Restaurant Daily
Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business and Nation's Restaurant News.
Ninety-Nine Restaurants, Will Arnett Subway, Carl’s Jr. ad
Is Ninety Nine Restaurants up for sale? This Arrested Development star plays the part of your inner voice in a new Subway ad. And Carl’s Jr attacks another fast-food rival.
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Wendy’s, Pura Vida Miami, and the couch economy
A big Wendy’s franchisee has filed for bankruptcy. Food delivery is feeding into what Visa calls “the couch economy.” And Pura Vida Miami is on a growth spree.
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Chipotle, Wonder and cryptocurrency
Chipotle is taking steps to lower its food safety risk. More layoffs at Wonder. And is there a case for crypto in restaurants?
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Dave & Buster’s, KFC, Shark Club
Dave & Buster’s is done blaming the economy for its troubles. KFC is taking a jab at Wingstop with its latest wings promotion. And a Canadian sports bar chain is circling in American waters.
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Chipotle, Mike’s Red Tacos, and Wonder
Chipotle is expanding its apprentice program. Mike’s Red Tacos scores big with an investment from LeBron. And Wonder has an interesting new stakeholder.
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IHOP, Domino’s, Skyline Chili
IHOP is bringing back a fan-favorite menu item. A Domino’s franchisee has abruptly closed 13 locations. And Skyline Chili has a new CEO.
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Yum Brands, Boston Pizza, Bravo/Brio
Is Yum looking to acquire a new brand? There’s new leadership at Boston Pizza. And there’s an easy way to get more hits on your website: update your hours.
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Starbucks, Papa Johns, Pollo Tropical
Two years into the job, Brian Niccol says Starbucks is back. Papa Johns is joining the list of restaurants Walmart delivers from. And the owner of Pollo Tropical landed a big investment.
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Inspire Brands, Taco Bell, Jersey Mike’s
Inspire Brands’ CEO is taking medical leave. Taco Bell is planning a move. And Jersey Mike’s is upping its digital marketing game.
Red Lobster, Jersey Mike’s, Detroit-style pizza
Red Lobster has closed dozens of restaurants this year alone. Competition over Detroit-style pizza is picking up. And Jersey Mike’s grilled Italian Sub is back.
KFC, Sweetgreen, Twosome Place
A KFC exec comes back to roost. Sweetgreen issues a 30-day challenge. And yet another bakery-cafe chain from South Korea will debut on U.S. shores.
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Papa Johns, Dunkin’, Chick-fil-A
New data shows there is still a lot of work to be done on Papa Johns’ turnaround. Walmart will now deliver your Dunkin’ drinks. And Chick-fil-A is doubling down on its hunger awareness efforts.
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Chipotle, Domino’s and Food delivery layoffs
Chipotle is heading to Asia. Food delivery providers are cutting jobs. And how Domino’s created The Domino.
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Pizza Hut, Taco Bell x Salt & Straw, 7 Brew
Pizza Hut is officially no longer part of Yum Brands. Taco Bell and Salt & Straw are doubling down on their partnership. And 7 Brew is getting a bunch of closed Salad and Go locatio
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Chipotle, Domino’s and Starbucks
Chipotle’s going wild, launching two LTOs at once. Domino’s hopes its new rectangular pie for one will become a fast-food icon. And people sure seemed to welcome PSL season at Starbucks.
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Froyo, Dunkin’, Peter Piper Pizza
Froyo seems to be making a comeback. Dunkin’ is getting in on the tennis action. And Peter Piper Pizza is refreshing its arcades.
Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell and Long John Silver’s
Chick-fil-A is converting its Little Blue Menu test to the primary brand. Taco Bell is tapping Olivia Rodrigo. And a look at the up and down journey of Long John Silver’s.
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Papa Johns, Wingstop, beef prices
Papa Johns is moving toward its goal of fewer corporate stores. Wingstop’s chief brand officer is resigning. And consumers are spending more on beef, but eating it less often.
Consumer spending, Burger King and McDonald’s
Consumers are spending more at restaurants, but not at chains. Burger King has new-and-improved nuggets. And McDonald’s franchisees say they can’t afford remodels.
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Papa Johns, Chipotle, Hickory Tavern
Papa Johns has named its new franchise partner in Mexico. Chipotle topped its own sales record once again. And Artistry Restaurants is closing four Hickory Tavern locations in the Carolinas.
Starbucks, MOD Pizza and the potential for a SaaSpocalypse
Starbucks has laid off 200 workers. MOD Pizza has some menu upgrades. And restaurant chains are using AI to create their own apps. Is a sign of the SaaSpocalypse?
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Taco Bell, Subway, gas prices
Taco Bell is adding even more beverages. Subway is going for the gamers. And chains are rethinking value as gas prices continue to soar.
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Chipotle, Mike’s Red Tacos and 2016 nostalgia
Chipotle is going for Gen Alpha. Mike’s Red Tacos has a new CEO. And it feels like 2016 all over again, at least in terms of restaurant marketing.
Wendy’s president, throwback menus, Panera loyalty
Wendy’s U.S. president went back to his old job. Taco Bell and Buffalo Wild Wings are turning
Red Lobster, Jollibee, Sonic
Endless Shrimp is back at Red Lobster. Jollibee opened its first franchised location in the U.S. And Sonic is welcoming the fall season with iced drinks.
Hemp products ban. Pizza Hut CEO. Jack in the Box closures.
The almost total-ban of THC products has been delayed another month. Pizza Hut’s CEO departs following the brand’s sale. And Jack in the Box faces more closures.
Jack in the Box, Red Robin and Bonchon
Jack in the Box’s latest promotion was too spicy. Red Robin is seeing progress. And Bonchon has a new owner. Actually two.
Chili’s, Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A
Chili’s hot streak continues. Taco Bell leans into Tajin. And Chick-fil-A is tapping waffles.
Cava, Domino’s, Jimmy John’s/Buffalo Wild Wings Go
Cava had a pretty strong second quarter. Domino’s new product is targeting solo diners. And Jimmy John’s and Buffalo Wild Wings Go are opening a restaurant together.
Papa Johns, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Fireman Hospitality Group
Papa Johns is working on its marketing approach. A Moe’s Southwest Grill franchisee files bankruptcy. And so does a prominent operator of some iconic New York restaurants.
Wendy’s, El Pollo Loco, Sweetgreen
Wendy’s sales took another big hit last quarter. El Pollo Loco’s tenders might become permanent. And Cyclospora has thrown a wet blanket over Sweetgreen’s hopes for recovery.
Burger King, Outback Steakhouse, Papa Johns
Look at Burger King go. Outback Steakhouse continued its comeback in the second quarter. But Papa Johns’ Toy Story promotion was a bit of a disappointment.
Salad and Go, McDonald’s, Dine Brands
Salad & Go has said its final goodbyes. McDonald’s journey to 50,000 restaurants will take longer than expected. And Dine Brands had a mixed Q2.
McDonald’s, Dave & Buster’s, food safety
McDonald’s is bringing in new leadership for its now-struggling U.S. market. Dave & Buster’s is also making changes at the top. And another food-safety investigation is underway.
Domino’s, Red Lobster, Popeyes
Domino’s is offering incentives for feedback on its app. Red Lobster’s former owner says Endless Shrimp was not its fault. And Popeyes’ upgraded chicken tenders are back in the spotlight.
Starbucks development, tariff fatigue, Yum’s new strategy
Don’t expect a lot of new Starbucks shops in the U.S. next year. A new round of tariffs is here. And Yum has a new strategy now that Pizza Hut has been offloaded.
Domino’s, Red Lobster, Popeyes
Domino’s is offering incentives for feedback on its app. Red Lobster’s former owner says Endless Shrimp was not its fault. And Popeyes’ upgraded chicken tenders are back in the spotlight.
Chipotle, Taco Bell, Jersey Mike’s
Chipotle registered its strongest same-store sales growth since 2024. Taco Bell was the workhorse yet again for Yum Brands. And Jersey Mike’s is off and running as a public company.
Wingstop, Jersey Mike’s and Church’s Chicken
Q2 was not so great for Wingstop. It’s IPO day for Jersey Mike’s. And Church’s Chicken gets an investment.
Taco Bell, KFC and TGI Fridays
Taco Bell is breaking out the bigger guns to drive traffic. KFC’s best-kept secret could be steak. And TGI Fridays’ bankruptcy comes to a close.
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