The Latest
-
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Tracking the same-store sales of 21 major restaurant chains
Sales at pizza and casual dining brands have struggled, while QSR giants like McDonald’s and Starbucks saw anemic changes and fast casuals Cava and Chipotle made big gains.
Updated March 20, 2025 -
Courtesy of 7-Eleven
7-Eleven to open 1,300 new stores through 2030
The retailer also expects to roughly double the number of stores that include a QSR, from 1,080 to 2,100, as it gears up for a 2026 IPO.
-
Courtesy of Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s Coffee switches to points-based loyalty
The new program is designed to expand the range of products available for redemption and boost ordering through Scooter’s digital channels.
-
Antonio_Diaz via Getty Images
NRA: Consumers want more takeout, but lack the cash
Millennials and Gen Z consumers largely view takeout as a vital part of their lifestyles, per a National Restaurant Association report.
-
Courtesy of Chili’s Grill & Bar
Chili’s pop-up finances fast food meals in latest dig at rising prices
A store emulating payday loan retailers doles out gift cards to “approved” visitors and serves a new burger positioned against the Quarter Pounder.
-
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
Here’s what 7 major restaurants pay their CEOs — and their store-level workers
The top brass at fast food chains like Starbucks, Chipotle and Yum Brands make tens of millions a year, while their hourly workers’ earnings hover near the poverty line.
-
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
Will restaurants be hit hard by tariffs? 6 experts weigh in
America’s baseline tariffs and the potential for renewed, country-specific taxes could pose significant problems for the restaurant industry. But analysts and trade groups are split on just how much risk looms.
-
Permission granted by Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza remakes loyalty program
The chain, which has seen its store count shrink in recent years, said this move is part of a shift away from maintaining its own customized tech stack.
-
kaarsten via Getty Images
One Fair Wage: DC’s tip credit elimination is a ‘success story’
As federal job cuts loom, employment data shows D.C.’s restaurant workforce is largely steady after the passage of Initiative 82.
-
Permission granted by Noble Markets
Noble Gas bringing Capriotti’s sandwiches to East Coast c-stores
The retailer will open the sub shop inside its newest gas station in Enfield, Connecticut, later this month, with several more sites to come.
-
Courtesy of Donatos Pizza
Donatos Pizza drops DoorDash’s AI ordering system for Revmo AI
The chain is using automation to take rote tasks off employees’ plates so they can better focus on the guest experience.
-
Courtesy of Burger King
Burger King poaches Applebee’s CMO to build on modernization plan
Joel Yashinsky is tasked with driving an expansive Reclaim the Flame strategy that has produced viral marketing like the Whopper jingle.
-
Michael Loccisano/FilmMagic via Getty Images
Dave & Buster’s overhauls its remodel strategy as sales continue to fall
The restaurant chain still wants to offer unique experiences — but leaders are aiming for higher returns on investment.
-
hapabapa via Getty Images
Tillster: 61% of users want more restaurant kiosks
Diners are becoming more comfortable with kiosks since they can review their orders for accuracy, per a report.
-
Permission granted by Portillo’s
Portillo’s to break into breakfast with pilot
The fast casual chain will begin testing breakfast on April 15 at five select Chicagoland locations as part of its menu innovation strategy.
Updated April 11, 2025 -
Courtesy of Potbelly
Potbelly adds prime rib sandwich to menu
As fast casual chains look to capture new occasions, premium proteins are a prominent part of menu makeovers.
-
Courtesy of DoorDash
DoorDash, Coco to bring delivery bots to Chicago and Los Angeles
The companies will offer robotic delivery from nearly 600 businesses, as sidewalk bots become a point of competition with Uber Eats and Grubhub.
-
Permission granted by Huddle House
Ascent Hospitality promotes Blain Shortreed to COO
Shortreed, who joined the company in 2023 as Huddle House president, will focus on strategic growth, operations and franchise relations in his new role.
-
Courtesy of Panera
Panera reintroduces brand with focus on dine-in cafe experience
“It Just Meals Good,” the chain’s first work from 72andSunny, captures a variety of occasions for eating at Panera, whether catching up with a kid or an ex.
-
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
9 of the biggest restaurant CEO hires of Q1
The first three months of the year brought new leaders to Jack in the Box, CKE Restaurants, Church’s Texas Chicken, Panera Brands and more.
-
Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images
Trump pauses most reciprocal tariffs, hikes China’s further
The U.S. will now charge a 125% duty on imports from China, while most other countries will be subject to a 10% rate for 90 days.
-
Checkers & Rally’s new prototype cuts square footage almost in half
The burger brand redesigned its kitchen layouts and is streamlining workflows to operate in just 570 square feet.
-
Courtesy of Wingstop
Wingstop launches NYC pop-up to spotlight tenders
Chicken tenders are having a menu moment and could help the fast casual chain continue its wild sales momentum.
-
Courtesy of Smalls Sliders
Smalls Sliders names former Tropical Smoothie Cafe chief as CEO
The chain is betting Charles Watson can bring some of the development magic from Tropical Smoothie Cafe, but the macroeconomy may have other ideas.
-
Permission granted by Subway
Subway hires CMO from PepsiCo beverages to lead global marketing
Greg Lyons, who left the beverage giant late last month, will join the sandwich chain on the tail of a recent creative agency switch-up.
