Continue to Site >>>

Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor

Articles by
Lisa Jennings

Page 3
Technology

Panera faces multiple lawsuits following data breach

Customers seeking class-action status argue in court that the fast-casual chain failed to protect their personal information, even after being hit by a cyberattack last year.

Financing

Noble 33 execs facing ugly legal battle after firing general counsel for embezzlement

An investor has charged the operators of high-end Toca Madera and other concepts with fraud and siphoning funds. But the restaurateurs fired back with charges of extortion.

Financing

Subway pulls back on its free sub offer

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the restaurant news discussion podcast also features discussions on Wendy’s and Wingstop, along with the technology companies are buying and data from Technomic.

Emerging Brands

The Melt CEO Ralph Bower on how not to discount

This fast-casual burger brand is accelerating company-owned growth and launching franchising this year. What makes it stand out? Delivering an "I Love It Here" experience.

Leadership

David McKillips named CEO of Topgolf

The golf-themed restaurant chain tapped the former Chuck E. Cheese CEO to lead its new era under private-equity ownership.

Financing

Wingstop reports first full-year drop in same-store sales in 22 years

Its domestic same-store sales declined 3.3% last year, but the fast-casual chain is cautiously optimistic about 2026 with the rollout of a digital system that is cutting service times in half.

Leadership

Burgerville investor and board member named CEO

Cold Stone Creamery franchisee Kyle Welch has taken the helm of the fast-casual chain from outgoing CEO Ed Casey.

Emerging Brands

They grew and sold Dave's Hot Chicken. Next up: birria tacos

After selling the fast-casual hot chicken concept last year, Dave's investors are applying the same playbook to Mike's Red Tacos, a two-unit San Diego concept they feel has national potential.

Marketing

Chipotle to borrow from casual dining with test of Happier Hour

The fast-casual chain is looking to improve its perception of value and drive traffic. One idea to be tested later this year will be a daypart offering maybe a couple of tacos and a drink for under $10.

Operations

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

Financing

For Minnesota's restaurants, another economic nightmare

The full picture of the economic devastation of the Department of Homeland Security's Operation Metro Surge is just now coming into view. But efforts are building to help restaurants.

Emerging Brands

A former REIT king's next chapter: saving independent restaurants

Nick Schorsch Sr.'s Heritage Restaurant Group in Newport, Rhode Island, is buying up historic restaurants. His goal is to raise the bar for the resort town's food scene.

  • Page 3