True Food Kitchen Files Bankruptcy, Closes 12 Sites
True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closing 12 locations and shrinking to 34 restaurants across 14 states amid $42.1 million in debt.
Oct 5, 2026
True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closing 12 locations and shrinking to 34 restaurants across 14 states amid $42.1 million in debt.
Oct 5, 2026
Snooze Eatery names industry veteran Amy Hom as COO, starting Sept. 28, to strengthen hospitality and operations ahead of its next growth phase.
Oct 5, 2026
Restaurants can control operating costs by tracking food, labor, rent, utilities, technology, marketing, and other expenses against sales.
Oct 5, 2026
Opening a second restaurant location requires readiness, clear goals, financial planning, funding, smart strategy, standardized operations, strong teams, and careful launch monitoring for sustainable growth.
Sep 30, 2026
Evaluate restaurant industry performance in Q3 2026 through key trends affecting restaurant sales, traffic, consumer spending, labor, costs, and technology.
Oct 2, 2026
Improve restaurant visibility with local SEO by optimizing Google Business Profile, targeting local keywords, managing reviews, and maintaining accurate online information.
Oct 5, 2026
Understand tip pooling rules, employee eligibility, distribution methods, compliance requirements, recordkeeping practices, and policies restaurant owners need for proper tip management.
Oct 2, 2026
Whit's Frozen Custard hires industry veteran Amos Durbin as COO to guide franchise expansion, drawing on two decades of restaurant leadership experience.
Oct 2, 2026
FAT Brands' $1B acquisition empire fell into bankruptcy and sold for $965M, re-emerging as OHG Brands with 1,700 restaurants.
Oct 1, 2026
CAVA names John Ludeke, former Dr. Squatch Chief Brand Officer, as its new CMO to drive national growth and guest loyalty.
Oct 1, 2026
Unlock Exclusive Access To Webinars, Events, And The Latest News For Free!
Explore the latest trends in restaurant operations, sales performance, and consumer preferences. Learn about the shift from vegetable oil to beef tallow in cooking and its impact on customer satisfaction.
Photo by S O C I A L . C U T
The recent ICR Conference provided valuable insights into the current state of the restaurant industry. Operators emerged cautiously optimistic about sales trends and returning foot traffic. Many brands shared their fourth-quarter results during the conference, highlighting improved performance. Despite this positive outlook, the year 2024 concluded with a slight downturn in restaurant sales, indicating a need for strategic adjustments to boost revenue.
Photo by S O C I A L . C U T
According to retail sales data from the U.S. Census, restaurant and bar sales experienced a 0.3% decline in December compared to November. While there was a 2.4% increase from the previous year, this growth rate was lower than the 3.6% rise in menu prices during the same period. This discrepancy signals a potential mismatch between pricing strategies and consumer spending habits, necessitating a reevaluation of pricing models to align with market dynamics.
Photo by S O C I A L . C U T
Steak ‘n Shake's decision to switch from vegetable oil to beef tallow for frying its french fries reflects a broader movement towards traditional cooking methods. The use of beef tallow aims to enhance the authentic flavor of shoestring fries, catering to consumers seeking a nostalgic culinary experience. This change not only aligns with consumer preferences for minimally processed ingredients but also taps into the growing demand for 'heritage' cooking techniques that evoke a sense of tradition and quality.
The shift from vegetable oil to beef tallow has sparked varied reactions among consumers. While some applaud the move as a return to classic flavors and healthier options, others express concerns over the higher saturated fat content of beef tallow. This debate underscores the complexity of balancing taste preferences with nutritional considerations in the evolving landscape of food choices. Moreover, the industry's response to this change may set a precedent for future culinary trends and operational decisions within the restaurant sector.