Restaurant Daily

Chipotle is expanding its apprentice program. Mike’s Red Tacos scores big with an investment from LeBron. And Wonder has an interesting new stakeholder.Learn more about Yelp Host at ⁠⁠⁠https://business.yelp.com/nrn

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.Learn more about Yelp Host at ⁠⁠https://business.yelp.com/nrn

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.Learn more about Yelp Host at ⁠https://business.yelp.com/nrn

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. Learn more about Yelp Host at ⁠https://business.yelp.com/nrn

Inspire Brands’ CEO is taking medical leave. Taco Bell is planning a move. And Jersey Mike’s is upping its digital marketing game.Learn more about Yelp Host at ⁠https://business.yelp.com/nrn

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.Learn more about Yelp Host at ⁠https://business.yelp.com/nrn

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.Learn more about Yelp Host at https://business.yelp.com/nrn

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.Learn more about Yelp Host at https://business.yelp.com/nrn

Chipotle is heading to Asia. Food delivery providers are cutting jobs. And how Domino’s created The Domino.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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 locatioJoin us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

Froyo seems to be making a comeback. Dunkin’ is getting in on the tennis action. And Peter Piper Pizza is refreshing its arcades.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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.

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.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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?Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

Taco Bell is adding even more beverages. Subway is going for the gamers. And chains are rethinking value as gas prices continue to soar.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

Wendy’s U.S. president went back to his old job. Taco Bell and Buffalo Wild Wings are turningJoin us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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. Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

Jack in the Box’s latest promotion was too spicy. Red Robin is seeing progress. And Bonchon has a new owner. Actually two.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

Chili’s hot streak continues. Taco Bell leans into Tajin. And Chick-fil-A is tapping waffles.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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. Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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 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.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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 & 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.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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 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.

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 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 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.

Q2 was not so great for Wingstop. It’s IPO day for Jersey Mike’s. And Church’s Chicken gets an investment.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

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.Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠ https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

Cracker Barrel has a new CEO. Domino’s is doing another discount. And Gong Cha is going big in Texas. Join us at FSTEC 2026!⁠ https://informaconnect.com/fstec/?utm_source=content&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fstec26&utm_content=podcasts⁠

Noodles had a pretty fabulous second quarter. The Popeyes franchisee Sailormen finds a new buyer for some units. And consumers sure loved Wendy’s Frosty totes and other merch.

Taco Bell is trying to lure back customers. Chick-fil-A is testing a spicy version of its Chick-n-Strips. And Salad and Go has reworked its menu. 

Ron Shaich invests more in eatertainment. Chili’s gets a new look. And Domino’s is adjusting its marketing calendar.

Former longtime Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler has a new gig. Cracker Barrel’s comeback is picking up steam. And Popeyes really wants consumers to try its new chicken tenders.

Domino’s exceeded Wall Street’s expectations. Maple Street Biscuit Company has a new owner. And Jersey Mike’s IPO is off and running.

Topgolf is turning its venues into an advertising channel. Wonder is coming for fast food. A sexual harassment suit involving the restaurant Bouchon in Las Vegas is settled.

Chipotle is hydrating for the last World Cup game. Wonder’s valuation is reaching $9 Billion. And operating expenses for restaurants are up. Really up.

Texas Roadhouse is testing delivery. Chick-fil-A is modernizing playgrounds. And the James Beard Awards ceremony may be leaving Chicago.

Taco Bell wants to make it clear the chain has NOT been IDed as a source of cyclospora. Chipotle opens in Mexico for the first time. And Yoshinoya has picked up a ramen chain to grow in the U.S.

Panera is making a big change to its Unlimited Sip Club. Papa Murphy’s is continuing to close restaurants. And Olive Garden is bringing back a much-loved promotion. 

Wonder is adding yet another brand to its portfolio. Taco Bell has pulled some ingredients out of concern about cyclospora. And the parent of &pizza and Tijuana Flats has a new CEO.

McDonald’s new prototype is see-through. Velvet Taco is the latest chain to jump into value. And Chipotle is making its appearance in another video game, less than a month after its first.

Chipotle’s venture fund has some new investments. A Mountain Mike’s franchisee files bankruptcy. And Hot Dog on a Stick has a new owner.