The Latest
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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 -
Permission granted by Square
Sponsored by SquareFrom automation to diversifying revenue streams, these are the trends shaping the restaurant industry
Running a restaurant is as challenging as ever. But owners are feeling optimistic. Here’s why.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Courtesy of El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco faces acquisition bid by Sardar Biglari
The activist investor has already bought up almost 15% of the chicken chain and is now making a play for the whole company.
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Courtesy of Cinnabon
GoTo Foods debuts Cinnabon Swirl dual-branded concept
Rather than simple co-branding, Cinnabon Swirl will have its own rewards program, indicating the possibility of an independent brand identity.
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Andrew Burton via Getty Images
How Applebee’s designed its customer insights program
The restaurant chain incorporated feedback from a range of stakeholders to ensure its customer insights are actionable and readily available.
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Permission granted by First Watch
Why First Watch takes 18 months to develop seasonal menus
The breakfast chain goes on “flavor tours” to inspire its LTOs, which it rotates every 10 weeks in order to keep up with evolving diner demands.
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Permission granted by Shane Woolley
Starbucks and Dunkin’s competitors reap rewards as visits grow
As small coffee brands see their share of longer visits increase, legacy chains are looking to recapture their own on-premise magic.
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Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
Why urban areas are a challenge for casual chains
High rents, difficult buildouts and space limitations are among many reasons why casual full-service chains often avoid spaces in cities. But opportunities are out there, experts say.
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Courtesy of Papa Johns
Papa Johns will use Google AI for analytics, marketing
The pizza chain has tapped Google Cloud’s AI tools to optimize delivery routes, create a customer-facing chatbot and deliver personalized rewards in real time.
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Avosb via Getty Images
Just Salad ex-CFO missed out on $1.2M, lawsuit claims
The former finance chief is seeking funds he claims he’s owed relating to a separation agreement, as well as $5 million in damages.
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JazzIRT via Getty Images
The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics
Although turnover stabilized last year, early data from 2025 shows increased unemployment and a decrease in hours worked.
Updated April 7, 2025 -
milorad kravic via Getty Images
Solo dining is on the rise, report finds
Younger diners like to eat alone, with 49% of millennials and 46% of Gen Z consumers preferring to do so, according to a TouchBistro report.
