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…

Wendy’s teams with ‘Real Housewives’ star Lisa Barlow on Baby Gorgeous Meal

September 17, 2026

Wendy's has partnered with The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Lisa Barlow to launch Lisa Barlow's Baby Gorgeous Meal, inspired by the reality star's…

El Pollo Loco opens second Albuquerque restaurant

September 17, 2026

El Pollo Loco has opened its second Albuquerque, N.M., restaurant, the company announced in a press release.

Qvinci launches RoyaltyHub to automate franchise royalty management

September 16, 2026

Qvinci Software has launched Qvinci RoyaltyHub, a new platform designed to automate the royalty management process for franchise brands, the company has…

TCBY, Mrs. Fields franchisee plans 15 new Southeast locations

September 16, 2026

Famous Brands International is expanding the footprint of TCBY and Mrs. Fields across the Southeast through an expanded development agreement with longtime…

Del Taco enters Indiana with first restaurant

September 16, 2026

Del Taco has entered Indiana with the opening of its first restaurant in the state, marking another step in the Mexican quick-service chain's franchise…

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…

Arby’s taps ‘Love Island’ star Caleb McDaniel to promote Steak Nuggets

September 15, 2026

Reality TV personality, model and influencer Caleb McDaniel is teaming up with Arby's to promote the return of Steak Nuggets, according to a news announcement.

Wendy’s lands in top 5 for burger QSR customer loyalty

September 15, 2026

Wendy's ranks among the top five U.S. burger chains for customer loyalty, according to a new report from advertising technology company Simpli.fi.

Checkers & Rally’s accelerates turnaround

September 15, 2026

Checkers & Rally's is expanding its restaurant reimaging initiative across Ohio and Florida as part of the drive-thru brand's broader turnaround strategy.

Restaurant traffic moderates, but QSRs remain above 2026 average

September 14, 2026

Placer.ai data shows restaurant traffic moderated during the week of Aug. 24-30 compared with the first half of 2026, although quick-service restaurants…

White Castle launches Craver Nation Rewards season 3 after members save $5.1M

September 14, 2026

White Castle is launching Season 3 of its Craver Nation Rewards loyalty program Sept. 15 after members saved a combined $5.1 million through rewards, deals…

Taco Bell, Kevin Hart tee up for inaugural Live Más Open golf tournament.

September 14, 2026

Taco Bell is taking its "Live Más" approach to the golf course with its inaugural Live Más Open, the company has announced in a news release.

Long John Silver’s celebrates Talk like a Pirate Day

September 14, 2026

Long John Silver's is bringing back its annual Talk Like a Pirate Day celebration Sept. 19, offering free food and pirate-themed giveaways at participating…

Revealed: The 2026 Top 30 Movers & Shakers: Catering

In 2026, catering has become one of the fastest-growing engines of brand loyalty and scale in the restaurant industry, and a new class of leaders is rewriting…

The Big Greek Cafe partners with Deliverect, Thanx to streamline digital ordering

September 11, 2026

Fast-casual concept Big Greek Cafe is revamping its tech infrastructure, selecting digital restaurant platforms Deliverect and Thanx to unify ordering, direct…

Cyclospora outbreak nears end

September 11, 2026

Federal health officials are preparing to declare an end to the major Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce that sickened at least 11,458 people across…

Hardee's launches S'mores, Bacon Beast menus for fall

September 11, 2026

Hardee's is bridging summer and fall with two new menu platforms featuring nostalgic S'mores flavors and bacon-heavy breakfast, burger and chicken offerings…

Taco Bell Cantina opens inside Allegiant Stadium

September 11, 2026

Diversified Restaurant Group has announced in a new release the opening of a Taco Bell Cantina inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, marking the first Taco…

Rising energy costs could add more pressure on restaurants

September 10, 2026

Rising energy costs are adding another layer of pressure for restaurant operators, with producer prices increasing 0.4% in August, according to the latest…