Restaurant performance gap, Starbird CEO, Cracker Barrel DEI

Taco Bell continues to win with marketing. The Crunchwrap is the latest source of menu innovation. And a new law in Texas will make it easier on restaurant operators there.

Cracker Barrel is scrapping its new logo. A Bloomin’ Brands director is taking the lead on addressing mental health in the industry. And restaurant brands are ready to celebrate the engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

Donald Trump is weighing in on Cracker Barrel’s new logo. Chili’s shook up the casual-dining curve last quarter. And one smoothie chain is adding food for the first time.

\Concerned guests can now scoop their own Chipotle protein. Pumpkin Spice is back at Starbucks. And there’s an underrated element to casual-dining’s comeback.

Chili’s corporate workers are getting some big bonuses after a big year. What will McDonald’s freshly discounted bundles mean for the bottom line? And diners aren’t drinking like they used to.

Cracker Barrel has drawn the ire of conservatives, a lot of cars are adding their own drive-thrus to restaurants and here comes Zipotle.

McDonald’s is discounting its combo meals. A coffee company took a key step toward becoming public. And restaurants aren’t all that profitable.

Another casual-dining company has filed for bankruptcy. Starbucks is giving out some modest raises. And sweetgreen is bringing in baby goats.

Taylor Swift is inspiring creative restaurant marketing ploys. Operators are encouraging franchisee growth with cash incentives. And Applebee’s is launching an appetizer value ploy.

Texas Roadhouse appears ready to gear up for even more growth. An AI drive-thru firm has a new hire from Wendy’s. And Blue Apron’s new owner is shaking up meal kits.