News

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.

Photo by Alex Haney on Unsplash

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.

Photo by shraga kopstein on Unsplash

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.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

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.

Photo by Brad on Unsplash

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.

Photo by omid armin on Unsplash

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

Cracker Barrel halts a limited remodel test after social media backlash, pledging to preserve vintage Americana while shifting investment toward kitchen-led value.

Photo by USAMA AKRAM on Unsplash

Starbucks is restoring thousands of seats and redesigning cafe flow in a $150 million remodel to foster longer visits, more frequent trips, and an inviting sense of belonging.