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The return of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte reasserts market leadership while testing new operational muscles—labor investments, mobile sequencing, and stock-keeping tools—against a tougher competitive set and mixed traffic signals.

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Diners are scanning across brands and choosing the strongest total package. McDonald’s and Taco Bell show two paths to value: clear bundles and a tight price cap, both anchored by operational excellence.

Fast Stop shifts from c-store roots to a restaurant-first model, acquiring nine ready-made sites in Texas and North Carolina to launch a Cajun-focused QSR chain.

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Massachusetts settlements against major franchisees put real dollars behind child labor enforcement, as federal data shows a 31% rise in violations and courts narrow franchisor liability.

Qdoba launches its first national campaign just days after elevating Jon Burke to CMO, reframing free guacamole and queso as a value-forward hook while building a multi-year, data-driven path to double its footprint by 2032.

Portillo’s is slowing expansion and ending its Chicago breakfast pilot to concentrate on core markets, embrace clustering, simplify operations, and target positive free cash flow in 2026 amid industry pricing and promotional pressures.

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Nicole Thaung becomes CFO of The One Group after its $365M Benihana acquisition, with a clear mandate to realize $20M in synergies by the end of 2026.

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Amid value wars, Checkers and Rally’s center a $4 Unbeatable Meal Deal within a culture-forward platform, blending challenger energy, authentic ambassadors, and social speed.

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Daybright gives Chick-fil-A a disciplined runway to test new beverages without touching its signature lineup—backed by Red Wagon’s try-and-learn model.

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Inflation-fueled value wars, rigid leases, and a softer crawfish season converged to push Razzoo’s into bankruptcy, underscoring the pressures redefining casual dining.