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.
