garden could be America’s best melting pot.

Chicago kills the tip credit. Restaurants hit a key employment milestone. And Burger King has a new prototype designed to speed up operations.

Restaurant stocks have taken a hit. Chipotle is moving its test of Farmesa to the next stage. And a look at how restaurant chains are celebrating Halloween.

White Castle has some unusual new burgers. A high-tech loyalty startup raises money. And a look at the fast-growing coffee chain 7 Brew.

Restaurant chains test out automated makelines. Insomnia Cookies is on the market. And Domino’s and Microsoft are collaborating on AI strategies.

McDonald’s and Wendy’s win a lawsuit over their burger advertisements. A court orders 14 Bay Area Subway stores to close. And BurgerFi loses a high-profile board member.

A look at five big restaurant chain trends. Higher-end consumers may be cutting back on spending. And how coffee chains celebrated National Coffee Day

California’s landmark fast-food wage hike is on the books. Third-party couriers in New York City are also in line for a big raise. And Taco Bell tries vegan cheese.

Burger King buys a bunch of bankrupt Burger Kings. Subway is requiring all franchisees to start accepting digital coupons. And Sweetgreen tweaks its loyalty program.

Fat Brands has acquired Smokey Bones. Panera Bread is launching a new “Roman Empire” menu. And loyalty programs are becoming more cost effective for restaurants.

McDonald’s operators speak out against the chain’s service fee hike. Krispy Kreme is getting a new CEO. And KFC adds another bowl to its menu.

McDonald’s is increasing its franchise charges. Red Lobster named a new CEO. And Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza says goodbye to its AI phone ordering system.

Olive Garden customers are getting more selective. A group of restaurant veterans has a new taco concept. And these chains serve some of consumers’ favorite wings.

Portillo’s wants to grow to 800 locations. Consumers are showing more price sensitivity. And Uber Eats is adding an AI chatbot that can help diners decide what to order for dinner.

Restaurants show interest in dynamic pricing. California’s Marijuana dispensaries may soon be able to sell food and beverages. And Taco Bell is testing out Baja Blast flavored energy drinks.

California’s Fast Act may be dead, but its replacement will still have a big impact on restaurants. Kitchen United is preparing for a new chapter under a new CEO. And KFC and Popeyes are duking it out again, this time over wings.

Franchisees want to know what the return on investment is for new tech. A look at why sauce matters so much. And Papa Johns and other chains name new executives.

Can tech and hospitality coexist? Dunkin’ teams up with Ice Spice and Ben Affleck. And pickleball concepts are proliferating.

Sweetgreen passes a key margin benchmark. Howard Schultz is stepping down as Starbucks director. And what’s going on at Boston Market?

Noodles and Company is bringing Chicken Parmesan to the menu. Dominos changes up its loyalty program. And McDonalds is getting rid of its self-serve drink station.

We’ll discuss the chaotic world of the owner of Boston Market. About 40% of Clean Juice franchisees want out of the system. And the average price of a burger in the U.S. is nearly $16.

Elk and venison are back on the menu at Arby’s. An outage at Square creates headaches for restaurants. And a look at Wonder, a new restaurant concept from entrepreneur Marc Lore.

Subway introduces a new loyalty program. Whataburger is opening a digital kitchen. And Dave & Busters has a plan to boost sales.

Chick-fil-A is adding hundreds of new mobile ordering lanes. Wendy’s gets in on the pumpkin spice action. And the owner of Carl’s and Hardee’s names two new execs.

Consumers can’t get enough of Starbucks’ pumpkin spice products. Toast’s CEO is stepping down. And Popeyes Sweet & Spicy Wings has been its most popular product introduction in four years.

The price to buy a McDonald’s is going down. Subway closures have been good for other sandwich chains. And a look at the many ways restaurants are using AI.

Chipotle is on track to add 7,000 new jobs this year. Pokeworks has a new CEO. And Baja Blast flavored gelato, anyone?

TGI Fridays has a new CEO. A look at the chains with the most closures last year. And what tennis fans can find on the menu at this year’s US Open.

Krystal is planning a strategic refranchising program. Dog Haus has a new CEO. And DoorDash is developing an AI voicebot that can take phone orders.

Roark Capital is buying Subway. You’ll soon find bone-in wings on the menu at Walk-On’s. And Fatz Cafe has closed all of its locations.

Panera Bread is testing a smaller menu. A pickleball concept raises a courtload of money. And the tiny salad chain Green District files for bankruptcy.

Subway’s online reputation could use some help. O’Charley’s closed 18 stores in a single day. And a Chicago-area restaurant hosts a “sensory-friendly” dining hour.

Los Angeles-based chain Lemonade has been sold to Elite Restaurant Group. Veggie Grill has closed 12 restaurants. And the Subway sale might be the third largest valuation ever paid for a restaurant chain.

Subway is reportedly close to a sale. You can now get wings from Popeyes. And Sweetgreen hires two former Chipotle execs.

Starboard Value is eyeing the owner of Outback Steakhouse. The founders of another classic steakhouse are getting another chance in the business. And get ready for higher pork prices.

Restaurants are rallying to support those affected by the Hawaii wildfire. Red Robin says its turnaround efforts are seeing returns. And Shake Shack is looking for a chief avocado officer.

New Jersey orders 27 Boston Markets to close. Subway shakes up its leadership ranks. And Cava comes out swinging with its first quarterly earnings report.

Looks like Fogo de Chao won’t be going public after all. Wendy’s develops a faster kitchen. And Taco Bell puts more chicken on the meu.

Restaurant sales slowed in Q2 -- here’s why that might be. McDonald’s changes its franchisee inspection policy. And KFC launches a pizza alternative.

Fast food brands are thriving at late night. Taco Bell is giving out free tacos in honor of Taco Tuesday. And McDonald’s Krispy Kreme deal has been a success so far.

Carrols Restaurant Group had the best performing restaurant stock this year. Value promotions are on the rise. And is it pumpkin spice time already?

Fast-food chains love them some kiosks. Permitting problems perplex Wendy’s. And we sure hope you like yourself some queso.

Dutch Bros is getting a new CEO. Fast-food chains are going after snackers. And the industry’s busiest daypart may surprise you.

Pollo Tropical is being sold. The battle over MrBeast Burger takes another turn. And why birria didn’t work as well the second time for El Pollo Loco.

Subway wants customers to legally change their name to Subway. Shake Shack saw a dip in delivery last quarter. And Portillo’s is coping with higher labor costs.

Starbucks hit record sales, so why are investors so down? Chicken sandwiches are winning at Wingstop. And there’s a fight brewing over the fate of MrBeast Burger.

Sbarro is on the comeback trail. MrBeast filed a lawsuit against Virtual Dining Concepts. And we’ll discuss the LTO’s trending on menus this week.

P.F. Chang’s CEO steps down. DoorDash opens another virtual food hall. And a look at McDonald’s potential expansion strategy.

BJ’s Restaurants plans to invest in more remodels. Bloomin’ Brands has promoted Sheilina Henry to president of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. And Wild Wing Cafe has filed for bankruptcy

McDonald’s basks in the glow of Grimace, and unveils a new concept. Chick-fil-A plans a mega drive-thru. And Chipotle is beefing up staffing on its makeline.

Boston Market appears to be in the midst of a financial collapse. Shake Shack’s latest promotion features its new Veggie Shack burger. And Instacart Business is helping restaurants get supplies in a pinch.

Boston Market is facing multiple lawsuits. Subway had another good quarter. And are French restaurants making a comeback?

Etta Collective is helping some employees buy homes. Domino’s delivery sales have plunged, but the company has a plan to get them back. And we’ll take a look at what executive changes took place last week.

Restaurant tech sets its sights on sustainability. Casa Bonita employees want tips. And why barbecue chains tend to struggle.

Wawa and Casey’s are upping their investment in pizza. Burger King is launching new iterations on its signature chicken fries. And Pizza Hut is facing a lawsuit from its drivers.

Toast’s controversial processing fee is dead. The founder of Potbelly is opening 27 of them. And why Taco John’s gave up the fight over Taco Tuesday.

P.F. Chang’s is celebrating its 30th birthday with a new happy hour menu. Chipotle announced its first ever international franchise agreement. And Taco John’s is giving up its Taco Tuesday trademark.

81 bankrupt Hardee’s locations have a buyer. Legal Sea Foods is headed west for the first time. And hot honey arrives at Pizza Hut.

Vebu, a Los Angeles-based tech company, is the mastermind behind the new avocado-peeling machine being tested by Chipotle. Donatos Pizza is launching a pizza vending machine. And McDonald’s Grimace Birthday promotion was a big deal for the burger giant.

The bidding process for Subway has been extended after more potential buyers emerged. Menu price inflation appears to be easing. And more consumers are taking advantage of happy hour.

Chipotle is testing the Autocado, a robot that can cut, peel and core avocados. Red Robin plans to stop using MrBeast Burger. And Elizabeth McGee has been promoted to CEO of Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group.

Subway is expected to announce a buyer sometime this month. ChatGPT assisted Velvet Taco in the R&D for its next weekly taco feature. And a judge paused a NYC law that would have given food delivery workers a big raise.

Restaurant brands flock to a new social media app. McDonald’s circles the wagons on California’s joint-employer law. And the National Restaurant Association wants to standardize restaurant job descriptions.

Yum Brands wants to collect more data on its customers. Pizzeria Locale is closing down its final two locations. And KFC is launching a merch shop.

Subway is adding meat slicers to its restaurants. McDonald’s operators confirm their opposition to California’s joint employer bill. And IHOP comes up with a new way to use its pancakes.

Taco Bell names a new CEO. A Texas restaurant gives employees 4 weeks off. And can Chicken Salad Chick survive outside the South?

Subway just signed another international development agreement. Where are restaurants at in their post-COVID recovery? And Smokey Bones wants to improve quality and execution.

Gen Korean BBQ pops on its IPO. DoorDash makes sweeping changes to its app. And a Panera Bread operator buys more restaurants.

cRaising Canes opened its global flagship location in Times Square. Taco Bell wants to be as big as McDonald’s. And Nextbite is being sued over its mass layoffs.

Technomic’s ranking of the Top 500 biggest restaurant chains is here. Taco Bell is turning back the clock to the early 2000s. And will the restaurant M&A market stay hot?

The industry gets yet another IPO. Why Gen Korean BBQ could be the next Kura Sushi. And a California fish and chips shop starts franchising.

Casa Bonita is almost ready to reopen to the public. Firehouse Subs’ international expansion has begun. And Darden Restaurants could see fewer transactions this year.

The owner of Krystal has a new CEO. A survey finds strong restaurant support for New York City’s delivery fee cap. And a Boston restaurateur is sued for allegedly misusing COVID relief funds.

Checkers has a new owner. MrBeast may walk away from MrBeast Burger. And Walk-On’s has a new CEO for the second time this year.

Soon, you’ll be able to order Domino’s from just about anywhere. Meat and potatoes dominated the top 10 LTO’s this spring. And, Cava’s stock price increased 99% on Thursday.

Cava Group makes a splash with its IPO. Burger King is pressuring a bankrupt operator to sell restaurants. And Darden completes it’s deal for Ruth’s Chris.

Olo is laying off 11% of its workforce. Taco Bell is collaborating with a Brooklyn artist to launch streetwear inspired uniforms. And TGI Fridays’ new menu is all about customization.

Restaurant prices just keep going up. Sam Nazarian buys Nextbite. And two California restaurants are in hot water after they brought in a fake priest to get employees to confess to stealing.

Grubhub is laying off 15% of its workforce. NYC is setting a minimum wage of nearly $18 an hour for drivers from delivery apps. And we’ll discuss the trend of taking alcohol to-go.

Fast-casual taco chains are taking off. Chili’s is revamping its margaritas and chicken tenders. And Fuku launches a special sandwich for Pride Month.

Chick-fil-A is testing a Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich. Smaller cities and suburbs are booming while big city downtowns are quieter than they used to be. And Restaurant executives are confident about their ability to withstand an economic downturn.

Taco Bell tries a vegan Crunchwrap. Pizza Hut tries a pickle pizza. And some news tidbits from Sweetgreen and Portillo’s.

McDonald’s is bringing back Grimace this summer. Winners of the annual James Beard Awards for chefs and restaurants were announced Monday night. And Taco John’s is looking for a new CEO.

Cava kicks off its IPO. Papa Johns takes a new tack in the UK. And Red Robin sells nine restaurants to an investor.

The highest paid restaurant exec is not a CEO. Corner Bakery has a buyer. And restaurants just keep adding jobs.

IHOP is shutting down its fast casual spinoff, Flip’d.The California Assembly has passed a bill that redefines fast-food franchisors as joint employers of their California franchisees’ staffs. And we’ll discuss how some bars and pubs have found ways to build traffic and sales.

You’ll never guess the latest restaurant to file for an IPO. Panera is doing more with its drive-thru. And the surprising source of a big portion of foodborne illness outbreaks.

Burger King is testing a new breakfast sandwich.Carl Bachmann will take over as CEO of BurgerFi in July. And, soon, you may spot more UberEats delivery robots wandering the sidewalk.

Restaurants are adding more cooks to their kitchens. The founder of Chipotle is working on a new robotic restaurant concept. And what we liked and didn’t like at this year’s National Restaurant Association Show.

Get ready for a lot more Restaurant IPO’s. We’ll take a look at how many chicken sandwiches Chick-fil-A sold last year. And In the burger business, higher-end fast-food chains are winning the day.

Panera and Bonchon have new CEOs. Corner Bakery could have a buyer. And a look at the hottest tech trend at this year’s National Restaurant Association Show.

Panda Express enters the chicken sandwich wars. Lebron James joins the fight over Taco Tuesday. And a look at some of the tech that caught our eye at the National Restauant Association Show.

Are we heading into a recession? Cava’s parent company filed publicly for an IPO. And One Fair Wage has accused the National Restaurant Association of lobbying for looser child-labor laws.

Winsight, Restaurant Business’ parent company, has been sold to Informa. We’ll discuss Shake Shack’s Veggie Shack Burger. And Grubhub is sharing more data with restaurants.

Wendy’s orders may soon be traveling underground. Some bankrupt Hardee’s restaurants have a potential buyer. And according to Jack in the Box staying open longer hours helps generate sales.

Shake Shack makes a deal with an activist investor. Taco Bell and Taco John’s go to war over Taco Tuesday. And the CEO of Wetzel’s Pretzels is stepping down.

Restaurant Business has named its GM of the Year winners. Restaurants are adding summer food and drinks to the menu. And robots and humans coexist at Sweetgreen’s new automated restaurant.

A fast-growing chicken sandwich concept has a new owner. Casual-dining is back. Sort of. And Chick-fil-A’s salad dressing is coming to grocery stores.

Burger King might be back. Wendy’s has its eyes on late night. And a big Chicago restaurant group splits with a famous chef.

Menu price inflation isn’t slowing down. Sweetgreen opens its first robotic restaurant. And sales and profits are up at Wendy’s.

Wendy’s is the latest fast-food chain to test out AI in its drive-thrus. BurgerFI CEO Ian Baines plans to retire in June. And we’ll discuss whether 7-Eleven would be better off on its own.

Restaurant sales are increasingly coming from the biggest chains. The co-founder of Whole Foods opened a restaurant. And people still love bacon.

Summit Restaurant Holdings filed for bankruptcy. Many fast-food chains are focusing on operations right now. And in the past few years, McDonald’s has made massive changes to its relationship with its franchisees

Papa Johns is helping franchisees open more stores. Chick-fil-A adds geofences. And why Darden bought another fine-dining brand.

Customer spending is steady at Dine Brands, despite inflationary pressures. Pizza Hut’s same-store sales rose 8% last quarter. And Starbucks’ new CEO Laxman Narasimhan is looking at ways to make the company more efficient.

Burger King says sales are on the upswing. Fewer customers are ordering delivery at First Watch. And Shake Shack adds more plants to the menu.

Fat Brands named two people to replace Andy Wiederhorn as CEO. Subway slowed its closures last year. And Outback, Portillos, and other chains are ramping up menu introductions this week.

Chipotle is back in Wall Street’s good graces. New York City could raise its minimum wage. And is there going to be a recession or not?

Papa Johns’ is collaborating with Frito-Lays to launch its newest LTO. Krystal is merging with the owner of Logan’s Roadhouse. And Domino’s same-store sales improved in the first quarter.

Chipotle sees strength in lower-income guests. Chick-fil-A may have a hit with its cauliflower sandwich. And why hundreds of D.C. restaurants are adding surcharges.

The McCrispy helped drive sales in the first quarter at McDonald’s. Tracy Kim has been named CEO of Dig. And we’ll discuss Starbird Chicken’s latest LTO--orange chicken.

Sweetgreen launches a loyalty program. McDonald’s franchisees want a meeting with leadership. And California Pizza Kitchen is making a big push into franchising.

McDonald’s is accused of acting like a joint employer, Potbelly ramps up franchising and MOD Pizza is launching a coalition to find jobs for those who face barriers to employment.

Tao Group Hospitality may have a new owner. Tech company Odeko has raised $53 million. And Starbucks is expanding its Greener Store program.

McDonald’s is changing its burger recipe. A cyberattack on POS supplier NCR is causing headaches for restaurants. And find out who won Restaurant Business’ Restaurant Leader of the Year Award.

More consumers are eating frozen pizza because of inflation. Bobby Flay’s quick-service burger concept is coming to Chicago. And Chipotle is seeing success in smaller towns.

Carrols Restaurant Group has a new CEO. Subway’s For Sale sign could be slowing restaurant M&A. And a Post Malone-inspired Raising Cane’s opens in Utah.

A NYC restauranter gets nearly five years in prison for PPP fraud. Wetzel’s Pretzels is bringing its pretzels out of the malls with its new streetside concept. And Claudia San Pedro is stepping down at Sonic.

A bankrupt Burger King franchisee will close some of its restaurants. Chipotle goes electric with its new store prototype. And Taco Bell brings back a popular side.

You can now order a Domino’s pizza from your car. Carvel is opening a new cobranded location in Houston. And women are more likely than men to dine out because they don’t have the energy to cook.

Friday’s jobs report had good news for restaurants. 7-Eleven could be put up for sale. And how Raising Cane’s plans to become one of the 10 biggest restaurant chains.

Sweetgreen has renamed its new burrito bowl to settle a dispute with Chipotle. McDonald’s is closing its US field offices. And Chick-fil-A’s U.S. sales rose 13% last year.

Chipotle is suing Sweetgreen over its new burrito bowl. Duck Donuts has a new prototype. And McDonald’s sparks a debate over virtual layoffs

Tots are inching up on menus. McDonald’s layoffs are expected to be in the thousands. And El Pollo Loco is revamping its loyalty program.

McDonald’s is preparing for corporate layoffs. Noodles & Co. picks up the pace of rewards giveaways. And cookies are the menu item of the moment.

Firehouse Subs is getting a new CEO, the Sweet Tomatoes buffet chain is making a comeback, and Subway leans into the pickleball craze.

Subway has some interested buyers. A bankrupt Burger King operator is nearing a sale. And Yum Brands has a deal to help underrepresented franchisees.

IHOP dropped a new menu. Sweetgreen is offering a Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl as an LTO. And another Burger King operator is in trouble.

Arby’s has launched its new King’s Hawaiian Sweet Heat Sandwiches. Presto CEO Rajat Suri is stepping down. And Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has a new owner.

Fast-food franchises have a rosy outlook. McAlister’s Deli approaches a milestone. And Chipotle settles a union lawsuit.

The Starbucks union airs its demands, while the chain’s CEO says he’ll work as a barista once a month. Burger King makes an electric vehicle pledge, and Reef closes more ghost kitchens.

Kentucky Fried Chicken Nuggets are launching nationwide Monday. McDonald’s is adding new geofencing technology to its mobile app. And lower prices have helped grow sales at Olive Garden.

Papa Johns’ CFO is leaving the company. Chipotle’s venture fund makes some more investments. And Illinois gives restaurants another round of pandemic aid.

Dunkin’ is launching breakfast tacos. DoorDash now takes cash for some orders. And soon you may be able to pay with the palm of your hand at Panera Bread.

A McDonald’s franchisee files for bankruptcy. Starbucks’ new CEO starts two weeks early. And Teriyaki Madness gives franchisees a deal.

Restaurants in Illinois will soon need to provide paid time off. Restaurants in D.C. will have to disclose service fees. And a tweet got in the way of Grubhub’s delivery relationship with McDonald’s.

Denny’s is introducing a new baked menu line. We’ll discuss this month’s notable restaurant openings and closings. And a Popeyes franchisee has declared bankruptcy.

The National Restaurant Association hands out awards for kitchen equipment. Chipotle’s chief development officer heads to McDonald’s. And did someone say free lobster?

Restaurant menu prices continued to increase in February. McDonald’s franchisees are expressing fear over surveys. And delivery companies can continue treating their drivers as independent contractors in California

The FTC is taking a closer look at franchising. Chipotle’s chief development officer is leaving. And restaurant tech startups avoid a catastrophe.

Restaurants and bars added nearly 70,000 jobs in February. Looking for a discount? Check your mobile apps. And when it comes to fast-food restaurants, consumers are going back to normal.

Restaurants are focusing more on operations as costs continue to soar. Taco Bell is bringing back more fan favorites. And New York restaurants are divided over delivery fee caps

Another Burger King franchisee declares bankruptcy. First Watch is liking the returns from new restaurants. And if your restaurant isn’t part of DoorDash’s DoubleDash program, it is now.

Andy Wiederhorn is stepping down as CEO of Fat Brands. Subway is giving away footlong chips to celebrate National Potato Chip Day. And travelers and staff at Tampa International airport will soon be able to use Uber Eats to order food.

Subway has some interested buyers. Panera Bread turned to its seat cushions for a new ad campaign. And how First Watch comes up with its LTOs.

Bojangles sees more boneless chicken in its future. Wendy’s might have to buy another brand. And a promising trend for Potbelly.

Portillo’s is optimistic about expansion outside of the Midwest. Farmesa began its soft opening this week. And Danny Meyer invested in a reservations company.

KFC doubles down on an old menu favorite. Wendy’s unveils a new growth plan. And Applebee’s will get smaller again this year.

Fewer discounts are working for Carrols Restaurant Group. Small pizzerias have thrived over the past year. And Noodles & Company is offering restaurant workers a free bowl.

Steak n Shake franchisees closed a lot of locations last year. McDonald’s sounds the alarm about joint employer. And Chipotle’s newest menu item came from TikTok.

Corner Bakery files for bankruptcy. Sweetgreen pumps the brakes. And Domino’s focuses on carryout.

White Castle might have violated Illinois’ biometric identification law. Inflation may be turning consumers away from pizza delivery. And Dutch Bros hopes to take a break from raising prices.

Ever put olive oil in your coffee? Starbucks is giving it a shot. Wingstop is soaring into 2023. And Panera adds another tier to its Unlimited Sip Club.

Subway is courting electric vehicle owners. KFC makes room for more sandwiches. And a robotic chicken concept makes a roost in New York City.

Restaurants are off to a roaring start this year. Joint employer rears its head in California. And who will buy Subway?

Shake Shack saw momentum in the fourth quarter. Norms has named Eric Wyatt as CEO and president. And tech supplier, Toast, is making a major push into the QSR space.

Chipotle revealed more information about its new concept. Danny Meyer and Pinky Cole are headlining the Big Show. And why Patrick Doyle came back to the restaurant business.

Subway is officially for sale. Super Bowl Sunday was a big win for restaurants. And Sunday brunch is coming back to Bonefish Grill.

Chipotle appears to be testing a new concept. McDonald’s unveiled another celebrity-inspired meal. And how consumers plan to spend their Valentine’s Day.

Is direct ordering for delivery the way to go? We’ll take a look at how Papa Johns created the Crisp Parm Pizza. And there’s a new COO at Whataburger.

Chick-fil-A’s newest sandwich will have customers asking: Where’s the chicken? Taco Bell plans to use AI to predict how much food it will need. And Restaurant Business unveils a new award for industry leaders.

Pete Davidson was good for Taco Bell. Pizza Hut is doing just fine, thanks to Melts and third-party delivery. And President Biden pledged support for ending anti-poaching agreements.

Tao Group Hospitality is officially for sale. Heart-shaped products have taken over restaurants menus this week. And McDonalds is changing the way it makes its burgers.

Cava Group takes a step toward an IPO. Domino’s launched a new snack for the Super Bowl. But new research shows Americans may be snacking less.

Starbucks isn’t giving up on China. Restaurant hiring accelerated in January. And why Newk’s Eatery is using robots to answer the phone.

Subway’s sales rose in 2022 and it’s eyeing more restaurants overseas. Red Robin hired a new chef to lead its menu revamp. And Americans say they’re pumping the brakes on delivery.

Chicken wing concepts are preparing for Super Bowl Sunday. Chilli’s Grill & Bar will run its first TV ad in more than 3 years. And Subway is now a charitable organization, sort of.

Those adult happy meals did wonders for McDonald’s. Ruth’s Chris is closing a high-profile location. And a recap of the most notable indie openings and closings in January.

Papa Johns is flipping pizza upside down. A Michigan court has preserved the state’s tip credit. And Casa Bonita is reopening in May.

McDonald’s ups its political involvement. The National Restaurant Association names its chairman for the year. And how Raising Cane’s rewarded its top 10 general managers.

Chipotle wants to hire 15,000 workers nationally. Smashburger is testing a jackfruit-based veggie burger. And Papa John’s has a new international prototype.

McDonald’s is testing a new kind of cup lid. MOD Pizza is testing a new menu item. And why A&W revamped its menu boards.

Checkers has hired an advisor to help it deal with its debt. Three equipment suppliers are teaming up to create a robotic pizza system for restaurants. And workers at a Peet’s Coffee in California have voted in favor of forming a union.

There’s a new most-ordered entree at Chick-fil-A. The battle over ServSafe is headed to court. And Red Lobster closes some restaurants.

Egg prices are flying high, although food inflation in general is slowing down. Slapfish has a new concept. And why a Dallas restaurant added a 3% surcharge.

In-N-Out Burger expects to open for the first time in Idaho late this year. Nextbite is planning on adding more family-style meals. And Notch has raised $10 million.

Starbucks is adding more delivery options. New data shows lots of people order delivery. And inside the strategy of fast-growing Tacombi.

In-N-Out’s eastward expansion could transform the burger industry. Steak and Ale is making a comeback. And an update on the catering business.

Kurt Kane is leaving Wendy’s. Portillos is now doing soft opens. And we’ll discuss why In-N-Out is making a jump to Tennessee.

Subway is for sale. John Cywinski has a new job. And Starbucks orders staff back to the office.

Portillo’s plans to open more restaurants in Southern States. Chicken prices are at a historic low. And we’ll discuss takeaways from the ICR conference in Orlando.

In-N-Out Burger is heading to Tennessee. Darden Restaurants is looking for a full service restaurant to add to its portfolio. And voice bots are coming to the Del Taco drive-thru.

Denny’s has named Sherri Landry as its new CMO. Red Robin is investing in flat-top grills. And Noma announced its plans to close for traditional service.

McDonald’s is restructuring its organization. Texas Roadhouse CFO Tonya Robinson has retired. And we’ll take a glance at college student’s fast food preferences.

Restaurants are predicting another challenging year for their bottom lines. A big Burger King franchisee goes bankrupt. And Tao Group’s restaurant holdings might be for sale.

Fast food chains may be losing business to convenience stores. Blaze Pizza named a new CEO. And Culver's named the first CMO in its history.

The holidays were good to restaurants. 16 Handles is buying a cookie dough concept. And Carrols Restaurant Group CEO Paulo Pena passes away.

Zero-proof cocktails, daytime dining and McDonald’s were hot. Inflation drove menu prices to new heights. And the party’s over for restaurant tech firms.

Fogo de Chao is on fire ahead of its IPO. Sweet Chick is set to debut in Union Square. And six global food trends to keep an eye on next year.

Acquisitions of restaurant chains plummeted in 2022. Birdcall named a new CEO. And we’ll take a look at this month's most notable independent restaurants openings and closings.

Rusty Taco is sold. Freshii is sold. And Everytable is in the middle of a big growth push.

Comfort foods topped Grubhub’s list of most-ordered menu items of 2022. Yum Brands is going big into technology. And the return of the Never Ending Pasta Bowl was a big deal for Olive Garden.

Pizza Hut is going after a younger audience. More layoffs come to restaurant tech. And Taco Bell is launching new items.

Taco Bell believes it can have the same number of US units as McDonalds. Chipotle is going to reveal the recipe for its Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette.  And we’ll take a look at tech trend predictions for next year.

Yum Brands is poised for big growth. The Consumer Price Index declined. And complimentary bar snacks are getting more sophisticated.

Portillo’s says it’s found ways to cut costs. Smalls Sliders has a new CEO. And a look at what’s on restaurants’ holiday menus.