Popeyes, El Pollo Loco and New York’s Waldorf Astoria

An Outback Steakhouse turnaround plan is in the works. Tijuana Flats has a new owner. And Papa Johns is not for sale.

The Snack Wrap and value helped McDonald’s last quarter. Wingstop is developing its first loyalty program. And Taco Bell is innovating on its signature Baja Blast flavor.

Pizza Hut appears to be on the hunt for a buyer. Denny’s is going private for the first time in decades. And Wingstop is feeling the impacts of consumer anxiety.

Starbucks is going on offense. Wendy’s sees a silver lining in its Frosty program. And TGI Fridays’ U.S. manager has acquired its counterpart across the pond.

Popeyes is working through a slump. El Pollo Loco is improving profitability, and New York’s Waldorf Astoria is back and better than ever.

Chipotle downgraded expectations for the year – again – after a disappointing third quarter. The world’s largest franchise group is adding a new brand to its portfolio.  And Burger King’s focus on its signature Whopper is paying off.

It was another big quarter for Chili’s. Get ready for a Cheesecake Factory app. And a pub chain has a new owner.

Chili’s is bringing back its Skillet Queso following a swift outcry on social media. 7 Brew is leading the coffee segment in traffic as bigger coffee chains struggle. And Taco Bell continues to expand its Live Mas Cafe beverage concept.

Yet another ghost kitchen operator appears to be shrinking. An investment gadfly is speaking out against Cracker Barrel. And here’s why technological redundancies just may be a good thing.

Cracker Barrel’s CEO has spoken out about “logo-gate” for the first time. Dunkin’ is getting ready to run in the afternoons. And The Consumer Price Index was published Friday after a 10-day delay.