3+ day, 18+ hour ago   (717+ words) “The goal isn’t to open the cheapest restaurant. The goal is to make the smartest investment,” East Coast Wings + Grill CEO Sam Ballas said. As construction costs climb, more operators are eyeing second-generation restaurant spaces — sites with existing kitchens, hoods…...

4+ day, 23+ hour ago   (403+ words) For quick-service restaurants, sustaining customer frequency has become increasingly difficult. Consumers remain cautious about discretionary spending, competitors continue to promote aggressively and value expectations have risen. Even when restaurant sales grow, the increase can mask a more concerning trend: customers…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago   (977+ words) Coffee is in, pizza is out, and some legacy QSR chains are struggling with much-needed turnarounds. The first half of 2026 saw multiple major brand turnarounds pick up steam, as well as a sales surge at steakhouse chains. But pizza chains…...

2+ week, 3+ day ago   (347+ words) The refranchising deal in Orlando is part of the chain’s initiative to reduce its restaurant ownership in North America. Papa Johns is on track to reduce its ownership of restaurants to a mid-single-digit percentage of its North American storebase, Christopher…...

2+ week, 3+ day ago   (264+ words) Ahmed Awadallah, who brings significant cafe and QSR experience to the sports bar chain, will focus on operational excellence. New title: Chief operating officer, Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bar Previous title: Managing director and chief operating officer, Espresso House Group…...

2+ week, 5+ day ago   (917+ words) CEO Elizabeth Williams said the chain is doubling its pace of development relative to last year and considering adding more fried chicken. As a turnaround takes shape, El Pollo Loco's CEO is preparing for the next stage of growth. Earlier…...

2+ week, 5+ day ago   (741+ words) For restaurant operators, the holiday rush doesn’t arrive all at once. It builds in pockets: a school break that changes lunch traffic, a seasonal market that fills a downtown corridor or a game day that sends delivery orders up before…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago   (391+ words) The shift from its long-lived surprise-and-delight model to a points-based program with premium tiers offers consumers more consistent value and greater control of redemption. MyPanera’s rewards architecture is based around bankable points, with consumers earning 10 points for each dollar spent,…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago   (1285+ words) Guests don’t just want freebies, they want recognition, personalization and an overall great experience as part of their rewards membership. Editor’s note: This article is based on a virtual event hosted on Aug. 12, 2026 with Restaurant Dive, CX Dive, Hotel Dive…...

3+ week, 4+ day ago   (253+ words) Catering is the first initiative to go live under turnaround plan Project Grand Slam, which is meant to improve restaurant performance and the guest experience. The catering channel will not only fulfill ongoing demand from workplaces, but it will also…...