RB Daily
Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business.
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.
