Pizza Hut’s $1.2B China Sale Shakes Up Market
Yum! Brands has finalized a $1.2B deal to transfer Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, signaling big strategic moves for both global franchisors and operators.
Aug 7, 2026
Yum! Brands has finalized a $1.2B deal to transfer Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, signaling big strategic moves for both global franchisors and operators.
Aug 7, 2026
Panera Bread appoints industry veteran Andy Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer, ushering in a new era of brand growth and consumer engagement.
Aug 7, 2026
Portillo’s trims 18% of its corporate staff in a bid to refocus resources on restaurant excellence and navigate operational challenges. Discover what the changes mean for the chain’s future.
Aug 7, 2026
Scheduling software helps restaurants save time, control labor costs, improve communication, prevent conflicts, support compliance, and make smarter staffing decisions.
Aug 5, 2026
Portillo’s trims corporate and field roles by 18% in a strategic shake-up to support future growth after soft traffic and sales. Read what this means for multi-unit operators.
Aug 6, 2026
Dutch Bros invests $105 million to acquire Salad and Go’s closed locations, targeting rapid expansion in key southern markets. Learn what this means for multi-unit restaurant owners and operators.
Aug 6, 2026
Salad and Go's bankruptcy and closure offer key lessons on growth, risk management, and market dynamics for restaurant leaders. See what every operator can learn.
Aug 5, 2026
Learn how to calculate prime cost, track food and labor expenses, measure percentages, identify problems, and improve restaurant profitability consistently.
Aug 5, 2026
Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
Aug 5, 2026
Skye Anderson will lead McDonald's USA as its new president, stepping in to accelerate growth and revive sales. Learn how her leadership could shape the future of the restaurant industry.
Aug 4, 2026
Discover how Applebee's leveraged social media to drive growth, engage consumers, and launch a successful NFL season campaign.
Photo by Marina Matusevich
Photo by Marina Matusevich
Applebee's recent success in driving a 4.9% increase in same-store sales in Q2 2025 can be attributed to its strategic shift towards leveraging social media as a core element of its marketing approach. By enhancing its in-house social media team and focusing on real-time engagement, the casual dining chain saw remarkable improvements in consumer reach and brand resonance.
John Peyton, CEO of parent Dine Brands and president of Applebee’s, highlighted the benefits of an agile, in-house-led approach to social storytelling during an earnings call. The brand's emphasis on creating original content, embracing trending moments, and maintaining authenticity has significantly elevated its presence on platforms like TikTok, X, and Meta. Applebee's saw substantial growth in video views, user reach, and engagement, showcasing the impact of staying culturally relevant.
Applebee's upcoming NFL season campaign, positioning itself as the official grill and bar of the league, demonstrates the brand's commitment to meeting consumers where they are culturally. The focus on the Ultimate Trio menu item, offering a mix-and-match experience, coupled with engaging ads featuring NFL personalities, aims to create a memorable game day experience and establish a deeper connection with fans.
In a competitive casual dining landscape, Applebee's success is also attributed to its three-part strategy of enhanced menus, value platforms, and elevated guest experiences. By offering attractive deals like the two for $25 promotion, Applebee's not only delivers value but also encourages guests to explore new menu items, fostering loyalty and driving sales growth.