Over a year after it began rolling out various value options, the chain is seeing improved scores on affordability and notched 6.8% comparable sales growth in the fourth quarter. Dive Brief: McDonald’s U.S. increased comparable sales by 6.8% during the fourth quarter and 2% for the year, according to an earnings release. McDonald’s has now… read more

The bankruptcy court denied the ad hoc group’s emergency motion, with the objection citing ‘no actual emergency’ Shortly after an ad hoc group of FAT Brands investors filed a lawsuit demanding the immediate suspension of Andy Wiederhorn as CEO alleging bankruptcy rules violations, FAT Brands submitted an objection to the court, calling the emergency request… read more

The burger chain is building units in airports, retailers and hotels this year, which will help it rebound after Hy-Vee ended its partnership last year. Dive Brief: Wahlburgers plans to accelerate its growth in 2026 through a focus on non-traditional locations, the company said in a press release Monday. The burger chain will expand at… read more

C-store operators looking to acquire a QSR brand face several potential risks, experts say. But the upside could be tremendous. Convenience retailers have spent the past several years investing in new foodservice staff, equipment and menu items to elevate their on-site grub and better compete with restaurants. Besides proprietary programs, the industry has increased its… read more

“Choices” contrasts daily prep at the fast casual Mexican chain with images of nuggets in fryer baskets and frozen burger patties on a conveyor belt. Chipotle launched a new national TV ad on Jan. 25 that juxtaposes the brand’s all-natural ingredients with the frozen, factory-produced food of some fast food competitors, per details shared with… read more

The coffee shop giant said its domestic same-store sales rose 4% in the period, its best performance in two years, as the holiday product launch and its new service model drove higher transactions. Apparently, the key to Starbucks’ performance was in a glass bear cup. The coffee shop giant on Wednesday reported its best domestic… read more

The owner of Fazoli’s, Round Table Pizza and several other brands is seeking Chapter 11 debt protection. The company’s whole business securitization was “starving the business.” Fast-food restaurant chain collector Fat Brands declared bankruptcy on Monday under a mountain of debt and after it was unable to come to an agreement with its bondholders. The… read more

The acquisition by TriArtisan Capital, Yadav Enterprises and Treville Capital takes the diner chain private for the first time since 1997. Denny’s stock is officially off the market. The diner chain on Friday completed its sale to a group consisting of TriArtisan Capital Advisors, franchisee Yadav Enterprises and Treville Capital Group, making it a privately… read more

While the expectation is modest growth, some factors such as lower gas prices, tax cuts, and the FIFA World Cup could provide a much-needed boost During a recent interview at the annual ICR Conference in Orlando, William Blair analyst Sharon Zackfia said that although the industry saw some improvement in December compared to a curveball-filled… read more

The casual dining chain’s global expansion will be led by Phil Broad, who worked as TGI Fridays UK managing director from 1997 to 2001. Casual dining chain TGI Fridays has unveiled a new expansion plan as it seeks to scale the business substantially over the rest of the decade. Under its “1-2-3 Strategic Vision”, the… read more