FCES keynote: To go far, go together

by Valerie Gritton

Chicken Salad Chick’s story shows that scaling successfully isn’t necessarily about moving faster or constantly reinventing the brand. It’s about knowing what…

Life, leadership and restaurants: ‘Ted Lasso’ strikes again

by Valerie Gritton

* Please note, this post does contain spoilers for the Ted Lasso episode, "Mae Rides the Bus."

Inside Meritage Hospitality’s bankruptcy: Beef costs, closures and a battle with Wendy’s

by Valerie Gritton

Meritage Hospitality Group’s Chapter 11 filing reveals mounting pressures behind one of Wendy’s largest franchise operators, from declining sales and soaring…

Beyond the paycheck: How Canary helps restaurant brands turn compassion into action

by Valerie Gritton

As financial emergencies put increasing pressure on frontline workers, emergency-relief provider Canary is demonstrating how employers can turn a people-first…

Ted Lasso, an empty office and workplace culture

by Valerie Gritton

I once started a new job where, on my very first day, I was shown the empty office of a woman who had died of breast cancer.

Why Dillas Quesadillas simplified its menu to prepare for growth

by Valerie Gritton

Dillas Quesadillas is simplifying its menu to improve speed, accuracy and the customer experience as it prepares for future growth. In this episode of the…

Webinar: Order accuracy as the next loyalty battleground

by Valerie Gritton

In this “Accuracy is the New Loyalty” webinar, Star Micronics’ Craig Kaliebe discusses how labeling, smart scales and other verification tools help operators…

Latest Ted Lasso serves up Wingstop, Taco Bell and a lesson in brand fandom

by Valerie Gritton

The restaurant of tomorrow takes center stage at #QSRNext 2026

by Valerie Gritton

#QSRNext 2026 will bring together restaurant executives and industry leaders to explore the forces reshaping quick service, including AI, drive-thru…

New SNAP bill puts restaurant meals program in spotlight

by Valerie Gritton

A new House bill would eliminate the ability of certain SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals at restaurants, putting a relatively…

QSR's bet big on beverages

by Valerie Gritton

Beverages have moved from being a supporting menu category to a traffic-driving battleground, and the past three months show how quick service restaurants are…

Why QSRs are betting on the Sun Belt

by Valerie Gritton

Restaurant growth continues to concentrate across the Sun Belt, where population growth, development and shifting consumer demographics are creating new…

Me, Ted Lasso and something in common

by Valerie Gritton

Twenty years ago, I started my career in restaurant journalism. Now, I’m back where it all began as the editor of QSRWeb and Pizza Marketplace.

GLP-1s and the new consumer reality: What the data really says

by Valerie Gritton

A new research report reveals GLP-1 adoption isn't static, men are an overlooked demographic and usage varies dramatically by restaurant — challenging chains…

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…