PizzaExpress to Bring Houston TX Hot Chicken to UK, Ireland
PizzaExpress will master franchise Houston TX Hot Chicken across the U.K. and Ireland, targeting 50 sites in three years with three openings in six months.
Jul 13, 2026
PizzaExpress will master franchise Houston TX Hot Chicken across the U.K. and Ireland, targeting 50 sites in three years with three openings in six months.
Jul 13, 2026
Wingstop posts 8.7% comp decline; leans on Club Wingstop loyalty, sports-heavy media, and smart kitchens to rebuild traffic. Investors eye July 29, 2026 results.
Jul 13, 2026
Love & Honey Fried Chicken signs 20-unit Southeast Florida deal, halves wait times, and lifts AUV to $2M as it scales franchising beyond the Northeast.
Jul 13, 2026
Wonder acquires Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, aligning ops and tech to scale via food halls and delivery, backed by funding as it readies Texas expansion and eyes a 2027–2028 IPO.
Jul 13, 2026
Slim Chickens’ president and COO Christina Vaughan shares brand, prototype, and AI strategies ahead of her QSR Evolution session on September 10.
Jul 13, 2026
Sensory-driven menu language boosts sales 27% and speeds decisions online and in-store. Data-backed tactics, examples, and pitfalls for operators.
Jul 13, 2026
OpenTable’s new Gold Tables rewards six completed bookings with priority seating, Uber One perks, and data-driven loyalty benefits across 500+ venues.
Jul 13, 2026
Kyle Wiborg leads a 10-unit drive-thru push as Rita’s Italian Ice opens its first DFW site and targets rapid expansion amid a growing frozen desserts market.
Jul 13, 2026
Rich Screnci leads a turnaround for Mrs. Fields and TCBY under Pearl Street Equity, focusing on fieldwork, digital upgrades, and franchise growth.
Jul 13, 2026
Facing turbulent pizza sector conditions, Papa Murphy's will shutter dozens of stores as MTY Food Group refines its U.S. portfolio. Find out what these closures mean for operators and the industry.
Jul 13, 2026
The challenges faced by the restaurant industry in 2024, from inflation to bankruptcies, and the emergence of value strategies. Learn about consumer behavior shifts and what the future holds for 2025.

The year 2024 posed immense challenges for the restaurant industry, primarily due to historic inflation rates and significant shifts in consumer behavior. After enduring two years of rising menu prices, consumers drastically reduced their visits to restaurants towards the end of the previous year and the beginning of 2024. This sudden decline in foot traffic prompted restaurant brands to rethink their strategies to attract customers back through the doors.
To combat the decrease in consumer visits, restaurant brands initiated value strategies in the second quarter of 2024. This move marked the beginning of a full-fledged value war in the industry during Q3. Executives acknowledged the intricate consumer environment and devised various tactics to navigate through the challenging landscape without compromising profit margins excessively.
Simultaneously, 2024 witnessed a staggering number of restaurant bankruptcies, impacting both legacy brands and previously successful disruptors. Establishments such as TGI Fridays, Bucca di Beppo, and Red Lobster, alongside modern disruptors like World of Beer Bar & Kitchen and Tender Greens, faced financial turmoil. The issue extended to franchisees of well-known brands like Arby’s, Pizza Hut, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.
The pandemic led many restaurant concepts to accumulate debt as a means of survival, but as inflation soared and consumer visits dwindled, managing debt became increasingly challenging. Consumers' worsening financial outlook further exacerbated the situation, prompting a widespread struggle across all segments of the industry.
As the industry reflects on the trials of 2024, the upcoming year poses both opportunities and uncertainties. Despite the hardships faced, 2025 could herald a season of renewal for the restaurant sector. However, given the unforeseen challenges of the previous year, industry experts are cautious in making bold predictions for what lies ahead.