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 the resignation of Sweetgreen's COO, Rossann Williams, and the impact on the company's growth strategy, particularly the Infinite Kitchen model.
Photo by Aubrey Odom
Photo by Aubrey Odom
Rossann Williams, the Chief Operating Officer of Sweetgreen, recently announced her resignation from the company, effective April 16. The decision to part ways was mutual, as indicated by a securities filing. While the specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed, Williams will continue to support Sweetgreen in a consulting capacity until June 1, ensuring a smooth transition. Her tenure at Sweetgreen, during which she oversaw operations, supply chain, real estate, and development, has been marked by notable achievements and strategic leadership.
Photo by Aubrey Odom
Before joining Sweetgreen, Rossann Williams amassed over 18 years of experience at Starbucks, culminating in her role as the executive vice president of North America retail. In this position, she played a pivotal role in managing 16,000 locations, spearheading expansion initiatives, and driving growth in same-store sales. Williams' extensive background in the food and beverage industry equipped her with the expertise needed to shape Sweetgreen's operational strategies and navigate the competitive landscape.
Photo by Aubrey Odom
Under Rossann Williams' leadership, Sweetgreen embarked on expanding its innovative Infinite Kitchen model, a game-changer in the restaurant industry. By the end of 2024, the chain boasted 12 Infinite Kitchens, showcasing the impact of automation on restaurant operations. The deployment of automated makelines within these kitchens not only enhanced efficiency but also contributed to improved margins and reduced turnover rates, signaling a shift towards tech-driven solutions in the food sector.
Photo by Aubrey Odom
Despite facing losses, Sweetgreen has maintained an ambitious growth trajectory. The chain expanded to 246 units by opening 25 new locations, with plans to launch 40 more restaurants this year, emphasizing the company's commitment to expansion. Half of these new establishments are slated to incorporate the Infinite Kitchen model, highlighting Sweetgreen's continued emphasis on innovation. While the brand reported a net loss of $90.4 million last year, a significant improvement from the previous year, the growth in same-store sales by 6% and the stability of average unit volumes at $2.9 million underscore the brand's resilience and potential for future profitability.