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Sonic

Leadership

Panera Bread makes 2 C-suite appointments

Former Sweetgreen President Karen Kelley was named chief restaurant officer and Sonic veteran Anita Vanderveer was appointed chief people officer.

Operations

The top 9 restaurant trends of 2018

A challenging year brought fundamental shifts in the market and a white-elephant sale of troubled concepts.

Operations

The top restaurant news developments of 2018

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 18, 2018

Here's a look back at the news eruptions that shaped the restaurant industry in 2018.

Financing

Inspire Brands completes its purchase of Sonic

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 07, 2018

Inspire now operates brands that generate more than $12 billion in annual system sales.

Marketing

10 limited-time offers with the most consumer appeal

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 15, 2018

These LTOs tempted customers in October.

Leadership

Cliff Hudson to retire as Sonic CEO

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 07, 2018

Claudia San Pedro will lead the company after it is sold to Inspire Brands.

Marketing

10 limited-time offers with top consumer appeal

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 17, 2018

See which LTOs resonated with customers the most during September, when comfort foods made a comeback.

Financing

Arby’s owner to buy Sonic Corp. for $2.3B

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 25, 2018

The deal will give Inspire Brands its third major chain and fourth overall.

Financing

Sonic stock surges on improved traffic

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 11, 2018

The company said that its same-store sales and traffic increased over the summer.

Workforce

Applebee’s, Panera Bread and more vow to erase ‘no-poach’ franchise contracts

By Heather Lalley on Aug. 21, 2018

They join seven major chains that agreed last month to stop the practice, under threat of a lawsuit.