Restaurant news

• Uber Eats sees little traffic from AI agents

  04-11-2026 20:09 via Nrn
  
  The company recorded virtually no business from AI despite recent buzz about the technology, though it noted that it's still early.
  
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• Inflation, the K-shaped economy, and AI: Understanding the “gray swans” facing restaurants

  05-11-2026 22:48 via Nrn
  
  A leading international affairs expert suggests that ongoing crises could have devastating consequences on the global economy — and, therefore, the industry.
  
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• Amazon switches to Uber Eats for restaurant delivery perks

  05-11-2026 19:14 via Nrn
  
  The ecommerce giant is now offering delivery through Uber Eats for Prime members, replacing a similar partnership with Grubhub.
  
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• McDonald’s is changing its U.S. marketing leadership

  05-11-2026 19:03 via Nrn
  
  Alyssa Buetikofer is leaving the company. Global CMO Morgan Flatley and Charlie Newberger will oversee U.S. marketing as the fast-food giant looks for her replacement.
  
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• Portillo’s to shutter five to nine restaurants outside Chicago

  05-11-2026 18:36 via Nrn
  
  The move is part of a strategic plan to strengthen fundamentals, as CEO Brett Patterson resets the growth path for the fast-casual chain.
  
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• Wonder files confidentially for an IPO

  05-11-2026 18:18 via Nrn
  
  The food hall/delivery company took a big step toward the public markets after saying it aimed to be “IPO-ready” by early next year.
  
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• Krispy Kreme raises guidance as turnaround plan gains steam

  05-11-2026 18:01 via Nrn
  
  Free cash flow improved by $82 million as the doughnut chain refranchises, cuts capital spending, and prunes underperforming delivery doors.
  
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• A 30-unit Denny’s operator files for bankruptcy

  05-11-2026 17:34 via Nrn
  
  The Chapter 11 filing by EYM Diner is the latest in a series of bankruptcies for former Pizza Hut and Panera operator EYM Group.
  
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• How Riviera Dining Group built two of the top 10 independent restaurants in the U.S.

  05-11-2026 16:51 via Nrn
  
  Founder Gregory Galy details the incredible operations behind MILA and Casa Neos, which have transformed the Miami hospitality scene.
  
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• Happy hour and lunch drive traffic for STK, Benihana

  05-11-2026 16:49 via Nrn
  
  Traffic was positive across The One Group portfolio for the second straight quarter as consumers responded to value-based offers.
  
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• KFC, Taco Bell, and Cava

  05-11-2026 15:51 via Nrn
  
  Get all the headlines in today’s Restaurant Daily podcast.
  
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• Wendy’s rejects a buyout offer from its former chairman

  05-11-2026 14:54 via Nrn
  
  The struggling fast-food chain also swallowed a poison pill, agreed to buy up to 163 restaurants from a large franchisee, and announced a new revitalization plan.
  
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• Sam Fox is stepping away from his restaurant group to try his hand at running hotels

  05-11-2026 14:00 via Nrn
  
  Fox Restaurant Concepts will now be entirely owned and operated by The Cheesecake Factory. Fox is starting a new hospitality group called Author & Edit.
  
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• Papa Johns unveils ‘Unbox Better’ plan amid continued sales slump

  05-11-2026 12:48 via Nrn
  
  The company reported -8.3% same-store sales in its North America system in Q3, marking its 9th negative quarter in the past 10 periods.
  
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• Dutch Bros stock plummets amid competition concerns

  05-11-2026 10:13 via Nrn
  
  The drive-thru beverage chain’s stock fell 17% in off-hours trading as the chain’s same-store sales came in below expectations amid “customer volatility.”
  
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• Cyclospora takes bite out of Cava’s third quarter

  04-11-2026 23:13 via Nrn
  
  Same-store sales growth slowed for the fast-casual chain with traffic only “slightly positive.” But CEO Brett Schulman is optimistic for the year, and the chain raised its guidance.
  
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• Playa Bowls maximizes functional ingredients to offer beverages with benefits

  04-11-2026 21:01 via Nrn
  
  The fast casual packs protein, antioxidants, and wellness boosts into a menu filled with flavorful, colorful drinks that belie their nutritional value.
  
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• Sonic Drive-In, the original beverage trend-setter

  04-11-2026 21:00 via Nrn
  
  The 73-year-old chain offers dirty sodas, refreshers, boba, and other cutting-edge drinks, not to mention its iconic ice.
  
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• Scooter’s Coffee finds perfect balance of flavor innovation, operational efficiency

  04-11-2026 21:00 via Nrn
  
  The drive-thru coffee chain finds inspiration in all kinds of places — including its own baristas.
  
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• Lazy Dog’s non-alcoholic beverage lineup boasts a chef-crafted pedigree

  04-11-2026 21:00 via Nrn
  
  Brand offers mocktails, teas, lattes, and sodas with a laser focus on flavor, quality ingredients, technique, and presentation.
  
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• Applebee’s leverages its broad bar offerings to create traffic-driving collaborations

  04-11-2026 21:00 via Nrn
  
  Recent promotions with Don Julio tequila and Still G.I.N. by Dre and Snoop enhance the chain’s relevance.
  
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• How Chili’s Margaritas drive traffic

  04-11-2026 20:59 via Nrn
  
  From the Margarita of the Month to premium pours, the chain’s flagship cocktail has built a legion of fans.
  
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• HTeaO leans into customization and quality to stand out in a crowded beverage market

  04-11-2026 20:37 via Nrn
  
  The tea company gives its guests full control over the menu, which keeps them coming back.
  
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• 7 restaurant chains acing beverage innovation

  04-11-2026 20:13 via Nrn
  
  Introducing the winners of the inaugural Bevvy Awards.
  
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• Starbucks’ holiday menu returns, complete with a jolly new pup cup

  04-11-2026 19:37 via Nrn
  
  The coffee giant is bringing back seasonal favorites while introducing new beverage flavors and food items, new cup designs, and new Bearista drinkware.
  
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• Dine Brands sees limited sales growth as it ramps up store-level investments

  04-11-2026 19:08 via Nrn
  
  Both Applebee’s and IHOP posted less than 1% same-store sales growth, and the company expects to finish the year at the lower end of its financial guidance.
  
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• Watch List: A look at 20 standout Asian chains

  04-11-2026 17:02 via Nrn
  
  Some are American-born, some came from overseas, and they all have had an impact on the United States dining scene.
  
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• First Watch holds steady amid ‘challenging’ environment

  04-11-2026 16:51 via Nrn
  
  Same-store sales rose 1% despite a tough comparison to a year ago, while traffic fell 1.9%.
  
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• Taco Bell, MTY, and 7 Brew

  04-11-2026 15:42 via Nrn
  
  Get all the headlines in today’s Restaurant Daily podcast.
  
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• McDonald’s U.S. same-store sales decline on weak traffic

  04-11-2026 12:44 via Nrn
  
  The fast-food giant’s comparable-store sales declined for the first time since early last year as the company’s value challenges kept customers away.
  
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