Restaurant Daily

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. 

California’s Fast Act may be dead, but its replacement will still have a big impact on restaurants. Kitchen United is preparing for a new chapter under a new CEO. And KFC and Popeyes are duking it out again, this time over wings.

Franchisees want to know what the return on investment is for new tech. A look at why sauce matters so much. And Papa Johns and other chains name new executives.

Can tech and hospitality coexist? Dunkin’ teams up with Ice Spice and Ben Affleck. And pickleball concepts are proliferating.

Sweetgreen passes a key margin benchmark. Howard Schultz is stepping down as Starbucks director. And what’s going on at Boston Market?

Noodles and Company is bringing Chicken Parmesan to the menu. Dominos changes up its loyalty program. And McDonalds is getting rid of its self-serve drink station.

We’ll discuss the chaotic world of the owner of Boston Market. About 40% of Clean Juice franchisees want out of the system. And the average price of a burger in the U.S. is nearly $16.

Elk and venison are back on the menu at Arby’s. An outage at Square creates headaches for restaurants. And a look at Wonder, a new restaurant concept from entrepreneur Marc Lore.

Subway introduces a new loyalty program. Whataburger is opening a digital kitchen. And Dave & Busters has a plan to boost sales. 

Chick-fil-A is adding hundreds of new mobile ordering lanes. Wendy’s gets in on the pumpkin spice action. And the owner of Carl’s and Hardee’s names two new execs.

Consumers can’t get enough of Starbucks’ pumpkin spice products. Toast’s CEO is stepping down. And Popeyes Sweet & Spicy Wings has been its most popular product introduction in four years.

The price to buy a McDonald’s is going down. Subway closures have been good for other sandwich chains. And a look at the many ways restaurants are using AI.

Chipotle is on track to add 7,000 new jobs this year. Pokeworks has a new CEO. And Baja Blast flavored gelato, anyone?

TGI Fridays has a new CEO. A look at the chains with the most closures last year. And what tennis fans can find on the menu at this year’s US Open.

Krystal is planning a strategic refranchising program. Dog Haus has a new CEO. And DoorDash is developing an AI voicebot that can take phone orders.

Roark Capital is buying Subway. You’ll soon find bone-in wings on the menu at Walk-On’s. And Fatz Cafe has closed all of its locations.

Panera Bread is testing a smaller menu. A pickleball concept raises a courtload of money. And the tiny salad chain Green District files for bankruptcy.

Subway’s online reputation could use some help. O’Charley’s closed 18 stores in a single day. And a Chicago-area restaurant hosts a “sensory-friendly” dining hour.

Los Angeles-based chain Lemonade has been sold to Elite Restaurant Group. Veggie Grill has closed 12 restaurants. And the Subway sale might be the third largest valuation ever paid for a restaurant chain.

Subway is reportedly close to a sale. You can now get wings from Popeyes. And Sweetgreen hires two former Chipotle execs.

Starboard Value is eyeing the owner of Outback Steakhouse. The founders of another classic steakhouse are getting another chance in the business. And get ready for higher pork prices.