The mixed-format burger concept owned by actor Mark Wahlberg broke off a deal with Hy-Vee grocery stores last year. Now the company is looking to open in other nontraditional formats.

The Bottom Line: The National Owners Association, an independent group of the fast-food chain’s operators, has approved a list of 15 standards it considers vital to fair franchising, including the right to set prices.

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.”

Taste Tracker: Wingstop, Taco Bell, STK, Dog Haus, PJ’s Coffee, Tijuana Flats, Wings Etc., Paris Baguette, Farmer Boys, Robeks and more headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Bridg will allow restaurants to identify non-loyalty customers, giving them a fuller view of their audience. It’s the latest in a series of acquisitions by Par.

Tech Check: Consumers fed up with tech are craving old-fashioned experiences. Restaurants stand to benefit, if they're willing to go against the grain.

More than a quarter of franchisees signed a petition through an independent association asking for changes to the chain's "Sub Club" redemption. But the company said the program is off to a "strong start."

The Bottom Line: This week’s edition of the restaurant finance newsletter looks at the Popeyes franchisee bankruptcy and why financial metrics are crucial operational standards.

352 Capital, a subsidiary of Jefferies Financial Group, is suing the fast-food restaurant chain operator for refusing to hand over shares in the casual-dining brand as collateral.

Taking a break from booze may gain traction during the first month of the year, but a good selection of alcohol-free drinks is now table stakes at bars and restaurants year-round.

The Bottom Line: With restaurant company valuations low following a tough 2025, several chains could be ripe targets for a takeout, if buyers are up for some risk.

On Monday, the delivery apps will have to start asking customers to tip before checkout, rather than after delivery. DoorDash warned that the law will lead to “an immediate drop off in orders.”

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the restaurant news discussion podcast looks at the bankruptcy filing of Sailormen, sales improvement at burger chains and who could go public next.

Executive Summary: The latest job updates in the restaurant industry.

Duke's Malibu survived the catastrophic wildfires, only to be destroyed by a mudslide weeks later. With reopening finally in sight, here's how this iconic restaurant survived.

The Bottom Line: The Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement policy is closing restaurants and hurting operators. But that’s nothing compared to the long-term impact it will have on sales and labor costs.

The Brazilian steakhouse chain is in a prime position to meet changing consumer habits, including more protein and greater use of GLP-1s, Barry McGowan said.

Retail Watch: Store brands continue to set records. Their rise should give restaurants some clues about what diners want right now.

Valade was named CEO and president of the nonprofit less than a week after Denny’s was sold to TriArtisan Capital Advisors and other investors.

The winners of the 2026 Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. span 34 states and a diversity of restaurants and cuisines.

The city's restaurants, bars and retailers will be able to sell beverages with no more than 10 milligrams of THC per 12 ounces, but edibles, flower and vapes will be prohibited.

Fans of the fast-casual chicken chain's Lemon Pepper wings will be able to dip their bagels in the flavor, just in time for a certain Big Game.

The Chinese pork producer will be buying the hot dog maker and owner of the Nathan’s Famous chain for $102 per share.

The Bottom Line: Several restaurant chains either announced or were reported to have closed locations as brands look to reset their asset base following a tough year for sales and profitability.

A Deeper Dive: This week’s episode of the restaurant finance podcast features Jen Meyers, growth strategy leader for the restaurant practice at Alvarez & Marsal, talking about consumer views on restaurants.

Data from Five Guys, Shake Shack, Steak n Shake and others point to a resurgence of the burger last year despite problems at many fast-food chains.

Keeping prices low has always been the formula for this unique 41-unit chain. But with demand for low-cost office delivery services exploding, Everytable is positioning to grow that channel.

The casual-dining barbecue chain is co-branding with sister concepts Papa Murphy’s and Cold Stone Creamery with the goal of generating more sales from the same footprint.

Behind the Menu: The chain built on its famous soup dumplings is adding versions with sweet fillings and creating other Taiwanese-inspired desserts.

The Texas-based pizza buffet chain is being sold to a family office investment firm of tax consultant Brint Ryan.

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast considers the impact of a presidential endorsement of the Credit Card Competition Act. And bills are brewing on the franchising front.

The Granola Bar is preparing to open two units in Manhattan that could change the trajectory of this suburban casual-dining brand. What makes it work is the partnership behind it.

Biglari Holdings, whose stock has doubled over the past year, has filed to sell 11.5 million shares to provide the company with a “strategic reserve.”

Taste Tracker: Jersey Mike’s, Arby’s, Panera Bread, Five Guys, 7-Eleven, Cava, Chicken Salad Chick, Zaxbys, TGI Fridays, Chipotle, CPK and more headline restaurant menu news and trends.

The Bottom Line: The fast-food sandwich chain’s chief executive acknowledges that consumers are paying close attention to any changes the company makes under its new owners.

Menu Talk: Birdie’s and Maht, the Korean-American chef’s restaurants, are two of the destinations that are elevating the dining scene.

The company plans to integrate the app into Grubhub, allowing restaurants to offer cash-back rewards to dine-in customers.

The acquisition by TriArtisan Capital, Yadav Enterprises and Treville Capital takes the diner chain private for the first time since 1997.

Tony and Roushan Christofellis sold the drive-thru salad concept to private equity in 2021 and then watched things go wrong. Now they are growing a new brand they believe will prove healthy food can be affordable.

Executive Summary: Here are the latest leadership changes in the restaurant industry.

Technomic’s Global Navigator program tracks what’s happening on menus around the world, and there’s a lot of activity in the beverage category, particularly in Asia.

The Bottom Line: The bankruptcy filing of Sailormen is putting pressure on the fast-food chicken chain while proving that franchisors should pay close heed to their franchisees' finances.

Tech Check: The online ordering company is still focused on digitizing every restaurant transaction. It's also looking to do more M&A under new owner Thoma Bravo.

Projections suggest the restaurant industry can expect a better year, buoyed by easier comparisons and tax law changes. But many other factors could inhibit that growth, and not everybody will benefit.

The Week in Restaurants: On this episode of the weekly restaurant news discussion podcast, we discuss the buzz from the ICR conference, Dutch Bros' first acquisition, and how Minneapolis restaurants are responding to a surge of ICE activity.

Consumers are drinking less, but not necessarily giving up booze entirely. This bar concept wants to be the place where everyone can gather for a cocktail, with or without alcohol.

Ulyses Camacho was named chief transformation officer of the fast-food Mexican chain as Yadav Enterprises takes over ownership. Noah Chillingworth was named chief marketing officer.

The city says the apps’ policy of asking for tips after delivery has hurt workers’ earnings. It will soon require them to ask for tips in advance.

Sailormen, which operates 130 locations of the fast-food chicken chain in Florida, struggled with heavy debt and liquidity challenges. But the company says the filing doesn’t reflect the state of the brand.

Retail Watch: Plus, grocery stores are trying to eat your lunch business.