Starbucks menu, casual-dining acquisition, Portillo’s activist investor

Yet another casual-dining chain has filed for bankruptcy protection. Expect to see a lot more Wendy’s restaurants. And the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s has a new CEO.

Applebee’s is getting back into operating restaurants. A customer is accusing Shake Shack of deceptive advertising. And, has Pizza Hut perfected the art of diss marketing?

Another Starbucks exec is making an exit. Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken is joining Craveworthy Brands. And fries have arrived at Sweetgreen.

Starbucks’ spring lineup is colored in pastels. The owner of Pollo Tropical has acquired another chain. And an activist investor at Portillo’s is gearing up for a proxy fight.

A couple of restaurant chains are closing units. Grubhub is laying off hundreds of workers. And Subway franchisees are not fans of the chain’s latest deal.

Papa Johns is getting more customers to use its loyalty program. Red Robin could close up to 70 stores. And Sweetgreen is rolling out its long-awaited fries.

A fast-growing fast-casual chain may have a buyer. A couple of big chains are making significant menu cuts. And Cava had a very good 2024.

Wall Street isn’t pleased with Krispy Kreme. Golden Corral has a fast-casual spinoff. And Portillo’s is launching an app-less loyalty program.

Starbucks is laying off a significant number of corporate workers. Denny’s is adding an egg surcharge. And this fast-casual salad chain just got a big cash infusion

Another casual-dining chain is reportedly considering bankruptcy. It’s been a slow start to 2025 for Texas Roadhouse. And Church’s Texas Chicken has a new CEO.