Popular Articles

July restaurant inflation rates converge as limited-service prices accelerate

Limited-service meal and snack prices rose faster in July than full-service prices, while annual inflation rates converged and grocery categories diverged.

Panera's Energy Drink Comeback Is a Bet on Menu Credibility

After pulling the Charged Lemonade amid wrongful death lawsuits, Panera Bread is re-entering the beverage space with a reformulated, lower-caffeine lineup. The move signals a broader menu reset as new management works to win back lost ground at the second-largest fast-casual chain in the country.

The Tariff Whiplash: How the IEEPA Ruling and Section 122 Pivot Are Creating New Supply Chain Uncertainty for QSR

The Supreme Court struck down IEEPA-based tariffs in February, then the White House pivoted to Section 122 authority within four days. For QSR procurement teams, the legal ground has never shifted faster.

Slutty Vegan adds Cincinnati to Soul Republic’s Ohio plans

Soul Republic’s third announced Ohio market follows its plans for Columbus and Cleveland.

Restaurants Take Their Case to Congress: Swipe Fees, Immigration, and the USMCA Fight

Noodles & Company Is Doubling Its Planned Closures. Can It Stay Above 400 Locations?

The fast-casual pasta chain more than doubled its 2026 closure target to 35 restaurants. After shedding 42 locations in 2025, Noodles & Company could fall below 400 units for the first time in years.

Krispy Kreme announces 33-shop New York development deal

Original Entrepreneurs plans 33 shops over five years as Krispy Kreme expands through franchisees.

Chipotle’s venture update spans farming, sourcing and biometric payments

Chipotle’s July update spans six portfolio companies. Earlier announcements distinguish venture investment from restaurant trials and operating adoption.

Wonder Sets a First Launch Site for Salt Hank’s After Acquisition

Salt Hank’s planned entry into Wonder begins with one location and continued culinary leadership. The test is whether the product can travel with its reputation.

The Plant-Based QSR Bust: What Went Wrong

Beyond Meat's stock is down 90% from peak. Impossible shelved its IPO. Most QSR chains quietly removed plant-based items. The revolution that was supposed to replace meat fizzled. Here's the autopsy: overestimated markets, price premiums, taste gaps, and novelty fatigue.

May producer prices show energy outpacing food inflation

Producer energy prices rose faster than food prices in May. Restaurant buyers need invoice weights and contract terms to estimate their own cost changes.

Food-Service Payrolls Rebound in the First August Jobs Estimate

The September 4 release estimated 59,000 additional food-service jobs. Original release tables also show how July’s decline changed in revision.

Ghai’s Houston Taco Bell purchase changes its geographic mix

Ghai bought 44 Houston Taco Bells. Its CEO’s geographic rationale and Taco Bell’s beverage plans explain the appeal of expanding within a familiar brand.

How Portillo's Is Scaling Its Cult Following Beyond Chicago

Portillo's reported $732 million in fiscal 2025 revenue across 102 locations, but same-restaurant sales declined 3.3% in Q4. The Chicago icon is rethinking its expansion playbook under new leadership, and the numbers tell a complicated story.

Noodles' stronger restaurants leave its financing work unfinished

July results show stronger sales and restaurant margins, modest debt reduction, and a smaller chain still facing a July 2027 maturity.

July Food-Service and Lodging Hires Nearly Matched Departures

July accommodation and food-service hires nearly matched separations. The September JOLTS release shows why stable headcount can still require substantial recruiting.

HEAL’s Toronto plan adds a company store to franchise growth

The planned Queen Street West opening sits alongside 39 reported open locations and a much larger development pipeline.

June’s Hospitality Jobs Decline Calls for a Closer Look at Summer Hiring

June’s employment report points to weaker seasonal hiring. Restaurant staffing decisions still depend on local demand, shift coverage and retention.