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marketing

Food

Need a protein snack? How about a cup of Chipotle's chicken?

 By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 18, 2025

The fast-casual chain is jumping on the protein-craze train with new menu items targeting guests looking to up their macros, including the brand's first snack: a cup of Adobo chicken chunks.

Marketing

'Tis the season to plan to circle back later, says Panera

 By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 16, 2025

Partnering with social media influencers who skewer corporate America, the fast-casual chain hopes to tap into our shared desire to push work responsibilities into 2026.

Technology

DoorDash is testing a restaurant discovery app called Zesty

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 16, 2025

The app uses AI to recommend local restaurants, with a focus on going out rather than ordering in. It’s live now in New York City and San Francisco.

Financing

2025 has been a weird year

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 15, 2025

The Bottom Line: In this week's edition of the restaurant finance newsletter, we look at what's been a strange year in the restaurant business as weak traffic is interrupted by ultra-successful marketing campaigns.

Technology

Restaurant loyalty programs are facing a big test

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 15, 2025

Tech Check: Many brands in desperate need of traffic are turning to their loyalty programs. Can they do enough to move the needle?

Marketing

Sweetgreen goes for magic $10 price point with new Blackened Chicken Harvest Bowl

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 08, 2025

The fast-casual chain on Monday debuted a new value-priced variation of its iconic Harvest Bowl, available to loyalty members for a limited time. It's the latest move in an ongoing attempt to improve the brand's price perception.

Marketing

McDonald's Grinch Meal is apparently a huge hit

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 05, 2025

The fast food giant’s latest effort at nostalgia-based marketing is apparently flying out of its restaurants, to the point that locations are already running out of the chain’s Grinch-themed socks.

Marketing

The Cheesecake Factory has high hopes for its new loyalty program

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 04, 2025

The casual-dining chain believes it can use Cheesecake Rewards to get customers to add one or two extra visits a year. It’s also developing a mobile app.

Financing

Subway franchisees say the chain's new loyalty program is too aggressive

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 01, 2025

The fast-food sandwich giant’s new “Sub Club” program gives a free footlong sandwich after just three same-sized purchases, which is among the industry’s most generous. "Financial suicide."

Marketing

Fast casuals Chipotle, Shake Shack and Cava take the plunge into holiday promotions

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 01, 2025

With more middle-income consumers stretched thin, fast-casual players are stepping up their deals and discounts in this season of seeking value.

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