Analysis: KFC’s US Coke switch is about more than the cola wars

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

KFC's decision to replace Pepsi with Coca-Cola beverage products across its U.S. restaurants marks the end of a nearly 40-year relationship, but the bigger…

KFC US 'tastes the feeling' as it switches from Pepsi to Coke

October 16, 2026

Coca-Cola hopes to "open happiness" at KFC U.S. locations as the official new beverage provider of the chicken chains U.S. restaurants. KFC is switching from…

Arby’s expands cheesesteak lineup

October 12, 2026

Arby's is expanding its premium cheesesteak platform with three new limited-time offerings: the Chicken Cheesesteak, Chicken Deluxe Cheesesteak and Spicy…

Chester’s Chicken launches Express model for smaller-footprint locations

October 8, 2026

Chester's Chicken has introduced Chester's Express, a new grab-and-go format designed to help operators with limited kitchen space serve the brand's signature…

KFC introduces snack-size Go Buckets starting at $3.49

October 7, 2026

KFC has introduced Go Buckets, a smaller version of its chicken bucket aimed at customers seeking snacks between meals. Starting at $3.49, each bucket pairs…

Bojangles adds cinnamon cereal iced coffee, doughnut bites to fall menu

October 7, 2026

Bojangles has introduced Cinnamon Toast Crunch Iced Coffee and Donut Bites alongside the return of its Pork Chop Griller sandwich, according to a press…

FCES keynote: To go far, go together

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

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…

Is Chick-fil-A outgrowing the mall format it helped pioneer?

October 1, 2026

Chick-fil-A built its early success in mall food courts, but a string of longtime mall closures suggests the chain's restaurant strategy is evolving. According…

Popeyes combines chicken, biscuits and honey in new sandwich

September 28, 2026

Popeyes has launched the Honey Chicken Biscuit, a $5 sandwich combining the chain's signature chicken with a larger version of its buttermilk biscuit and two…

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.

Burger King launches plant-based Crispy Chicken Burger in Austria

September 9, 2026

Burger King has launched a plant-based version of its popular Crispy Chicken, according to an article in Plant Based News, but for now the new menu item is…

How QSRs can drive customer engagement through round-up donations

With more than half of Americans willing to round up their purchases for charity, these small contributions can collectively generate millions for causes…

KFC Canada, Cheetos Flamin’ Hot turn up the heat with new collaboration

September 1, 2026

KFC Canada and PepsiCo Canada's Cheetos Flamin' Hot have teamed up for a limited-time collaboration that brings their signature flavors, crunch and…

Church's Texas Chicken tests chicken and waffles in limited areas

September 1, 2026

Church's Texas Chicken is testing a new chicken and waffles menu offering in select locations across Texas, Georgia and Florida, according to company news.

Burger King overhauls chicken nugget recipe after consumer complaints

August 31, 2026

Burger King is overhauling its chicken nuggets and dipping sauces beginning today after a customer feedback initiative revealed widespread dissatisfaction with…

KFC, IShowSpeed team up to launch Hot Ranch Big Dip

August 25, 2026

In response to America's enduring love of ranch dressing, KFC is partnering with internet personality IShowSpeed to introduce Hot Ranch Big Dip, available now…

Long John Silver's details fall menu strategy following strong sales growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Long John Silver's is launching a comfort-focused fall menu featuring hand-battered fried pickles and ongoing $6 value baskets while continuing to remodel and…

A&W launches 1st crispy chicken sandwich, offers BOGO deal

August 19, 2026

A&W Restaurants has entered the QSR chicken sandwich market with the launch of its first-ever Crispy Chicken Sandwich, offering a buy-one, get-one-free…

How Jollibee protects brand culture while expanding franchise operations

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Defying the industry's rapid-growth mentality, Jollibee is executing its North American franchise expansion through a highly selective, 90-day vetting process…

Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles are here for breakfast, lunch and dinner

August 12, 2026

Chick-fil-A is introducing a limited-time fall menu beginning Aug. 24, featuring Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches alongside a S'mores Milkshake and S'mores…