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prices

Operations

Cava proves that keeping menu prices down can drive traffic without harming margins

 By Lisa Jennings on May 20, 2026

The fast-casual chain saw traffic climb nearly 7% in Q1 by sticking to its long-term strategy of everyday affordability, rather than discounts and promotions.

Beverage

As cocktails hit $30-plus, consumers are opting to drink less—or stay home

 By Lisa Jennings on May 08, 2026

Rising costs are pushing prices up at the bar, and consumers are pre-gaming to cut costs. Can restaurants and bars win them back with a more engaging experience?

Financing

McDonald's Under $3 Menu will make its debut later this month

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 02, 2026

The fast-food giant’s latest value effort, which debuts April 21, comes amid an ongoing discount push as gas prices soar and consumers continue to cut back on dining out.

Marketing

Chipotle tops single-day sales record with recent promotion

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 23, 2026

A Friday the 13th, meme-inspired buy one, get one free offer was a big hit for the fast-casual chain. Consumers, apparently, love showing off their tattoos.

Financing

The oil price problem

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 12, 2026

The Bottom Line: Economists are expecting a better year for restaurants in 2026. But that changes if oil prices remain too high for too long.

Operations

Struggling Sweetgreen is rethinking its menu pricing

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 27, 2026

The fast-casual salad chain's same-store sales plunged 11.5% in the fourth quarter and 7.9% for the year, prompting executives to consider simplifying its cost structure.

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

Chipotle works to correct misleading reports about pricing

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 10, 2026

The fast-casual burrito chain is not raising prices because of wealthier diners, the company said, but it does plan to focus more on those customers.

Operations

Everytable hopes to capture office workers fed up with $20 lunch options

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 21, 2026

Keeping prices low has always been the formula for this unique 41-unit chain. But with demand for low-cost office delivery services exploding, Everytable is positioning to grow that channel.

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.

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