California Pizza Kitchen owner, McDonald’s franchisees, sales and hiring

California Pizza Kitchen has a new ownership group. Some McDonald’s franchisees are upset about the chain’s new pricing strategy. And new economic data presents a less-than-rosy view of the restaurant industry.

Sweet Tomatoes is alive and growing again. Noodles and Company is planning a potential reverse stock split. And Firehouse Subs is in “high growth mode.”

Third-party delivery players are suing New York City over tipping. Chipotle marks a growth milestone. And consumers aren’t necessarily drinking less, they’re just drinking differently.

Recent McDonald’s and Burger King promotions drove a material lift in traffic. Tourism has fallen this year and it seems to be having a pretty big impact on restaurant businesses.  And restaurants are feeling short-changed by the federal government’s decision to stop printing the penny.

Cracker Barrel is laying off corporate staff. A fast-casual pizza chain declared bankruptcy. And Shake Shack is growing traffic.

In-N-Out Burger is officially debuting in Tennessee this week. Hardee’s is at war with another franchisee. And Wendy’s is leaning into a viral TikTok trend.This episode of Restaurant Daily is sponsored by O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream. Visit ⁠⁠https://www.okeeffescompany.com/restaurantdaily⁠⁠ and use code NRN for 15% off your first order.

McDonald’s is beefing up its franchising standards around value. The Grinch, meanwhile, appears to be saving the burger giant’s Christmas. And Sweetgreen has come out with a major value play.This episode of Restaurant Daily is sponsored by O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream. Visit ⁠⁠https://www.okeeffescompany.com/restaurantdaily⁠⁠ and use code NRN for 15% off your first order.

The fast-casual category is thriving in one specific area. Brands that have strayed too far from their core menus are returning to their origins. And Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe may have a buyer.

California’s Fast Food Council has gone dormant. Here come the 2026 restaurant industry predictions. And a 10-unit wood-fired pizza concept is getting some growth funding.

Chick-fil-A is making a major strategic change to its non-traditional restaurant portfolio. Velvet Taco has named a new CEO. And KFC’s Saucy concept will add three new locations in the next several weeks.This episode of Restaurant Daily is sponsored by O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream. Visit ⁠⁠https://www.okeeffescompany.com/restaurantdaily⁠⁠ and use code NRN for 15% off your first order.