News

El Pollo Loco's second go round with birria was a bust

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 04, 2023

Despite the success of the first birria LTO last year, CEO Larry Roberts said the brand needs to return its focus to the menu cornerstone of grilled chicken.

Food

On summer menus: s'mores, confetti and plenty of Barbie

By Nancy Kruse on Aug. 04, 2023

State of the Plate: RB menu trends columnist Nancy Kruse dishes on a summer loaded with unique items, including summer classics and a lot of pink.

Food

How Mike's Hot Honey sparked the sweet-heat menu trend, starting with Paulie Gee's Brooklyn pizzeria

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 03, 2023

Mike Kurtz and Paul Giannone started drizzling hot honey on pizza more than 10 years ago, and now, that drizzle is flooding menus across the country.

Operations

Starbucks is expanding resources for veterans and military personnel

By Reyna Estrada on Aug. 03, 2023

The coffee chain is broadening mental health resources and launching a centralized service for military employees who are relocating.

Financing

Applebee's and IHOP see a more cautious consumer

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 03, 2023

The Dine Brands concepts said guests are gravitating toward discounts and opting for pickup over delivery as prices continue to rise.

Marketing

Subway superfans strike again

By Reyna Estrada on Aug. 03, 2023

Marketing Bites: Subway offers free subs for life to a new sort of brand ambassador, several chains celebrate their birthdays and Krispy Kreme offers free donuts to guests who enter the lottery.

Operations

Shake Shack isn't sorry to see delivery drop, especially with kiosks proving a boon

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 03, 2023

Steering more customers toward self-ordering will be a major strategic objective through 2024, executives say. The chain will also strive to cut its development and construction costs by 10%.

Operations

Portillo's keeping menu price hike options open

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 03, 2023

Traffic dropped in the second quarter, but the company said consumers still see the Chicago-based brand as a great value and there's room for price increases.

Financing