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Marketing

Sweetgreen wants to be a lifestyle brand again

 By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 12, 2026

Hoping to turn around traffic declines, the fast-casual chain is shifting its marketing strategy back to what was used in the early days, with music and events. CEO Jonathan Neman is promising "wild stuff" this year.

Operations

La Madeleine's new menu embraces brunch all day

 By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 06, 2026

The menu rollout is part of the fast-casual bakery-cafe chain's "Ignite the Joy" transformation plan, which CEO John Dillon said is showing traction in growing sales and traffic.

Food

Burger King is making improvements to the Whopper

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 26, 2026

The fast-food chain, which just hired the former head chef of Popeyes, is improving the Whopper for the first time in a decade. It is the first in a series of improvements to the menu slated for this year.

Marketing

Panera Bread goes aggressive with value on new Mix & Match menu

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 25, 2026

The fast-casual chain is offering 10 items in half-portions for $4.99 each at participating restaurants. It's the chain's first-ever dedicated value menu.

Financing

'Everyday value' lifts Cava's sales and sends its stock soaring

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 25, 2026

The fast-casual chain's same-store sales rose more than investors expected, which the company said was due to its value positioning. The stock soared more than 10%.

Marketing

Chipotle to borrow from casual dining with test of Happier Hour

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 17, 2026

The fast-casual chain is looking to improve its perception of value and drive traffic. One idea to be tested later this year will be a daypart offering maybe a couple of tacos and a drink for under $10.

Food

How the MAHA movement ties ultra-processed food addiction to Big Tobacco

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 05, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast looks at how HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could attempt to paint restaurant menus in the same light as cigarettes.

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.

Food

Smaller portions could solve Chipotle's value perception problem

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 04, 2026

The fast-casual chain said the smaller dishes on the protein menu have been a hit, in part as an affordable entry point. It's part of a growing movement, fueled by GLP-1 drug users and others who don't want to spend on food they won't eat.

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.

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