Episodes
A number of small restaurant chains have filed for bankruptcy recently. Pizza Hut is trying to terminate one of its largest franchisees. And another bankrupt chain gets hit with an employee lawsuit.
Published 06/20/24
Accomplished chef James Kent has died. Fast-casual pizza chain Blaze overhauled its brand. And Asian concepts were among the winners in casual dining last year.
Published 06/18/24
Published 06/18/24
McDonald’s is ending its AI drive-thru test. Former Red Lobster employees are suing the chain. And a TGI Fridays operator files for bankruptcy.
Published 06/17/24
The Supreme Court delivers a win for Starbucks. The economy comes for Dave & Buster’s. And yet another chain launches a meal bundle.
Published 06/14/24
Alamo Drafthouse has been sold. There’s good and bad news on the menu price inflation front. And Starbucks is joining the value wars.
Published 06/13/24
The impact of the $20 fast-food wage in California is still revealing itself. Noodles and Company appears to be popular with activist investors. And a respected restaurant founder, investor and advisor has died.
Published 06/12/24
Restaurant industry sales may be worse than originally expected this year. Applebee’s debuts a new chicken sandwich. And Tijuana Flats gets a new CEO.
Published 06/11/24
Service fees may be sticking around in California. An Alamo Drafthouse franchise shuttered its six locations. And what are the up-and-coming restaurant concepts in this year’s Top 500 report?
Published 06/10/24
Starbucks is making a big change to its app. An Alamo Drafthouse operator goes under. And viral food trends are turning into actual menu items.
Published 06/07/24
Another restaurant chain has declared bankruptcy. US operators appear to be struggling in China. And Burger King is expanding its flame-grilled offerings.
Published 06/06/24
Technomic’s Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report is out. Social media is a blessing and a curse for restaurant chains. And Condado Tacos has a new CEO.
Published 06/05/24
Rubio’s Coastal Grill is closing nearly 50 locations. Red Lobster could close more than 100 more of its restaurants. And Portillo’s will now be open earlier.
Published 06/04/24
The fast-food industry is changing. RB’s Top 500 ranking of the biggest chains is out. And BurgerFi is weighing its options.
Published 06/03/24
McDonald’s less-frequent guests are at the heart of its value perception problem. Cracker Barrel is pumping the brakes on Maple Street Biscuit Co. And Red Robin’s turnaround campaign is beginning to bear fruit.
Published 05/31/24
McDonald’s is going on the defensive over menu prices. There’s good news for folks who work up an appetite while online shopping. And Subway is setting a financial record.
Published 05/30/24
Fast food is now a luxury for most Americans. A new protein is coming to Cava. And KFC’s new menu item was cooked up with Gen Z in mind.
Published 05/29/24
There’s apparently an epidemic of restaurant industry misinformation. There’s a new Minnesota law regulating restaurant pricing standards. And a documentary filmmaker who was influential in fast food has died.
Published 05/28/24
Red Lobster says it has a plan to improve its operations. Sysco says consumers, particularly fast-food ones, are struggling. And Fuzzy’s Taco Shop says it’s opening a bunch of new restaurants.
Published 05/24/24
What role did private equity play in Red Lobster’s bankruptcy? A bunch of KFC locations get a new owner. And a look at some of the biggest tech trends to emerge from the National Restaurant Association Show.
Published 05/23/24
Where did Red Lobster get the shrimp for its endless shrimp promotion? Beverages are hot right now. And IHOP is getting an assist from AI.
Published 05/22/24
Red Lobster, as expected, has declared bankruptcy. Dynamic pricing has been a hot topic at the restaurant show. And Greg Flynn is expanding his restaurant empire.
Published 05/21/24
Cannabis beverages, protecting margins and AI have been some of the top themes at the National Restaurant Show. Cracker Barrel is doing a $700 million makeover. And Buffalo Wild Wings is tempting fate with its latest promotion.
Published 05/20/24
Restaurants may be losing business to Walmart. McDonald’s new dessert was inspired by grandmas. And has Chipotle changed its portion sizes?
Published 05/17/24
Red Lobster is said to be filing for bankruptcy protection very soon. Expect to be able to order a $5 McDonald’s value meal next month. And restaurant inflation continues to outpace grocery stores.
Published 05/16/24