Lipotle Debuts: Guac-Proof Lip Stain
Chipotle teams with Wonderskin to launch Lipotle, a two-step guac-proof lip stain kit timed for National Avocado Day, blending food culture with beauty tech.
Apr 19, 2026
Chipotle teams with Wonderskin to launch Lipotle, a two-step guac-proof lip stain kit timed for National Avocado Day, blending food culture with beauty tech.
Apr 19, 2026
Photo by Monika Guzikowska on Unsplash
Hawkers Asian Street Food files Chapter 11 to stabilize operations, rework debt terms, and pursue growth with Savory Fund investment while preserving brand and staff.
Apr 19, 2026
Photo by Joshua Rodriguez on Unsplash
Starbucks accelerates sustainability with cups, EV chargers, and Illinois solar projects, weaving renewables into daily operations and community life.
Apr 19, 2026
A profile of Angry Chickz’s bold heat, culture-led growth, and disciplined franchise model expanding from California to Texas and Arizona.
Apr 18, 2026
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NRN's Investment Summit connects emerging restaurant brands with investors in Nashville, blending education, pitches, and deal-making to accelerate growth.
Apr 18, 2026
RaceTrac acquires Potbelly to accelerate a franchising-led expansion, backed by new leadership and an expanded development playbook.
Apr 18, 2026
Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash
Chili’s brings back Ziosk for pay-at-table, loyalty, and AI insights across 1,100+ locations, signaling a thoughtful, guest-focused digital restart.
Apr 18, 2026
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Scottsdale welcomes a compact, all-day market from True Food Kitchen blending wellness-forward meals with grab-and-go convenience, signaling broader growth into market formats.
Apr 18, 2026
The Melting Pot blends modernization with conversions to grow, inviting brighter guest experiences while honoring its fondue heritage.
Apr 18, 2026
Photo by Matt Benson on Unsplash
South Block grows along the East Coast with Savory Fund, preserving neighborhood-first ethos and people-on-the-block philosophy.
Apr 18, 2026
Discover how AI and automation are revolutionizing the restaurant industry, enhancing guest and employee experiences
Photo by Sergio Arteaga on Unsplash
Photo by Sergio Arteaga on Unsplash
The restaurant industry has faced challenges due to changing consumer spending patterns and potential trade policy shifts. In response to these obstacles, major restaurant chains like BJ’s Restaurants, Cracker Barrel, and Bloomin’ Brands are turning to automation and AI technologies to improve operational efficiency and drive growth.
Cracker Barrel's CEO and President, Julie Felss Masino, highlighted the success of AI-powered personalization capabilities within their rewards program. This implementation led to a notable increase in average revenue per member. Moreover, the Tennessee-based chain utilized AI for traffic forecasting, enhancing accuracy and optimizing labor management. Guest relations also benefited from AI, reducing resolution times and improving accessibility to live customer support.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga on Unsplash
With a focus on enhancing guest experiences, BJ’s Restaurants are expanding their AI deployment for forecasting and optimizing workforce planning. By leveraging AI, the company aims to ensure team members are strategically placed to provide exceptional service to customers. This move has resulted in improved labor scheduling and heightened guest sentiment across their establishments.
Bloomin’ Brands, with its diverse portfolio of restaurants, emphasizes the importance of technology in simplifying employee tasks and enhancing guest experiences. The company's CEO, Michael Spanos, underscores the continuous evaluation of technology to streamline operations and elevate the overall dining experience. The appointment of Gagan Sinha as CIO signifies the company's commitment to optimizing technological advancements within its establishments.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga on Unsplash
Bloomin’ Brands' implementation of a new point of sale system, combined with AI tools, aims to accelerate customer feedback processes and facilitate better communication among managing partners. Through real-time data analysis, the company can identify trends and areas for improvement promptly, leading to more efficient and effective responses to customer needs.