Taste Tracker: Starbucks, Friendly’s, Ruby Slipper, Panda Express, Potbelly, Lazy Dog, Smashburger, Sonic, La Madeleine and Firebirds headline restaurant menu news and trends. As the weather gets cooler and we inch closer to the holiday season, more indulgent items are showing up on menus. Think creamy pastas, sweet potato bakes, pancakes and French toast topped… read more

The brand’s recent milestone carries it into rare air. But what’s next? Scott Murphy, who had spent nine-plus years at management consulting firm A.T. Kearney, Inc., joined Dunkin’ in 2004, the same year it relocated HQ to Canton, Massachusetts. He isn’t sure how many stores the brand had back then, recalling it was “probably only… read more

Wendy’s is rolling out Project Fresh, a consumer-focused overhaul that promises faster drive-thrus, smarter ordering tech and a refreshed menu. Key Takeaways Wendy’s announced Project Fresh, a four-pillar plan to modernize the brand. The brand is upgrading its tech with new kiosks, app features and faster drive-thrus. Expect refreshed interiors and more limited-time menu items…. read more

Subscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest food industry news. Chi-Chi’s is returning to the US dining scene after a two-decade absence. The once-familiar Mexican-inspired restaurant chain has opened a new flagship location in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, just outside Minneapolis. The relaunch is being led by Michael… read more

Executive Summary: The latest restaurant industry leadership changes. McDonald’s has named Emily Reasor the company’s new chief strategy officer. CEO Chris Kempczinski made the announcement on LinkedIn, saying that the hiring “signals our intent to make strategy a dynamic capability.” Reasor comes to the Chicago-based fast-food giant from the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, where… read more

Brian Niccol, CEO of the coffee shop giant, said the company will shutter underperforming locations and those where remodels are unworkable. The company plans to uplift another 1,000 shops. Starbucks plans to close more than 100 locations across North America and lay off another 900 non-retail employees, CEO Brian Niccol said in a system message… read more

The Northern California concept closed all of its remaining five locations, making it the second chain this week to completely shut down. A chain of Greek restaurants in Northern California filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last week and closed all five of its locations. The owner of Opa! Authentic Greek Cuisine has both assets and… read more

Five Iowa restaurants have continued to run under the brand’s name despite terminated franchise agreements Popeyes is suing former franchisee JAM Equities for trademark violation. According to court documents, five restaurants in Iowa have continued using Popeyes’ trademarks and branding despite the termination of their franchise agreements last month. The company also alleges the former… read more

The fast-food chain’s remodeled locations are designed to be friendlier for families, including more play places. And its menu is also targeting a younger consumer. At its recently concluded franchise convention, Burger King revealed a new modular play system for kids younger than 10, featuring a maze of tunnels and towers designed to look like… read more

McDonald’s, Starbucks, Chipotle, KFC, and Taco Bell are among those generating the most organic conversations on social media, per a new report from dcdx Five restaurant chains are among the most talked about brands on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, according to the 50 Most Magnetic Brands of 2025 report released this week from Gen Z… read more