Operations

Week in Review: Din Tai Fung’s jaw-dropping AUVs, Krispy Kreme exits Insomnia, Starbucks operations

A look back at the week’s biggest news in the restaurant industry from Restaurant Business.
Din Tai Fung
Upscale soup dumpling chain Din Tai Fung has the industry’s highest average unit volumes. | Photo: Shutterstock

Welcome to Restaurant Business’ Week in Review for the week of June 9, 2025. 

Upscale soup dumpling chain Din Tai Fung has the industry’s highest average unit volumes. At $27.4 million last year, that’s more than double the next closest chain.

Hardee’s filed a counterclaim against a big franchisee that is the only one in the system to close most of its restaurants at 2 p.m. The fast-food franchisor is asking a federal court to sign off on its decision to terminate Paradigm Investment Group’s franchise agreement. 

Krispy Kreme is out of the cookie business, selling its remaining stake in Insomnia Cookies for $75 million. 

Starbucks’ latest gambit to improve operations? Giving store managers ownership over testing early-stage ideas and sharing the results systemwide. 

Private-equity firm Savory Fund made a major investment in casual-dining chain Hawkers Asian Street Food. 

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

In the 10 largest restaurant chains, signs of the industry’s evolution

The Bottom Line: Only 14 chains have been on the list of the 10 largest concepts over the past two decades. But that doesn’t mean that it hasn’t changed with consumer demand.

Emerging Brands

Olive & Finch lets diners dictate how they want to experience the brand

This growing premium fast casual out of Denver is expanding with an all-day menu priced no higher than $20. Part of the value offering is giving guests options for how they use the concept.

Food

Culver's revamps its chicken sandwich, launching a triple play

Behind the Menu: After 40 rounds of testing, the quick-service chain perfected the flavor, texture and appearance of its crispy, grilled and spicy chicken sandwiches.

Trending

More from our partners