The company plans to introduce smaller format stores as it focuses on the new operational model, Green Apron Service Starbucks is doubling down on bringing back the third place as in-store customers remain a top priority for the company. The Seattle-based coffee chain will begin sunsetting its mobile order and pickup-only stores, which were first… read more

Velvet Taco, the innovative fast-casual restaurant known for its globally inspired tacos, has launched its fourth annual WTF (Weekly Taco Feature) Recipe Contest, which embraces guests’ ingenuity and puts one delicious fan creation on the menu. Taco enthusiasts in cities nationwide with Velvet Taco locations can now submit their dream taco creations for a chance… read more

Meet the new HubSpoke Brands, which adds six more franchise concepts to the fast-casual burger brand’s family under one umbrella. The franchising company behind the 180-unit Wayback Burger brand is transforming into a multi-brand operation designed to give franchisees a lot more options. The company on Thursday announced an overhaul that will essentially turn one… read more

Elon Musk’s long-awaited concept is open in Los Angeles. With a Jetson’s design vibe, $14 tuna melts, and a side of protesters, guests are lining up to try it. Elon Musk is officially in the restaurant business. The long-awaited Tesla Diner opened in Los Angeles last week offering an all-day menu of grilled cheese ($9),… read more

Barry Bagels, the Midwest bagel and deli brand with over 50 years of operational success, has officially signed a major 30-unit development agreement in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This milestone marks Barry Bagels’ largest franchise development deal to date, as the brand begins a bold expansion into Texas with plans to rapidly establish its footprint… read more

This week on Nation’s Restaurant News, the top story was “These are the top 10 highest-paid CEOs in the restaurant industry.” The CEOs of the publicly traded companies in the S&P 500 received a 7% pay raise in 2024 and make, on average, $18.9 million in total compensation, according to data gathered by the AFL-CIO… read more

The agreement includes manufacturing, marketing and distribution of Kellogg’s cereals. Italian confectioner Ferrero, known for brands like Nutella and Kinder, is buying the century-old U.S. cereal company WK Kellogg in an effort to expand its North American sales. The Ferrero Group said Thursday it will pay $23 for each Kellogg share, or approximately $3.1 billion…. read more

Kirk Tanner currently leads hamburger chain Wendy’s. The Hershey Company announced Tuesday that Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner will be the chocolate maker’s new chief executive. Tanner will take over as president and CEO on Aug. 18, succeeding the retiring Michele Buck. Buck will work with Tanner in a “senior advisory capacity” during the transition, the… read more

Cook, CFO at Wendy’s, will serve as interim CEO while the board searches for the brand’s next permanent CEO. Wendy’s has announced that Kirk Tanner, president and CEO, will be leaving the company, effective July 18, to become the president and CEO at The Hershey Co. Wendy’s board of directors has launched a comprehensive search… read more

Multiple lawsuits alleged the brand’s caffeinated Charged Lemonades killed or harmed guests. The fast-casual chain phased out the drinks last year and denied wrongdoing. Panera Bread on Thursday confirmed the lawsuits surrounding its Charged Lemonades have all been resolved. The fast-casual chain faced multiple lawsuits last year after guests died or were hospitalized after drinking… read more