ICE Disruption Act, Applebee’s, and AI chatbots

Small businesses affected by ICE crackdowns could get relief, Applebee’s is shifting its marketing strategy, and agentic AI is cropping up more in restaurants

Burger King wins the Oscars, Fat Brands is headed toward a sale, and a Popeyes franchisee is closing more restaurants.

Some Kona Grills will soon be converted to other brands. El Pollo Loco is ready to grow again. And Sweetgreen wants to be a lifestyle brand again.

Papa Johns is staying mum on takeover rumors. The big bite taken by Burger King’s president has juiced traffic. And the co-founder of Noma stepped down. 

Papa Johns is apparently weighing yet another offer. McDonald’s is introducing a new value offer.  And rising gas prices are likely to impact restaurant spending. 

Taco Bell is finally unveiling its menu lineup for 2026. Jimmy John's has a new brand president. And the Noma popup in Los Angeles could be in trouble.

Applebee’s is focusing on its off-premises business with its latest promotion. A Taiwanese-style boba tea chain is gunning for 1,000 U.S. locations. And California Pizza Kitchen is expanding its retail business for the first time ever.

February’s jobs report paints a gloomy picture for the restaurant industry. Texas Roadhouse added a high-profile new board member. And full-service restaurants could be in trouble, according to a new report.

Cracker Barrel’s recovery is inching forward. Del Taco’s new owners want the old Del Taco back. And Chick-fil-A is launching its spring menu next week.

The fast-food burger wars are getting a whole new life on social media. Starbucks is planning a new corporate office. And a large Freddy’s franchisee is getting even bigger.