Del Taco, DoorDash/Waymo, AI advertising

Chili’s is bringing back its Skillet Queso following a swift outcry on social media. 7 Brew is leading the coffee segment in traffic as bigger coffee chains struggle. And Taco Bell continues to expand its Live Mas Cafe beverage concept.

Yet another ghost kitchen operator appears to be shrinking. An investment gadfly is speaking out against Cracker Barrel. And here’s why technological redundancies just may be a good thing.

Cracker Barrel’s CEO has spoken out about “logo-gate” for the first time. Dunkin’ is getting ready to run in the afternoons. And The Consumer Price Index was published Friday after a 10-day delay.

Potbelly is now officially owned by a convenience-store chain. Perkins has a new CEO. And there are some looming questions as we approach third-quarter earnings.

A turf war between Big Boy operators appears to be over for now. FAT Brands has moved to settle one of the lawsuits filed against the company. And traffic remains negative, despite another year of record-breaking LTOs.

Cracker Barrel is debuting a new training program. Will the No Taxes on Tips rule create more wage disparity? And Starbucks is testing a new assistant manager program.

The ongoing federal government shutdown is expected to take a toll on Cava and Sweetgreen. Potbelly is the latest chain to crowd up the battleground over wraps. And a Pizza Hut UK franchisee is insolvent.

Restaurant franchising is seeing success right now, with some caveats. The Trump Administration’s immigration push is having wide-reaching impacts on the restaurant industry. And here’s how Walmart’s new ChatGPT partnership could affect the restaurant industry.

Del Taco has been sold. DoorDash is partnering with Waymo for driverless delivery. And this chain’s new ad campaign was created entirely with AI.

The Lemonade fast-casual brand is closing locations. Bravo and Brio are under new management. And what Cava can teach us about M&A.