Consortium Brand Partners, Convive Brands, Eldridge Industries and Aurify Brands will look to lead the casual-dining chain into a new era of growth, with an eye on franchising and retail. California Pizza Kitchen is getting a new owner. Several, actually. Investment firm Consortium Brand Partners, along with Eldridge Industries, Convive Brands and Aurify Brands, have… read more

Customers bristled at inflation, igniting the most intense value war the industry has ever seen. Also, a beverage boom, immigration, fast-casual challenges, big bankruptcies and acquisitions. So much for 2025 being a better year. Oh sure, Chili’s had a strong year. So did Taco Bell. And some chains saw some improvement. But a year that… read more

McDonald’s has pulled a Christmas ad that was produced with artificial intelligence after the fast-food chain came under fire from much of the public. The 45-second film was released publicly on McDonald’s Netherlands YouTube channel on Dec. 6. Comprising a sequence of AI-generated clips, the ad featured people having a tough time at Christmas –… read more

The operator now owns units in 20 states. Add AES Restaurant Group to the list of franchisees making major store acquisitions this year. The Zionsville, Ohio–operator announced the purchase of 115 Arby’s restaurants across nine states, which expanded its total portfolio to 344 units in 20 states. AES is the second-largest Arby’s franchisee in the… read more

The burger chain has been an outlier in the fast-casual segment, showing strong results. At a Raymond James conference this week, CEO Rob Lynch explained what’s working. It hasn’t been a great year for fast-casual restaurant chains. But one notable standout? Shake Shack. The New York City-based burger chain was one of the few fast-casual… read more

PRESS RELEASE: The brand has appointed Steve Kennedy as chief marketing officer and Bill Schaffler as chief financial officer TOLEDO, Ohio, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, announces the appointment of Steve Kennedy as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Bill Schaffler as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). These… read more

John Kelly was named brand president of Sonic and John Dawson was named president of U.S. development and the company brought in leadership to oversee its fast-casual Buffalo Wild Wings Go concept. Inspire Brands announced several new executives on Wednesday, including a new brand president for Sonic and new chief legal and people officers along… read more

Tarun Lal, in his first full quarter as CEO, expressed optimism about the Back-to-Basics plan, with new menu launch improving traffic Dave & Buster’s executive leadership team is optimistic about the path forward for the eatertainment company, despite ongoing same-store sales and revenue declines. Tarun Lal, in his first full quarter as CEO, provided updates… read more

The recent Executive Order modifying tariffs on a number food and agricultural products could potentially bring relief to restaurant operators struggling with rising costs, but its full effect will not be immediate. Items such as coffee, cocoa, beef, and tomatoes may see improved pricing and availability however, country-specific tariffs such as those affecting products from… read more

PFG has reiterated the financial guidance for its 2026 financial year and for the second quarter of that year. Performance Food Group (PFG) and US Foods have backed out of plans for a merger after assessing potential benefits and regulatory concerns. The foodservice distributors have mutually decided to end an information-sharing process which commenced in… read more