RB Daily
Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business.
Modern Market Eatery has opened its first drive-thru unit. Subway’s footlong cookie is becoming a permanent menu offering. And McDonald’s launches a new adult happy meal.
A look at what restaurants are most concentrated in California. Shake Shack is marketing a value message. And Chipotle launches a new line of merch.
Jack in the Box gets a warm welcome in new markets. Crumbl Cookies is pulling a Dunkin. And Kitchen United closes its Kroger locations.
Restaurants are gearing up for the holiday party season. IHOP launched a Willy Wonka themed menu. Jack in the Box is expecting some problems from California.
Retailers are buckling up for a tougher economy. But restaurants have a lot to be thankful for this year. Plus, a look at some notable new openings.
Brian Wheeler has launched Big Taco in Florida. McDonald’s is buying back a big chunk of its China business. And some lenders and financiers expect an M&A comeback in 2024.
Wage inflation remains the industry’s No. 1 challenge. Hybrid work could be the new normal. And what consumers are doing for Thanksgiving this year.
A look at the most craveable tacos. Taco Bell debuts Breakfast Tater Tots as an LTO. And consumers are concerned about fast food prices.
A Wendy’s franchisee declares bankruptcy. Consumers are getting tired of tipping. And the big theme at this week’s Restaurant Finance and Development Conference? Uncertainty.
Fast-food prices keep rising. Patrick Doyle thinks Burger King struggled because it had too much risk. And McDonald’s teams up with Crocs on its latest merchandise line.
Joe & the Juice has a new owner. Hotel breakfast is perking up. And Bartaco’s CEO will pull double duty at another Mexican chain.
Noodles CEO is out. A pair of new mobile apps are taking on Yelp. And a look at the biggest winners and losers from restaurants’ third quarter.
Peppermint is taking over beverage menus. Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s may expand their partnership. And stronger sales do wonders for franchisees margins.
Another Burger King operator goes bankrupt. Steak and Ale will be back by April. And Mellow Mushroom gets a new look.
Which restaurant chain sells the most tequila? Many restaurant chains report declining traffic. And a Wingstop franchise group has won a growth investment.
Restaurants’ labor pains appear to be easing. Starbucks workers are getting a raise. And a look at the tech making an impact at restaurants.
Sweetgreen wants to open at least seven more automated restaurants next year. Larry Roberts is stepping down as president and CEO of El Pollo Loco. And Wendy’s is convincing franchisees to build new units.
Today on RB Daily, it’s an earnings bonanza, with results from Starbucks, Papa Johns, Portillo’s and more. Also, Panera laid off some corporate staff. And marketing departments turn to the holidays.
Consumers apparently crave Wingstop’s chicken sandwiches in tough economic times. Chicken also performed well for Chili’s in its first fiscal quarter. And Savory Fund is getting into hot chicken.
TGI Fridays has its second new CEO in as many months. A small Florida chain files for bankruptcy. And why ratings agencies aren’t exactly thrilled with Raising Cane’s.
Potbelly has signed an agreement with Royal Restaurant Group to develop 36 units in Ohio and Florida. Digital and price hikes helped McDonald’s last quarter. And McDonald’s executives believe the brand can grow in California.
The economy is sending mixed signals. Texas Roadhouse wants to grow its to-go business. And a new federal bill calls for much harsher penalties for child labor violations.
Got student loans? You’re eligible for free Domino’s. Restaurants are rolling out more spooky promos. And how the blockchain could improve loyalty programs.
The Taco Tuesday wars are over. Mrs. Fields has a new owner. And David Chang’s Momofuku Ko is set to close.
Sweetgreen wants to do more dinner business. QSRs continue to dominate restaurant traffic. But eatertainment has also been a big winner.
PF Chang’s names Eduardo Luz CEO and president. Madison Square Garden taps new restaurant partners for the 2023-24 season. And Fat Brands is looking for strategic purchases.
Starbucks’ union accused the chain of stoking a boycott of its own stores. TGI Fridays is ready to take some risks. And a new restaurant from the founder of Whole Foods has closed.
Starboard Value has big plans for Outback Steakhouse. Chili’s is celebrating Nicki Minaj fans with its second Barbz Day. And Chipotle and other brands are making a push for late-night business.
The FTC wants to crack down on fake reviews. BurgerFi’s new CEO is making some changes. And the owner of Moonbowls raises some money.
Could Ozempic really hurt restaurant demand? The industry had a surprisingly strong September. And restaurants respond to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Chick-fil-A has published a cookbook. Pizza Hut said thousands of its locations have extended their hours until 2 a.m. And TGI Friday’s is adding sushi to the menu.
Domino’s Pepperoni Stuffed Cheesy Bread could mark a new era of menu innovation for the chain. The best-performing malls have this restaurant brand in common. And what to look for this coming earnings season.
Taco Bell adds a surprising new menu item. Chipotle and Sweetgreen play rock em sock em robots. And there’s a roughly 12% chance you - yes you - worked at McDonald’s at some point.
Consumers are becoming a lot more demanding. Dutch Bros is the most “shorted” restaurant stock right now. And you can now use Uber Eats to order from two restaurants at once.
Teens love chicken. Post Malone designs another Raising Cane’s. And the tale of El Pollo Loco shows how tough the M&A market has been
A c-store chain stakes its claim to pizza dominance. Domino’s launches an aggressive giveaway offer. And why Olive Garden could be America’s best melting pot.
Chicago kills the tip credit. Restaurants hit a key employment milestone. And Burger King has a new prototype designed to speed up operations.
Restaurant stocks have taken a hit. Chipotle is moving its test of Farmesa to the next stage. And a look at how restaurant chains are celebrating Halloween.
White Castle has some unusual new burgers. A high-tech loyalty startup raises money. And a look at the fast-growing coffee chain 7 Brew.
Restaurant chains test out automated makelines. Insomnia Cookies is on the market. And Domino’s and Microsoft are collaborating on AI strategies.
McDonald’s and Wendy’s win a lawsuit over their burger advertisements. A court orders 14 Bay Area Subway stores to close. And BurgerFi loses a high-profile board member.
A look at five big restaurant chain trends. Higher-end consumers may be cutting back on spending. And how coffee chains celebrated National Coffee Day
California’s landmark fast-food wage hike is on the books. Third-party couriers in New York City are also in line for a big raise. And Taco Bell tries vegan cheese.
Burger King buys a bunch of bankrupt Burger Kings. Subway is requiring all franchisees to start accepting digital coupons. And Sweetgreen tweaks its loyalty program.
Fat Brands has acquired Smokey Bones. Panera Bread is launching a new “Roman Empire” menu. And loyalty programs are becoming more cost effective for restaurants.
McDonald’s operators speak out against the chain’s service fee hike. Krispy Kreme is getting a new CEO. And KFC adds another bowl to its menu.
McDonald’s is increasing its franchise charges. Red Lobster named a new CEO. And Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza says goodbye to its AI phone ordering system.
Olive Garden customers are getting more selective. A group of restaurant veterans has a new taco concept. And these chains serve some of consumers’ favorite wings.
Portillo’s wants to grow to 800 locations. Consumers are showing more price sensitivity. And Uber Eats is adding an AI chatbot that can help diners decide what to order for dinner.
Restaurants show interest in dynamic pricing. California’s Marijuana dispensaries may soon be able to sell food and beverages. And Taco Bell is testing out Baja Blast flavored energy drinks.