https://restaurantbusinessonline.com en https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/shake-shack-encounters-unforgiving-wall-street?utm_source=Shake%20Shack%20encounters%20an%20unforgiving%20Wall%20Street&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The fast-casual burger chain has strategies in place that could make it a lot larger than its initial plans. But then the company ran into a first-quarter weather problem. Fri, 08 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211498 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/restaurant-sales-were-all-over-place-last-quarter?utm_source=Restaurant%20sales%20were%20all%20over%20the%20place%20last%20quarter&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the restaurant news discussion podcast looks at earnings among fast-food, fast-casual and casual-dining chains. Fri, 08 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211487 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/beverage/cocktails-hit-30-plus-consumers-are-opting-drink-less-or-stay-home?utm_source=As%20cocktails%20hit%20%2430-plus%2C%20consumers%20are%20opting%20to%20drink%20less%E2%80%94or%20stay%20home&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds 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? Fri, 08 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 yes LJennings@winsightmedia.com (Lisa Jennings) 211422 Beverage https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/texas-roadhouse-sees-some-relief-beef-prices?utm_source=Texas%20Roadhouse%20sees%20some%20relief%20on%20beef%20prices&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The steakhouse chain said beef inflation will be a bit softer than expected this year, and its stock price surged. Fri, 08 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no jguszkowski@winsightmedia.com (Joe Guszkowski) 211483 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/ai-menus-partnered-content-series/how-chefs-are-using-ai-make-smarter-more-innovative-menus?utm_source=How%20chefs%20are%20using%20AI%20to%20make%20smarter%2C%20more%20innovative%20menus&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Like a favorite knife or sauté pan, chat bots are becoming an essential tool in the kitchen. Here’s how to maximize their potential. Fri, 08 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no pcobe@winsightmedia.com (Patricia Cobe) 211488 AI Menus Partnered Content Series https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/snowbird-chefs-are-elevating-art-cooking-literally?utm_source=At%20Snowbird%2C%20chefs%20are%20elevating%20the%20art%20of%20cooking.%20Literally&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds RATIONAL helps chefs cook consistently at high elevations Fri, 08 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no 211480 Operations https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/noodles-companys-turnaround-explained-theyre-running-restaurants-better?utm_source=Noodles%20%26%20Company%27s%20turnaround%20explained%3A%20They%27re%20running%20restaurants%20better&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The fast-casual chain's same-store sales were up more than 9% in the first quarter. Closing bad units helped. But CEO Joe Christina said turnaround efforts really are working. Thu, 07 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no LJennings@winsightmedia.com (Lisa Jennings) 211448 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/its-tougher-get-job-dutch-bros-get-harvard?utm_source=It%27s%20tougher%20to%20get%20a%20job%20at%20Dutch%20Bros%20than%20to%20get%20into%20Harvard&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The drive-thru beverage chain received more than 780,000 applications for just 19,000 jobs last year. For the company, the demand demonstrates one of the most crucial attributes in its growth. Thu, 07 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211444 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/chipotles-ai-strategy-drove-record-cinco-de-mayo-sales?utm_source=Chipotle%E2%80%99s%20AI%20strategy%20drove%20record%20Cinco%20de%20Mayo%20sales&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The company's one-day promotion was the chain’s second-highest sales day overall as it leveraged search on sites like ChatGPT. Thu, 07 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no alicia.kelso@informa.com (Alicia Kelso) 211437 Marketing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/mcdonalds-sticks-its-guns-value-despite-profit-concerns?utm_source=McDonald%27s%20sticks%20to%20its%20guns%20on%20value%2C%20despite%20profit%20concerns&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The fast-food giant reported another quarter of same-store sales growth, arguing that value is crucial even as company stores, and franchisees, show some profit concerns. Thu, 07 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211439 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/burger-king-proves-heavy-discounts-arent-always-necessary?utm_source=Burger%20King%20proves%20that%20heavy%20discounts%20aren%E2%80%99t%20always%20necessary&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The Bottom Line: The fast-food chain generated a strong first quarter, despite a tough environment, largely by focusing on its operations and its food. Thu, 07 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 yes jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211440 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/applebees-wants-managers-spending-more-time-dining-room?utm_source=Applebee%27s%20wants%20managers%20spending%20more%20time%20in%20the%20dining%20room&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The casual-dining chain is prioritizing facetime between managers and customers as it looks to improve the service in its restaurants. Thu, 07 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no jguszkowski@winsightmedia.com (Joe Guszkowski) 211432 Operations https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/look-future-chuck-e-cheese-0?utm_source=A%20look%20at%20the%20future%20of%20Chuck%20E.%20Cheese&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds A Deeper Dive: Scott Drake, CEO of the eatertainment chain’s parent company CEC Entertainment, joins the restaurant finance podcast to talk about growth and evolution. Wed, 06 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211414 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/raising-toast-mothers-day-traffic-rush?utm_source=Raising%20a%20toast%20to%20the%20Mother%E2%80%99s%20Day%20traffic%20rush%20&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Marketing Bites: The holiday is traditionally the busiest day of the year for restaurants, and the industry could use the bump. Wed, 06 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 yes alicia.kelso@informa.com (Alicia Kelso) 211405 Marketing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/ai-menus-partnered-content-series/naya-launches-chefs-creations-make-lebanese-cuisine-more?utm_source=Naya%20launches%20Chef%27s%20Creations%20to%20make%20Lebanese%20cuisine%20more%20approachable&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Behind the Menu: The fast casual introduced the curated items to simplify ordering and encourage guests to explore more ingredients. Wed, 06 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no pcobe@winsightmedia.com (Patricia Cobe) 211418 AI Menus Partnered Content Series https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/tom-curtis-talked-1500-customers-conversations-should-show-burger-king-restaurants?utm_source=Tom%20Curtis%20talked%20with%201%2C500%20customers.%20The%20conversations%20should%20show%20up%20in%20Burger%20King%20restaurants%20for%20years&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The fast-food chain has taken 64,000 calls and texts from customers about a variety of issues. The calls are providing crucial information on product innovation, operational improvements and even some broken signs. Wed, 06 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211417 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/popeyes-moving-quickly-address-sales-slump?utm_source=Popeyes%20is%20%E2%80%98moving%20quickly%E2%80%99%20to%20address%20sales%20slump&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The fast-food chicken chain’s first-quarter same-store sales declined by 6.5%, marking its worst performance in about 20 years. Wed, 06 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no alicia.kelso@informa.com (Alicia Kelso) 211406 Operations https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/applebees-sues-franchisee-over-logans-roadhouse-acquisition?utm_source=Applebee%27s%20sues%20franchisee%20over%20Logan%E2%80%99s%20Roadhouse%20acquisition&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The casual-dining chain said SSCP Management’s acquisition of Logan’s violated their franchise agreement because the two brands are direct competitors. Tue, 05 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no jguszkowski@winsightmedia.com (Joe Guszkowski) 211402 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/food/real-california-dairy-makes-hottest-menu-trend-even-cooler?utm_source=Real%20California%20Dairy%20Makes%20The%20Hottest%20Menu%20Trend%20Even%20Cooler&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds These days, it’s difficult to imagine a more interesting culinary trend than “hot and spicy.” Maybe that’s because it’s less of a trend and more of a dramatic flavor migration. Most operators can easily remember a time when the majority of their guests avoided ordering menu items labeled “spicy” for fear that consuming them might result in a lip-burning, eye-watering, face-sweating reaction to capsaicin—the naturally occurring compound that gives chili peppers their heat. But heat has quickly moved from a dare to a design tool with a new wave of culinary exploration bringing fresh inspiration from Middle Eastern and African cuisines. Chefs are finding that introducing flavorful pepper-laced global dishes can awaken a desire for discovery that outweighs old fears. The meteoric rise of hot and spicy foods on the menu is the latest proof of consumers’ insatiable hunger for culinary adventure. Datassential is projecting that by 2029, 96.3% of menus will still have spicy items. The trend is consistent across all regions, from the South (94.6%) to the Midwest (93.2%), showing that spicy food has become a nationwide dining norm. And there’s no end in sight. Technomic research shows that younger consumers like it hotter, with 18 to 34-year-olds reporting the highest preferred spice levels. There’s More To Spicy Foods Than Feeling The BurnHeat is a measurable attribute, and all hot peppers are characterized by their spicy heat. The Scoville scale measures pepper heat from zero to over 2.6 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). At 4,500 to 8,000 SHU, the beloved jalapeño is often used as a reference point.Since everyone has a different heat tolerance, which is partly genetic, does it follow that a diner who finds the jalapeño challenging will never be able to experience a dish made with peppers that reach higher up the Scoville scale? This is Where California Dairy Comes In When a hot and spicy application needs an ingredient that can make the heat more palatable, it’s Real California dairy to the rescue. Pairing dairy with the heat of peppers and spices allows more diners to enjoy the delicious flavors found in peppers without suffering the discomfort. That’s because casein—a protein found in cow’s milk—neutralizes capsaicin. This magical milk effect is why spicy curries have long been served with a side of yogurt or Dahi, and many spicy Mexican dishes incorporate sour cream. Now, with heat and spice trending, chefs are finding innovative new ways to use traditional dairy recipes like Tzatziki (made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic and herbs) and all manner of innovative cheeses and dairy-based dips, sauces, whips, and drizzles to make hot and spicy ingredients manageable for more mouths. Since capsaicin is fat-soluble, the higher the fat content in the dairy, the more effective it is in putting out the fire.As chefs carefully pick their peppers to deliver just the right smoky, tangy, fiery, or sweet notes, Real California dairy products work on the sensory level, too, providing a cool, creamy contrast with all levels of hot and spicy foods. They're also the perfect complement for the “swicy” (sweet and spicy fusion) menu items that are sweeping across every segment. California is America’s #1 dairy state, producing a full range of quality dairy products from butter, yogurt, kefir, sour cream, and crema, to a vast variety of fresh, soft, and hard cheeses—all of which help tone down the heat in chili peppers and peppercorns. Striking the Right BalanceHere are a few menu inspirations for delicious ways to use Real California dairy ingredients to turn up the flavor and tone down the heat.Black Truffle Chili Crunch & BurrataWhipped Cows Milk Feta with TajinFried Hot Peppers with Greek Yogurt DipMango Yogurt with Spicy Chili SprinklesRicotta Toast with Aji Limo and Aji Amarillo JamNashville Meets California Hot Paneer PitaChef Matt BurtonRecipe: Nashville Meets California Hot Paneer PitaCreamy Habanero Pickle Dip with Spicy California Paneer ChipsChef Brad BergausTaco John’sRecipe: Creamy Habanero Pickle Dip with Spicy California Paneer ChipsBandera de Fusion PizzaChef Thomas GarnickRecipe: Bandera de Fusion PizzaFor more inspiration and information, visit our dedicated foodservice website realcaliforniamilkfoodservice.com or contact us. Tue, 05 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no 211386 Food https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/subways-corporate-profit-has-taken-under-roark-capital?utm_source=Subway%27s%20corporate%20profit%20has%20taken%20off%20under%20Roark%20Capital&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The Bottom Line: The fast-food sandwich chain’s operations shift, cost cuts and growing use of vendor rebates have improved the company’s profits. But it has a lot more debt. Tue, 05 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 yes jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211379 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/technology/why-restaurant-loyalty-stuck?utm_source=Why%20restaurant%20loyalty%20is%20stuck&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Tech Check: A loyalty strategy is now viewed as a must for restaurant brands. But many operators feel their programs are falling short, a new report finds. Tue, 05 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 yes jguszkowski@winsightmedia.com (Joe Guszkowski) 211376 Technology https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/emerging-brands/bread-zeppelin-hits-pause-franchising-prove-out-model?utm_source=Bread%20Zeppelin%20hits%20pause%20on%20franchising%20to%20prove%20out%20model&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Salad stuffed into baguettes is getting a whole lotta love right now. But this fast-casual concept wants to grow more company-owned units to attract the right kind of franchisee down the road. Tue, 05 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 yes LJennings@winsightmedia.com (Lisa Jennings) 211381 Emerging Brands https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/fat-brands-creditors-push-back-against-companys-sale-lenders?utm_source=Fat%20Brands%20creditors%20push%20back%20against%20the%20company%27s%20sale%20to%20lenders&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds A group of unsecured creditors is suing the company and challenging the nearly $1 billion sale of the bankrupt restaurant chain operator and Twin Peaks over $195 million in transfers. Tue, 05 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211401 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/cost-cutting-creativity-how-operators-are-protecting-margins-tough-times?utm_source=Cost-cutting%20creativity%3A%20How%20operators%20are%20protecting%20margins%20in%20tough%20times&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Inflation across the board is forcing restaurants to rethink everything from staffing to supply chains. Tue, 05 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 yes alicia.kelso@informa.com (Alicia Kelso) 211377 Operations https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/leadership/how-kfc-ceo-scott-mezvinsky-plans-modernize-brand?utm_source=How%20KFC%20CEO%20Scott%20Mezvinsky%20plans%20to%20modernize%20the%20brand%20&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The fast-food chicken chain is focused on menu innovation, new sauces and cultural relevancy as it works to rebuild market share. Tue, 05 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no alicia.kelso@informa.com (Alicia Kelso) 211394 Leadership https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/spike-gjerde-highlights-terroir-chesapeake-bay-region?utm_source=Spike%20Gjerde%20highlights%20the%20terroir%20of%20the%20Chesapeake%20Bay%20region&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Menu Talk: The chef of Woodberry Kitchen and La Jetée in Baltimore has more restaurants in the works. Tue, 05 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no 211387 Operations https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/do-independents-have-advantage-market-according-sysco-they-do?utm_source=Do%20independents%20have%20an%20advantage%20in%20this%20market%3F%20According%20to%20Sysco%2C%20they%20do&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The Bottom Line: Kevin Hourican, CEO of the giant distributor, argues that local restaurants have performed better than chains because they’ve been more flexible in meeting consumer demands. Mon, 04 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 yes jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211356 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/food/may-fourth-other-fan-based-holidays-are-opportunities-restaurants-celebrate?utm_source=May%20the%20fourth%20and%20other%20fan-based%20holidays%20are%20opportunities%20for%20restaurants%20to%20celebrate&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Food Writer’s Diary: Operators can tap into culture touchstones to engage their customers Mon, 04 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 yes 211362 Food https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/strange-set-earnings-reports?utm_source=A%20strange%20set%20of%20earnings%20reports&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The Bottom Line: This week’s edition of the weekly restaurant finance newsletter looks at the wide range of early earnings reports. Mon, 04 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 yes jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211357 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/chicken-chains-sales-growth-slows-second-straight-year?utm_source=Chicken%20chains%E2%80%99%20sales%20growth%20slows%20for%20the%20second%20straight%20year%20%20&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Sales at chicken chains on the Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report grew by 5.3%, mostly because companies keep adding more locations. Mon, 04 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no alicia.kelso@informa.com (Alicia Kelso) 211363 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/some-fat-brands-lenders-are-objecting-companys-sale?utm_source=Some%20Fat%20Brands%20lenders%20are%20objecting%20to%20the%20company%E2%80%99s%20sale&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Most of the company's restaurant chains, including Round Table Pizza, Fazoli's and others, will be sold in a credit deal. But some lenders say the proposal doesn't properly account for $10.8 million in management fees. Mon, 04 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211368 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/food/hav-mar-zero-waste-touches-every-part-menu?utm_source=At%20Hav%20%26%20Mar%2C%20zero%20waste%20touches%20every%20part%20of%20the%20menu&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds For Executive Chef Fariyal Abdullahi and her kitchen team at the seafood restaurant, sustainability is in their DNA. Mon, 04 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no pcobe@winsightmedia.com (Patricia Cobe) 211373 Food https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/soaring-gas-prices-lower-consumer-sentiment-are-causing-problems-restaurants?utm_source=Soaring%20gas%20prices%20and%20lower%20consumer%20sentiment%20are%20causing%20problems%20for%20restaurants&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The Bottom Line: The price of a gallon of gas is nearing $4.50 and showing no signs of slowing. That likely hurt restaurant sales and traffic in March and April. And the worst may be yet to come. Mon, 04 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 yes jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211374 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/beverage/refreshers-take-over-beverage-menus?utm_source=Refreshers%20take%20over%20beverage%20menus&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Taste Tracker: Dunkin’, McDonald’s, Chili’s, Scooter’s, Shake Shack, Peet’s, Fogo de Chao, Taco Cabana, Pokeworks, Cinnabon and Salt & Straw headline restaurant menu news and trends. Sun, 03 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no pcobe@winsightmedia.com (Patricia Cobe) 211355 Beverage https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/uk-based-indian-concept-gymkhana-brings-its-cpg-line-us?utm_source=U.K.-based%20Indian%20concept%20Gymkhana%20brings%20its%20CPG%20line%20to%20the%20U.S.&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Indian cuisine is having a moment. In addition to bringing its Michelin-starred restaurants stateside, JKS Restaurants is also launching a well-funded retail line of sauces, marinades and chutneys in Whole Foods Markets. Fri, 01 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no LJennings@winsightmedia.com (Lisa Jennings) 211346 Operations https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/emerging-brands/jinya-ramens-founder-leans-fine-dining-new-flagship?utm_source=Jinya%20Ramen%27s%20founder%20leans%20fine%20dining%20with%20new%20flagship&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Called simply Jinya., the new more-premium concept in Los Angeles has a menu designed around live-fire cooking and dry-aged meats and seafood. And, yes, there's ramen. Fri, 01 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no LJennings@winsightmedia.com (Lisa Jennings) 211354 Emerging Brands https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/starbucks-really-back?utm_source=Is%20Starbucks%20really%20back%3F&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the weekly restaurant news discussion podcast looks at earnings from Chili’s and Starbucks, and Subway’s new value offer. Fri, 01 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211337 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/how-steak-n-shakes-new-maha-officer-could-impact-industry?utm_source=How%20Steak%20%27n%20Shake%27s%20new%20MAHA%20officer%20could%20impact%20the%20industry&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Working Lunch: This week's political podcast dives into the burger chain's appointment of a chief Make America Healthy Again officer, and how the tough economy has emboldened moves once deemed politically dangerous. Fri, 01 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000 no restaurantbusiness@winsightmedia.com (Restaurant Business Staff) 211344 Marketing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/unfortunate-demise-smokey-bones?utm_source=The%20unfortunate%20demise%20of%20Smokey%20Bones&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The Bottom Line: The barbecue chain officially shut down amid the bankruptcy of parent company Fat Brands. But its doom was assured when the brand operator bought the chain. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0000 yes jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211334 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/everybody-doing-refreshers-now-starbucks-isnt-worried?utm_source=Everybody%20is%20doing%20Refreshers%20now%2C%20but%20Starbucks%20isn%E2%80%99t%20worried&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The coffee shop giant isn’t worried that competitors like McDonald’s are jumping on the Refresher bandwagon, because sales of its own platform of fruity drinks just got a big boost of energy. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211299 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/sysco-ceo-we-will-absolutely-not-be-raising-prices-restaurant-depot?utm_source=Sysco%20CEO%3A%20%27We%20will%20absolutely%20not%20be%20raising%20prices%20at%20Restaurant%20Depot%27&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds As the giant distributor prepares to acquire the cash-and-carry retailer, CEO Kevin Hourican in an interview vowed to keep alive what made Restaurant Depot special. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211309 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/chefs-are-hosting-themed-collab-dinners-amplify-impact?utm_source=Chefs%20are%20hosting%20themed%20collab%20dinners%20to%20amplify%20impact&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Independent restaurants join forces to showcase their culinary chops and educate new and established guests. The unique experiences build business and fans. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0000 yes pcobe@winsightmedia.com (Patricia Cobe) 211318 Marketing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/smaller-hooters-starts-its-comeback-bankruptcy?utm_source=A%20smaller%20Hooters%20starts%20its%20comeback%20from%20bankruptcy&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The sports bar chain has closed some of its weakest locations in recent months, but others are showing signs of life under new ownership. “I'm cautiously optimistic,” said CEO Neil Kiefer. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0000 no jguszkowski@winsightmedia.com (Joe Guszkowski) 211332 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/look-wingstops-marketing-evolution-potential?utm_source=A%20look%20at%20Wingstop%E2%80%99s%20marketing%20evolution%20and%20potential%20&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The chain is focused on getting new customers in the door and will start to feature more targeted messaging to reach that targeted audience. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0000 no alicia.kelso@informa.com (Alicia Kelso) 211312 Marketing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/consumer-trends/chipotle-emerges-early-leader-intensifying-protein-race?utm_source=Chipotle%20emerges%20as%20an%20early%20leader%20in%20the%20intensifying%20protein%20race%20&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds One-fourth of all transactions in Q1 included a protein add-on. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0000 no alicia.kelso@informa.com (Alicia Kelso) 211327 Consumer Trends https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/how-chilis-plans-keep-doing?utm_source=How%20Chili%27s%20plans%20to%20keep%20doing%20this&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds Even after several years of significant traffic growth, the casual-dining chain believes its restaurants can handle even more volume. It’s studying its highest-grossing stores to find out how. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0000 no jguszkowski@winsightmedia.com (Joe Guszkowski) 211295 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/emerging-brands/taco-truck-success-story-blessings-birria?utm_source=A%20taco%20truck%20success%20story%20and%20the%20blessings%20of%20birria&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds So many were attempting food trucks before the pandemic hit. This one survived and now Talkin' Tacos is a 35-unit, $60 million brand with a growth path ahead. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0000 yes LJennings@winsightmedia.com (Lisa Jennings) 211282 Emerging Brands https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/number-independent-restaurants-declined-23-2025?utm_source=The%20number%20of%20independent%20restaurants%20declined%20by%202.3%25%20in%202025&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds That drop reflected a net loss of about 9,500 restaurant locations due to an increasingly challenging operating environment. Chain restaurants, however, fared a bit better. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0000 yes LJennings@winsightmedia.com (Lisa Jennings) 211296 Operations https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/why-restaurant-chain-franchisees-are-struggling-right-now?utm_source=Why%20restaurant%20chain%20franchisees%20are%20struggling%20right%20now&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds A Deeper Dive: Austin Titus, president of Accurate Franchising, joins this week’s episode of the restaurant finance podcast to talk about the state of the franchise business. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211293 Financing https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/customers-are-coming-back-starbucks?utm_source=Customers%20are%20coming%20back%20to%20Starbucks&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds The coffee shop giant reported its strongest sales in more than two years, and some profit growth to go with it, as the chain’s cold brew won over younger consumers again. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:04:00 +0000 no jmaze@winsightmedia.com (Jonathan Maze) 211283 Financing