QSR traffic, Starbucks union, spinoff concepts

There’s big CEO news at two restaurant brands. Chipotle did something it hasn’t done since the pandemic. And McDonald’s is adding a new menu item.

Consumers are expected to cut back on restaurant spending this summer. North Italia has reinvented its brunch and happy hour menus. And the fast-casual Currito chain is accelerating its growth.

Maggiano’s is leaning into luxury. With value-focused pricing. Salad and Go has a new CEO. And pizza chains are feeling the pinch from third-party delivery.

McDonald’s is giving thanks for Minecraft. Chipotle is heading to Mexico. And did the potential restaurant industry tech disruptors actually disrupt anything?

Cookie chain Crumbl had a solid 2024. There’s new energy at IHOP. And here’s the inside story of the rise, fall and possible rebirth of Hooters.

Taco Bell is bringing back its popular crispy chicken nuggets. About 75% of all restaurant traffic is off-premises. And Jollibee is seeing huge growth.

Big restaurant chains struggled last year. Another Burger King franchisee files for bankruptcy. And uncertainty is the word of the moment.

There’s a new Restaurant Leader of the Year. A big Burger King franchisee declared bankruptcy. And Scooter’s Coffee has a new rewards program.

Burger King has a new CMO. Starbucks is modifying its dress code. And consumer confidence fell off a cliff last month.

A new survey sheds light on the favorite restaurant brands of teens. Portillo’s is offering up more details on its upcoming breakfast test. Hint: There will be doughnuts. And this year’s Pacesetter Award goes to fast-growing Dave’s Hot Chicken.