McDonald’s Adds Two New Sauces to its Lineup The restaurant’s new sauces come shortly after the chain began offering its signature Big Mac sauce a la carte for the first time, signaling a sharpened focus on this part of the menu, which has historically served as more of an accessory. McDonald’s is introducing two new… read more

AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC SHUT DOWN THE SYSTEM, THE BUFFET GIANT RESPONDED WITH RECORD SALES, NET STORE GROWTH, AND A NEW FAST-CASUAL CONCEPT. Bankruptcy was a potential reality for Golden Corral three-and-a-half years ago. Its buffet operations and COVID restrictions did not mix at all, forcing hundreds of restaurants to shutter at once. The situation… read more

The chicken sandwich chain this week said it plans to add mobile order lanes to drive-thrus in 300 locations this year, or just more than 10% of its more than 2,800 locations. It also promises to expand the lanes to more locations in 2024. It’s the latest evidence of the Atlanta-based chain’s growing aggressiveness on… read more

Chronic Tacos, the southern California Mexican grill chain, recently announced a new collaboration with the multi-platinum rock band Incubus. Incubus, known for their unique funk/pop/rock sound, is set to play Los Angeles’ historic Hollywood Bowl on October 6. Chronic Tacos is giving five fans the opportunity to win free tickets to see the band, which… read more

The new restaurant will debut with limited tables; pickup lockers and a design aimed at improving delivery times. Doherty Enterprises Inc., the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar franchisee, will officially open a new first-of-its-kind To Go version of the traditional casual-dining concept on Tuesday, Sept. 12, the company said this week. The Allendale, N.J.-based company,… read more

KANSAS CITY — When it comes to flavors, the melting pot of America stirs in the streets. Food trucks are featuring the tastes of Asia, Africa and Latin America. In one trend, Korean and Mexican cuisines are merging, creating new dishes. The global flavors may interest consumer packaged goods companies. Flavors traditionally found in food… read more

Portillo’s restaurant of the future is coming, and it will have a smaller box, a more efficient kitchen, and a design to support off-premise business—all while maintaining an $8 million-plus average unit volume. Oh, and contrary to plans at McDonald’s, Portillo’s guests will soon get their own self-serve beverages. These changes come as the Chicago-based… read more

EzCater adding to its considerable catering capabilities as bulk orders continue to be an area of growth for restaurants. Nearly half of Panera’s more than 2,000 restaurants are now accepting orders through the ezCater app and website, and the chain plans to add hundreds more in the coming months, the two companies said Wednesday. Workplaces… read more

Red Lobster announced Horace Dawson has been named the Chief Executive Officer of the company and is joining the company’s board. Since 2014, Dawson served as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Red Lobster where he led legal affairs and was responsible for communications, risk management, and government relations. Dawson is a 30-year… read more

Punch Bowl Social founder Robert Thompson has secured over $200 million to feed his up-and-coming eatertainment babies. He attracted investments from prestigious names in the restaurant industry like Bill Allen—co-founder of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and former CEO of Bloomin’ Brands—and Stephen King, who served as CEO of eatertainment chain Dave & Buster’s for over a… read more