Wendy's U.S. president departs to lead supply chain co-op

by Valerie Gritton

August 20, 2026

Wendy's is restructuring its executive leadership to combat six consecutive quarters of declining U.S. same-store sales and a 12.5% drop in second-quarter…

The next generation of QSRs part 4: Building the restaurant of the future

by Valerie Gritton

The restaurant of the future will recognize that technology and hospitality are not competing priorities, and that innovation isn’t the destination — the guest…

QSR closures reveal a shift from growth at all costs

by Valerie Gritton

As Wendy's closes underperforming restaurants, development data suggests the next phase of restaurant growth will be defined by stronger unit economics and…

Jack in the Box comps down 1.1%, shifts focus to simplification, quality, customer experience

by Valerie Gritton

August 13, 2026

Jack in the Box reported its fiscal third-quarter results on Aug. 12, following the July 5 close of its third quarter. The company operates on a non-calendar…

Papa Johns Q2 revenue falls 9% as North America sales slump offsets international growth

by Valerie Gritton

August 7, 2026

Papa Johns' turnaround efforts continued to face headwinds in the second quarter, as softer consumer demand and an intensely promotional quick-service…

Wendy’s reports comp declines; remains focused on turnaround

by Valerie Gritton

August 7, 2026

Wendy's reported its Q2 earnings, showing a U.S. comparable same-store sales decline of 7% while international comps decreased 2.3%. Overall, global same-store…

Burger King fuels RBI growth

by Valerie Gritton

August 6, 2026

Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs, reported strong second-quarter 2026 results…

The next generation of QSRs part 3: Why operational excellence is the modern competitive advantage

by Valerie Gritton

As restaurants move beyond competing primarily on value and marketing, operational excellence is emerging as the next major battleground for growth. Major QSR…

Bloomberg: Taco Bell told of potential contaminated lettuce July 2

by Valerie Gritton

August 3, 2026

Bloomberg News has reported that Michigan Health officials alerted local Yum Brands executives of a potential Cyclospora-contaminated lettuce supply July 2, 1…

Yum! Brands posts strong Q2 as Taco Bell leads growth

by Valerie Gritton

July 30, 2026

If the song "Break My Stride" was tied to restaurant company, perhaps Yum Brands fits the bill. Coming off a Cyclospora outbreak linked to its Taco Bell chain…

Cyclospora not an easy trace, says supply chain expert

by Valerie Gritton

As the largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history continues to unfold, restaurant operators are once again facing the reputational fallout of a food safety…

CDC expands scope of Cyclospora outbreak, adds 4 new states

by Valerie Gritton

July 27, 2026

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention announced July 24 that is has expanded its investigation of the five-state Cyclospora outbreak to now include…

Jack in the Box confirms shipment of potential Cyclospora-contaminated lettuce

by Valerie Gritton

July 22, 2026

As the investigation into the Cyclospora outbreak continues and more details emerge about potential contaminated shipments of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce…

The next generation of QSRs Part 2: How AI, personalization are turning loyalty into a growth engine

by Valerie Gritton

Following Part 1’s look at how rising costs and changing consumer expectations are reshaping value, Part 2 examines how QSR brands are using loyalty data, AI…

FDA says Taylor Farms Cyclospora test a false positive as outbreak weighs on restaurant traffic

by Valerie Gritton

Taylor Farms is reporting the CDC has found a fast-positive for the cyclospora outbreak linked to its products.

5-state Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell shredded lettuce

by Valerie Gritton

The Cyclospora illness is being linked to Taco Bell locations in the Midwest. The brand is taking precautions and removing the affected producer's products…

Taco Bell responds to Cyclospora outbreak, becomes first major chain to pull at-risk ingredients

by Valerie Gritton

A Cyclospora outbreak has restaurant leaders on alert.

The next generation of QSR, Part 1: The new economics of value

by Valerie Gritton

This four-part series explores the forces reshaping the next generation of quick-service restaurants, examining how shifting consumer behaviors, economic…

Evolution of the LTO: How TikTok is driving menu innovation

by Valerie Gritton

Designed to inspire, entertain and spark conversation, TikTok has transformed everyday menu items — and customers — into viral sensations. Welcome to the next…