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
Explore how Kura Sushi USA Inc. leverages strategic market expansion and enhanced customer experiences for growth.

Kura Sushi USA Inc., a prominent player in the Japanese revolving service model, is strategically expanding into smaller markets to diversify its presence and test scalability. By venturing into cities like Bakersfield, Calif., the company is breaking away from its traditional focus on larger metropolitan areas. This strategic move allows Kura Sushi to assess the viability of its concept in markets with different demographic profiles and competitive landscapes.

One of the key drivers behind Kura Sushi's success has been its relentless focus on enhancing the customer experience. By introducing a reservation and self-seating system, the company is addressing a critical aspect of the dining journey. This system not only improves convenience for patrons but also optimizes operational efficiency by potentially eliminating the need for dedicated hosting positions. Furthermore, the impending rollout of updated ordering panels and a redesigned Mr. Fresh 2.0 underscores Kura Sushi's commitment to modernizing its in-house processes and technologies to elevate guest satisfaction.

Despite experiencing a net loss in the first quarter, Kura Sushi USA remains optimistic about its growth potential. With an increase in same-store sales and a strategic expansion strategy into untapped markets, the company is poised for long-term success. The positive customer response from its Bakersfield location and the confidence gained from successful openings in other cities signal a promising trajectory for Kura Sushi's expansion plans.