Restaurant Daily

Domino’s is dealing with a lot of discounting from competitors. A Jack in the Box franchisee is suing the franchisor. And 2025 was not kind to fast-casual restaurant chain sales growth.

An Applebee’s franchisee is not happy about the growth of dual-branded units with sister-brand IHOP. The Deparment of Labor has a new proposed rule on joint employer status. And it’s tough to be a franchise brand in this market.

Little Caesars is taking its family meals to the skies, Starbucks is now enabling customers to schedule their orders, and a look inside the making of Wendy’s new spicy chicken sandwich.

Chipotle is bringing back its hardest hitting LTO. Jeni’s has a new CEO who knows a bit about ice cream. And which restaurant chains grew the most last year?

Starbucks is spending $100 million on its Nashville support center. Steak n Shake has a new chief maha officer. And P.F. Chang’s and El Pollo Loco announced big plans at RLC. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

Jersey Mike’s is heading for an IPO. Endless shrimp is back at Red Lobster. And this year’s Top 500 Restaurant chain report is out. It was a rough 2025. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

We can continue to expect menu innovation at El Pollo Loco. Bread Zeppelin wants the world to know they stuffed salad into bread long before Panera. And a breakfast and brunch chain is expanding into lunch. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

Little Caesars is on ChatGPT. Dairy Queen is bringing AI to the drive thru. And the slow demise of the tip credit will continue in Chicago. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

AI can now help pick your Starbucks based on your outfit. CAVA is officially launching its first seafood item. And Hardee’s is going big with the prime rib. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

Taco Bell is turning up the heat on its Nacho Fries. Chili’s unveiled its new chicken sandwich. Jack in the Box is trying to keep a franchisee from closing 38 restaurants. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

McDonald’s has some new drinks. Denny’s has a new CEO, and Jersey Mike’s had a pretty solid year under its new private equity owner. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

We have new intel as to what motivates quick-service consumers to eat out. Crumbl continues to ride a bit of a roller coaster. And Saucy by KFC is set to make its debut in the Lone Star State. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

The Power List is out. Chili’s is the new No. 2 in casual dining. And 7-Eleven’s IPO has been delayed. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

Landlords think the FAT Brands sale process is moving too quickly. A bankrupt franchisee is blaming California’s $20 fast food wage for its problems. And Panera has a new menu line. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

Restaurants will feel the pain of higher gas prices. It’s sauce time at Domino’s. And KFC is breaking into song. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

Chick-fil-A’s unit volumes have hit a ceiling. IHOP has trademarked an interesting acronym to promote its newest value offering. And Huey Magoo’s is pushing big into Texas.

Burger King wants to take the crown from McDonald’s. Taco Bell is giving U.S. customers a taste of the world. And the restaurant industry has clawed back some of the jobs lost earlier this year.

Starbucks is giving out bonuses. Red Lobster is still waiting for its post-bankruptcy comeback. And we now know more about McDonald’s $3 menu.

Independent restaurants don’t like the Sysco merger. Chagee is pumping the brakes on expansion. And Shake Shack unveiled big tech upgrades.

Firehouse Subs is sweetening the pot on its franchise development incentives. Restaurants want to help consumers who are feeling the pinch at gas pumps. And KFC is pulling a page from Taco Bell with its latest value play. 

Sysco is buying Restaurant Depot. Wendy’s is upgrading its chicken sandwich. And Papa Johns has some new sandwiches and sauces.

Wonder is adding a new Indian concept. Dos Toros is trying it again in Chicago. And women are dropping out of the restaurant industry.

Taco Bell is letting its Rewards members choose which global item to bring to the U.S. Noodles & Company’s turnaround seems to be going well. And Sweetgreen has launched three new chicken dishes.

McDonald’s is teaming up with KPop Demon Hunters. A large Applebee’s franchisee has filed for bankruptcy. And Krispy Kreme has sold a majority stake in a joint venture.

Starbucks wants shorter lines at airports for coffee. Domino’s is updating its pizza tracker. And OpenTable is demanding exclusivity.