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Marketing

Restaurants go big, and weird, with Valentine's Day marketing

 By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 10, 2026

While the holiday has always invited creative promotions, some brands are upping the ante this year. It has produced a few odd couples, like Red Lobster and Vaseline.

Operations

Sweetgreen jumps on catering bandwagon with new Build Your Own option

 By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 05, 2026

The chain unveiled a new format for groups of 10 to 10,000, allowing guests to create an off-premise makeline. It's the latest fast-casual chain to push hard into catering.

Financing

After a rough 2025, Chipotle is taking a more conservative approach

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 04, 2026

The fast-casual chain said same-store sales declined 2.5% for the fourth quarter, with transactions down more than 3%. But CEO Scott Boatwright said the protein push is resonating with younger diners.

Operations

Chipotle could wrap fiscal 2025 on a positive note, says Placer.ai

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 02, 2026

The fast-casual chain is scheduled to report fourth quarter and full-year earnings on Tuesday. One research firm said data indicates positive trends in November and December. Will it be enough to end a streak of negative traffic?

Food

Shake Shack wants to teach fast-food restaurants how to cook

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 29, 2026

The fast-casual chain launched a campaign to spotlight the made-to-order cooking that goes on in its units, joining with Chipotle as a critic of assembly line fast food.

Marketing

Starbucks is taking a page out of airlines' playbook with its loyalty program changes

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 29, 2026

The coffee shop giant this spring will reconfigure its Starbucks Rewards loyalty program to feature three levels that give members more personalized benefits and premium experiences.

Food

Chipotle plans to do a lot more with its menu this year

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 27, 2026

The fast-casual chain began ramping up menu innovation last year. Expect to see a mix of new and previous menu items, including the return of Chicken al Pastor next month.

Food

PopUp Bagels teams up with Wingstop for a schmear

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 22, 2026

Fans of the fast-casual chicken chain's Lemon Pepper wings will be able to dip their bagels in the flavor, just in time for a certain Big Game.

Financing

Why consumers' views on value are changing

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 21, 2026

A Deeper Dive: This week’s episode of the restaurant finance podcast features Jen Meyers, growth strategy leader for the restaurant practice at Alvarez & Marsal, talking about consumer views on restaurants.

Marketing

Chris Brandt, Chipotle president and chief brand officer, steps down

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 12, 2026

After nearly eight years with the fast-casual chain, Brandt is departing immediately. His role will be filled by Stephanie Perdue as interim chief marketing officer. In addition, Chief Legal Officer Roger Theodoredis also stepped down.

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