Wingstop’s Expansion Runs Hot as Comps Cool
Wingstop adds 382 U.S. units to 3,056 total as comps dip; 2026 outlook hinges on loyalty, Smart Kitchen, and category tailwinds.
Jul 20, 2026
Wingstop adds 382 U.S. units to 3,056 total as comps dip; 2026 outlook hinges on loyalty, Smart Kitchen, and category tailwinds.
Jul 20, 2026
Topgolf Media Networks turns 100+ venues into an ad platform with 42M visits and 28,000 screens, tapping retail media tactics for measurable brand activations.
Jul 20, 2026
Domino’s leverages rising order volumes to boost revenue and market share despite industry challenges in Q2 2026, offering key lessons for restaurant owners.
Jul 20, 2026
Discover how Fresh off the Boat in Santa Ana has built a thriving, health-focused Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant. Explore operational insights, business strategies, and the customer experience that set this unique concept apart.
Jul 20, 2026
If your restaurant is busy but profits feel thin, food cost is usually the first place to look. Not because it is always the problem, but because it is the most controllable variable in your P&L.
Jul 20, 2026
Burger King launches its “Your Way Champion” managerial role, focusing on guest experience, order customization, and staff engagement. Restaurant operators can glean insights for elevating hospitality in their own venues.
Jul 20, 2026
Thomas Keller Restaurant Group will pay $2M to settle an EEOC harassment and retaliation case tied to Bouchon Las Vegas, closing a long-running action from 2018.
Jul 19, 2026
Fresh Kitchen names Bill Knopf and Matt Livingston to lead operations and development as the clean-label bowl brand targets growth beyond 100 locations.
Jul 18, 2026
Hardee’s franchisee Superior Star filed Chapter 11 after a 2023 deal revealed unpaid taxes, costly repairs, and lease burdens; plans to reject leases and refocus.
Jul 18, 2026
Cinnabon posted a net gain of 308 U.S. units in 2025 and launched Seattle’s Best Coffee in 2026 to boost beverage mix, margins, and franchise-driven expansion.
Jul 18, 2026
Explore how McDonald's is leveraging breakfast menu innovation and strategic partnerships to drive traffic and recover from sales drops.

McDonald's has embraced breakfast as a key growth driver following a setback due to a sales drop caused by external factors. The introduction of bagel breakfast sandwiches and the expansion of their menu with Krispy Kreme doughnuts highlight their commitment to offering diverse and appealing options to customers. Coupled with discounted offers like the Buy One Add One for $1 breakfast deal, McDonald's has witnessed a notable uptick in customer engagement and loyalty.
Ian Borden, McDonald's CFO, emphasized the positive response to promotional deals during the recent earnings call. The success of offers like the Buy One Add One for $1 demonstrates McDonald's ability to resonate with consumers and drive foot traffic. Borden's anticipation of upcoming 50th-anniversary deals further showcases McDonald's proactive approach to leveraging promotions to boost sales and market share.

In a time when industry challenges like egg supply disruptions due to the bird flu epidemic are affecting chains like Denny's and Waffle House, McDonald's strategic pricing and promotions on egg-based products set them apart. By offering Egg McMuffins and Sausage McMuffin with Eggs for $1 through app orders, McDonald's not only attracts customers but also effectively navigates supply chain constraints.
McDonald's collaboration with Krispy Kreme signifies a strategic move to fill the gap left by the discontinuation of the McCafe pastry lineup. By expanding Krispy Kreme doughnut offerings to more regions, including recent launches in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, McDonald's aims to enhance its breakfast menu appeal and provide customers with a wider variety of choices.

The partnership between Krispy Kreme and McDonald's is positioned for significant growth, with plans to make Krispy Kreme doughnuts available in over half of McDonald's U.S. stores by the end of 2025. The complete deployment across all stores is targeted by late 2026. This expansion not only diversifies McDonald's offerings but also strengthens its position in the breakfast market, catering to evolving customer preferences and enhancing the overall breakfast experience.