News

KFC's chicken nuggets take on a saucier attitude

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 29, 2024

New Saucy Nuggets come in five varieties to satisfy flavor-craving sauce fans.

A new generation of upgraded kids' menus plays to parents, but they're getting Gen Alpha to hit the 'like' button

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 29, 2024

While many fast-food chains stick to old-school kids’ fare, there’s a recent surge among fast-casual and full-service restaurants to offer healthier, more grownup menus that appeal to the whole family.

Financing

California cites I Heart Mac and Cheese for franchise violations

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 29, 2024

The state said that the fast-casual restaurant chain of customizable macaroni and cheese bowls failed to provide proper disclosures on its franchise documents. It’s the second state to take action against the business.

Leadership

Swig's CEO is leaving the company

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 29, 2024

No reason was given for the departure of Rian McCartan. Alex Dunn, managing partner of the beverage chain’s owner The Larry Miller Co., was named interim CEO.

Emerging Brands

Punch Bowl Social plans growth with two acquired concepts

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 29, 2024

Chicago-based eatertainment chain Punch Bowl Social has acquired two new brands that it plans to grow. One is karaoke-concept Voicebox and the other is an immersive art experience called Sweet Tooth Hotel. Both have cocktail bars.

Premium

Technology

How Nimbus is succeeding where ghost kitchens failed

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 28, 2024

The shared-kitchen startup has limited its focus to providing kitchen space for a variety of food businesses, leaving the technology to others. The simplified approach has yielded profits and growth.

Operations

Can Smashburger get back on track for growth?

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 28, 2024

Smashburger's new CEO Denise Nelsen is taking a hard look at the brand and how it can reignite expansion, both domestic and international.

Food

Just Salad, Abuelo's and Perkins freshen up the menu

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 28, 2024

Taste Tracker: Taco Bell goes all in on chicken; Culver’s gets a bacon upgrade; shrimp comes to Zaxby’s; and pastels trend at Krispy Kreme and Baskin-Robbins.

Financing