Applebee’s, joint employer regulations and Top 500 franchise brands

An Applebee’s franchisee is not happy about the growth of dual-branded units with sister-brand IHOP. The Deparment of Labor has a new proposed rule on joint employer status. And it’s tough to be a franchise brand in this market.

Little Caesars is taking its family meals to the skies, Starbucks is now enabling customers to schedule their orders, and a look inside the making of Wendy’s new spicy chicken sandwich.

Chipotle is bringing back its hardest hitting LTO. Jeni’s has a new CEO who knows a bit about ice cream. And which restaurant chains grew the most last year?

Starbucks is spending $100 million on its Nashville support center. Steak n Shake has a new chief maha officer. And P.F. Chang’s and El Pollo Loco announced big plans at RLC.Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

Jersey Mike’s is heading for an IPO. Endless shrimp is back at Red Lobster. And this year’s Top 500 Restaurant chain report is out. It was a rough 2025.Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

We can continue to expect menu innovation at El Pollo Loco. Bread Zeppelin wants the world to know they stuffed salad into bread long before Panera. And a breakfast and brunch chain is expanding into lunch.Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

Little Caesars is on ChatGPT. Dairy Queen is bringing AI to the drive thru. And the slow demise of the tip credit will continue in Chicago.Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

AI can now help pick your Starbucks based on your outfit. CAVA is officially launching its first seafood item. And Hardee’s is going big with the prime rib. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

Taco Bell is turning up the heat on its Nacho Fries. Chili’s unveiled its new chicken sandwich. Jack in the Box is trying to keep a franchisee from closing 38 restaurants. Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

McDonald’s has some new drinks. Denny’s has a new CEO, and Jersey Mike’s had a pretty solid year under its new private equity owner.Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast