Restaurant Daily

Wendy’s had a very rough quarter, Dutch Bros is open to acquisitions, and the National Restaurant Association feels cautiously optimistic about the industry.

The Grinch did wonders for McDonald’s, Spongebob did wonders for Burger King, and nothing did wonders for Popeyes.

Jobs numbers were unexpectedly rosy in January. Is Red Lobster continuing to close restaurants? And Chili’s is launching a margarita club.

No, Chipotle is not raising prices because it’s seeing an uptick in higher-income consumers. Wonder is making its first restaurant acquisition. And Jack in the Box is accusing an activist investor of “volatile behavior.”

Minneapolis restaurants are struggling amid a federal immigration enforcement action in the city. Restaurant delivery keeps growing. And Fat Brands lenders want a new CEO.

Bob Evans has a new owner. Fogo has some AI. And Starbucks is going on offense.

Jack in the Box is playing defense in another proxy battle with activist investor Sardar Biglari. Noodles & Company is attempting to get back into compliance with Nasdaq. And Zaxbys has surpassed the 1,000-restaurant milestone.

Chipotle’s same-store sales continue to dip. For Yum Brands, Taco Bell soared while Pizza Hut keeps struggling. And Cracker Barrel is making headlines again.

Darden Restaurants is shutting down Bahama Breeze.  Starbucks picks strawberries to flavor its newest beverages. And two chains have appointed new chief executives.

A Subway franchisee with dozens of locations has filed for bankruptcy. Burger King is getting ready to grow in China. And new research sees some positive signs for Chipotle.

FAT Brands is about to lose its stock listing. Starbucks is introducing several back-of-house updates. And operators want to do less third-party delivery — but consumers still gravitate toward it.

Starbucks is shaking up its loyalty program. Will Jersey Mike’s go public? And Chili’s wants to give managers a bigger stake in its restaurants.

Is Brian Niccol’s long-term Back to Starbucks plan paying off? Chili’s just keeps chugging along. And Dunkin’ is focused on non-coffee drinks for Valentine’s Day.

A struggling brand collector has filed for bankruptcy. Torchy’s Tacos is shrinking its store count. And McDonald’s franchisees have drafted a bill of rights.

Franchisees are resisting Subway’s loyalty program. Jersey Mike’s promises it won’t change under private equity. And one of FAT Brands’ largest bondholders is suing the company.

Some third-party delivery platforms will need to change their tipping policies in New York City. Taco Bell is bullish about its Live Mas Cafe concept. And is there success ahead for fast-casual pizza?

Kelli Valade has found a new job shortly after Denny’s sale was finalized. McDonald’s and Taco Bell both have new sauces. And Nathan’s Famous has been acquired by a pork processor.

A California-based coffee chain is closing dozens of locations. Mr. Gatti’s Pizza has a new owner. And Red Robin is pushing a new value offer.

Starbucks is already changing its assistant store manager program. There’s another departure at Sweetgreen. And Five Guys is opening a Vegas flagship with a full bar.

A Popeyes franchisee declares bankruptcy. Olo has M&A plans. And what prognosticators say the industry can expect in 2026.

We’ve got lots of takeaways from this week’s ICR Conference. A New York City group has brought a Chicago chain into its fold. And KFC wants to stave off the Sunday Scaries.

Dutch Bros is buying a small coffee chain. Pollo Tropical would like to go public. And restaurant operators in Minnesota are pushing back against the ICE crackdown there.

Fat Brands has a big debt problem. Chipotle is looking for a new chief brand officer. And Jersey Mike’s is heading to Europe.

Noodles & Company is closing more locations than planned. TGI Fridays, meanwhile, has big opening plans. And Darden is on the hunt for more brands.

New dietary guidelines are good news for steakhouses, chicken concepts, and burger spots. Another regional chain is closing its doors. And the demand for healthy menu items is even higher than in Januarys past.