The Latest
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Restaurant trend outlook for 2024
Slow traffic, growing interest in afternoon snacking and trends toward value menus, digital and in-store personalization will shape the restaurant landscape.
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Sonic launches $1.99 value menu
The chain confirmed its value menu is permanent, in contrast to the temporary discounts offered by McDonald’s, KFC and Burger King this summer.
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Fat Brands hires financial expert to help deleverage balance sheet
In his new role, Jordan Chirico will focus on the company’s $1.2 billion debt that built up following Fat’s acquisition spree that began in 2019.
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Deep Dive
Compass Coffee responds to union drive with mass hiring
The union plans to challenge the voter eligibility of scores of workers the Washington, D.C.-based chain added to its roster ahead of a scheduled mid-July election.
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Wendy’s inks deal with solar company to cut restaurant emissions
The collaboration with Ampion Renewable Energy will help provide renewable electricity to local utility grids and decrease restaurants’ reliance on fossil fuels.
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Burritobar signs 93-unit NJ master franchise deal
Burritobar will target secondary and tertiary suburban markets anchored by shopping centers in its initial phase of U.S. expansion, CDO Jeff Young said.
Updated July 2, 2024 -
Back to Basics: 5 ways restaurants can prepare for a successful grand opening
Training, research, marketing, influencer buzz and loyalty programs can all ensure patrons walk into the restaurant on day one, and return during the weeks after, experts say.
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Panera faces potential class-action lawsuit over data breach involving employee information
Corporate files were accessed during a security incident in March, but workers weren’t informed about sensitive data being exposed until June, the lawsuit claims.
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California changes junk fee disclosure for restaurants
The state’s exemption says restaurants, bars, grocery stores and grocery delivery services don’t need to list mandatory fees as required by rules set to go into effect Monday.
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Taco Bell beefs up value with $7 Luxe Cravings box
Six months after it launched its 10-item Cravings menu, the chain added a five-item meal that it says is 55% cheaper than buying the items separately.
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Amex banks on spending at high-end restaurants
Analysts say American Express wants to cash in on the restaurant industry’s success and give customers admission to premium experiences.
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Panera cooks up new breakfast menu
Its April menu refresh consisting of sandwiches, salads and mac and cheese categories has received strong guest and staff member feedback.
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California adopts rule limiting indoor workplace heat exposure
Employers will have to provide workers with cool down spaces and water if the indoor temperature or heat index cracks 87 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Arby’s franchisee files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Miracle Restaurant Group declared its second bankruptcy since 2010, citing financial pressures, rising costs, negative same-store sales and its inability to sell a number of low-performing stores.
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Chili’s arcade-inspired video game slams rising fast food prices
Inspired by the cult classic BurgerTime, the game is meant to drive loyalty program sign-ups and serve as an outlet to vent frustration.
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Starbucks adds caffeinated, sparkling iced teas to core menu
The launch also includes two new food items, a Caramel Swirl Iced Coffee and new customizations for drinks, as the chain continues is multi-pronged effort to drives traffic by menu changes.
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Cracker Barrel begins menu transformation with 14-store test
The company is testing 20 menu items and an easier-to-navigate menu that it says reduces recipe complexity.
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White Castle bolsters late-night staff to help drive and satisfy increased sales
Orders placed between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. are an increased percentage of sales at the fast food chain, and it hopes to capitalize on growing demand.
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Hooters closes locations across the country
The casual chain joins TGI Fridays, Bloomin’, Rubio’s and Red Lobster in shuttering several locations this year following declining market conditions.
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48-store Subway operator declares bankruptcy after wrongful death suit appeal denied
River Sub owes the survivors of a murdered manager nearly $3 million, by far the largest liability on its balance sheet.
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Chipotle extends coveted Celebrity Card to fans on social media
Consumers can apply for the card once reserved for notable figures across TikTok, Instagram and X to receive one free meal per day for a year.
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Popeyes adds 6 boneless wing flavors to permanent menu
The new items come just months after the addition of bone-in wings to the core menu, which helped drive sales at the chain during Q1.
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Perkins rebrands, launches redesign
Along with changing its name from Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to Perkins American Food Co., the casual brand will revamp its menu.
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Habit Burger Grill launches catering with ezCater
The fast casual chain joins chains like Bojangles and Perkins which have added catering through ezCater this year.
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Sonic adds 6 beverages to permanent menu
With photogenic twists on classic flavors like cola and lemonade, the chain appears to be aiming for Gen Z consumers.