QSR closures reveal a shift from growth at all costs

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

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 — Editor, Connect Food

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…

Wendy’s shares surge 15% as investor group explores takeover bid

August 12, 2026

Trian Fund Management, led by Nelson Peltz, is pushing to take Wendy's private with a group of investors, according to a Reuters report.

Miso Robotics' Zignyl Adds New Quick Service Restaurant Brands to Its Rapidly Growing Customer Base

Sbarro, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Jersey Mike’s operators join Jamba, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Cinnabon, Haagen-Dazs and Which Wich…

Espresso Patronum: Tim Hortons brews up spellbinding Harry Potter treats

August 10, 2026

Tim Hortons restaurants in the U.S. are launching a Harry Potter-inspired menu and merchandise line starting Aug. 12 to celebrate Back to Hogwarts and the 25th…

4 misses in Founder-led negotiations

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Although Founders know their businesses best, their deep emotional investment and daily operational pressures often compromise their negotiating leverage…

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

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

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…

Del Taco introduces All-American Burgertaco, expands specialty beverage line

August 7, 2026

Del Taco is combining two of its most popular menu items with the launch of the All-American Burgertaco on Aug. 6, according to a press release.

The magic formula behind TCBY’s highest-grossing location

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A Dallas-based franchisee has maintained TCBY’s highest-grossing location for over two decades by leveraging strong corporate systems, a unique drive-thru…

Wendy’s reports comp declines; remains focused on turnaround

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

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…

Iconex Acquires Heartland Label Printers

M2S Group Strengthens Iconex Market Position and Footprint Through Acquisition of Heartland Label Printers

Burger King fuels RBI growth

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

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 — Editor, Connect Food

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

Auntie Anne’s launches global partnership with Dreamworks' Gabby’s Dollhouse

August 5, 2026

This month, Auntie Anne's one of seven iconic brands within Atlanta-based GoTo Foods, launches its first-ever global brand partnership with DreamWorks…

Got sass and a love for biscuits? Hardee's wants your Meemaw

August 5, 2026

Hardee's wants to meet your grandma.

White Castle, USA Luge extend partnership through 2029

August 5, 2026

White Castle and USA Luge have renewed their partnership through August 2029, extending a relationship that began in 2017, according to a press release.

McDonald's Q2 growth driven by 4 D's

August 4, 2026

McDonald's Corporation announced in a news release its Q2 earnings results, driven by a 4% increase in revenue to $7.1 billion. Global systemwide sales rose 5%.

Church's Texas Chicken, Mr. Tendernism launch flavor campaign

August 4, 2026

Church's Texas Chicken is partnering with food personality and pitmaster Walter "Mr. Tendernism" Johnson for a multi-part content series highlighting the…

Panda Express releases blind-box bag charms featuring mascot

August 4, 2026

Panda Express is introducing a newly illustrated version of its mascot, Pei Pei, with a digital storytelling series and a limited-edition collectible drop…

How Urban Bird Hot Chicken turned a bad lease into a fast-growing brand

Brandon and Chantel Gawthorp built 32 Wingstop franchises across three states over 20 years, then let it all go to bet on themselves. They opened the first…