Thomas Keller Group Settles EEOC Case for $2 Million
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
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
Craveworthy taps master franchisee Unisan Bowls to launch Genghis Grill and Dirty Dough in India, targeting Hyderabad first amid tight U.S. financing.
Jul 17, 2026
Buffalo Wild Wings launches Poppin’ Ranch, a 99-cent popping-candy ranch add-on, designed to spark sensory buzz and impulse trials ahead of Wing Day.
Jul 17, 2026
Wonder closed a $650M Series D at a $9B valuation to expand locations and invest in robotics, AI, and delivery tech, accelerating its automation-first restaurant model.
Jul 17, 2026
Understand sports bar startup expenses, including location, construction, kitchen equipment, televisions, licenses, insurance, staffing, supplies, and cash reserves for operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Learn how to increase restaurant sales during the World Cup final through smarter planning, staffing, promotions, inventory, menus, and operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Mother-daughter duo Ciara Boyce and Tracey Pidge bring Hotworx to Wasilla, the first of four Alaska studios, extending a fast-growing 800+ location brand.
Jul 16, 2026
Explore how Taco Bell is leveraging chicken menu innovation to stand out in the QSR industry and attract customers from competitors. Learn about the trends shaping the chicken menu landscape.


Taco Bell has been making strategic moves in the fast-food industry by focusing on chicken menu innovation. By introducing a Crispy Chicken recipe after rigorous testing of over 50 variants, the brand showcases its commitment to quality and flavor. The marination process using a jalapeño buttermilk flavor and breading the nuggets with a mix of breadcrumbs and crispy tortilla chips adds a unique twist to traditional chicken offerings.

With chicken as the primary protein in 95% of its innovations, Taco Bell has established itself as a key player in the chicken menu segment. The success of items like the Cantina Chicken menu and Chicken Al Pastor Street Chalupas highlights Taco Bell's dedication to evolving its menu to meet customer preferences. By strategically introducing and transitioning successful items to its regular or limited-time offerings, Taco Bell keeps its menu fresh and appealing.

The quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry is witnessing a shift towards chicken-centric menus, and Taco Bell is at the forefront of this trend. Competitors like McDonald's and Wendy's are also emphasizing chicken offerings to cater to evolving consumer preferences. With the affordability of chicken compared to beef and the increasing demand for chicken-based dishes, restaurants are adapting to meet the market demand and stay competitive.
The rise of chicken menus in fast food can be attributed to various factors, including the cost-effectiveness of chicken compared to beef. With cleaned chicken selling at a lower price per pound, restaurants can offer attractive menu items at competitive prices. Additionally, strong consumer demand for chicken-based meals has fueled the expansion of chains like Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s, Zaxby’s, and Dave’s Hot Chicken, further solidifying chicken's popularity in the industry.