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Operations

New restaurant equipment and back-of-the-house technology
Operations

Portillo's is still learning what not to do from Texas

 By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 24, 2026

The fast-casual chain's fourth-quarter same-store sales dropped 3.3%, largely on transaction declines. After opening too many units too fast in the Lone Star state, the brand is enacting a new game plan.

Operations

Franchise restaurant chains invest in field operations staff to lift sales

 By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 23, 2026

Popeyes and Wendy’s believe that improving the way their restaurants are run is key to turning their sales around. So they’re bolstering their field operations staffs to help franchisees.

Operations

The restaurant industry gets 2 big wins

By Restaurant Business Staff on Feb. 20, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast gives an update on a federal ruling in Illinois on the credit-card-fee lawsuit, and another in Oregon blocking enforcement of plastic pollution regulation there.

Operations

RaceTrac: Don't expect a Potbelly in every convenience store

By Hannah Hammond on Feb. 19, 2026

The c-store chain said it acquired the fast-casual sandwich brand to diversify its business and that it plans to continue to grow the restaurant concept through a variety of channels.

Operations

Restaurant and foodservice sales are expected to reach $1.55T in 2026

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 12, 2026

The National Restaurant Association's annual State of the Industry report offers cautious optimism, but said last year's traffic challenges are expected to remain in play. Only 42% of operators said they were profitable last year.

Operations

Restaurateur Billy Dec prepares to open Sunda New Asian in Detroit

By Bret Thorn and Patricia Cobe on Feb. 10, 2026

Menu Talk: The advocate for Philippine culture and hospitality is also getting ready for the PBS debut of his documentary.

Operations

Sweetgreen jumps on catering bandwagon with new Build Your Own option

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 05, 2026

The chain unveiled a new format for groups of 10 to 10,000, allowing guests to create an off-premise makeline. It's the latest fast-casual chain to push hard into catering.

Operations

Chipotle could wrap fiscal 2025 on a positive note, says Placer.ai

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 02, 2026

The fast-casual chain is scheduled to report fourth quarter and full-year earnings on Tuesday. One research firm said data indicates positive trends in November and December. Will it be enough to end a streak of negative traffic?

Operations

Torchy's Tacos set to close 7 restaurants next month

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 27, 2026

The move follows another six closures late last year as the fast-casual chain evaluates performance across the portfolio. But growth is also planned, officials say.

Operations

Wahlburgers looks for growth at Home Depot and Bass Pro Shops

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 27, 2026

The mixed-format burger concept owned by actor Mark Wahlberg broke off a deal with Hy-Vee grocery stores last year. Now the company is looking to open in other nontraditional formats.

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