Keke's plots a growth spurt: Denny’s purchased family-dining chain Keke’s Breakfast Café in 2022. And the 74-unit concept is now embarking on aggressive expansion plans. It has already opened nine locations this year, with 11 more in the pipeline. It's eyeing a goal of 25% to 30% unit growth each year.
Food is political: I've covered the James Beard Awards ceremony for most of 10 years the "Oscars of the restaurant world" has been held in Chicago. But this year's black-tie event, held amid a growing body of anti-immigrant policies enacted by the Trump administration, was especially passionate and moving. Presenters and award recipients alike trumpeted the broad impact of immigrants on the U.S. restaurant industry. Read a recap of the memorable night, along with a full list of James Beard Award winners here.
Watch out for convenience stores:C-stores are starting to look an awful lot like fast-food restaurants. And new data from Intouch Insight shows they’re starting to steal fast-food customers. Among the most eye-popping data points from the report: 72% of consumers now see convenience stores as a “real alternative” to quick-service restaurants, up from 56% last year and 45% in 2022.
Grab some coffee and peruse the latest Top 500 ranking:This year’s Top 500 ranking of the country’s largest restaurant chains by sales shows a struggling industry. But some chains are finding ways to buck that trend and drive traffic.
What happens when Hulkamania meets Hooters?: It’s a pairing straight out of a wrestling script. Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer brand is reportedly making a bid for breastaurant chain Hooters of America. The franchisor declared bankruptcy in March. But the company already has a deal in the works to sell the company to a pair of franchisees, one of which is the group that originally founded the chain.
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.