Breakfast

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 11, 2022

A.m. specialists young and old are enlivening the morning market in a push for younger, more affluent patrons. Grab a breakfast cocktail and read how.

Premium

Food

Cracker Barrel sheds 'old country store' image for a hipper vibe with menu upgrades

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 28, 2022

In a push to expand its customer base and increase check averages, the chain is focusing on breakfast customization, plant-based choices and on-trend menu items.

Leadership

Former Panera COO John Maguire named president of Maple Street Biscuit Company

By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 07, 2022

Maguire joins the Cracker Barrel-owned breakfast-and-lunch chain as it continues to grow.

Financing

Sales rise at First Watch, and margins follow

By Joe Guszkowski on May 10, 2022

A March surge helped its restaurants run more efficiently. Now it’s staffing up to meet the higher demand.

Premium

Leadership

After years of stability, Denny’s decides to shake things up

By Joe Guszkowski on May 04, 2022

The company has a new CEO in Kelli Valade and a new brand in Keke’s that it’s betting will help it accelerate growth for years to come.

Operations

The newest Amazon Go is operating a lot like a QSR

By Chuck Ulie and Peter Romeo on Apr. 28, 2022

The just-opened store features a kitchen that produces up to 30 made-to-order lunch and breakfast items.

Marketing

Snooze’s first loyalty program offers priority seating, other perks

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 25, 2022

Customers can earn points, or “jacks,” with every dollar spent and exchange them for a variety of rewards.

Food

Asian and Mexican cuisines flavor new menu items

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 21, 2022

Taste Tracker: El Pollo Loco adds birria; Szechuan accents Starbird Chicken; breakfast gets heartier at Taco John’s and Bob Evans while Noodles & Co. tries plant-based chicken; sweet news at Cinnaholic.

Financing