Taco Bell’s Horchata Test Separates Cafe Experiments From a National Rollout
Four horchata-inspired drinks arrived at Live Más Cafés; two Refrescas are planned for a December nationwide launch.
Noodles & Company Gives Brothless Ramen a Permanent Menu Category
The new ramen category is permanent, but individual bowls can change as the company develops the lineup.
KFC’s Coca-Cola Switch Will Reach U.S. Restaurants in 2027
KFC plans to begin its U.S. beverage transition in January, with nationwide completion expected by spring 2027.
Krispy Kreme Plans 33 More Shops Across the New York Metro Area
A five-year development agreement covers New York City, Long Island and New Jersey; individual opening dates remain to be announced.
Crisp & Green’s Deal Would Put 33 Salad Restaurants Under a New Name
A 33-restaurant acquisition plan puts the experience of existing salad customers at the center of a brand transition.
Domino’s Sales Show the Gap Between More Orders and Bigger Checks
Domino’s latest results put order growth, smaller checks and franchisee profitability in focus.
Jersey Mike’s Puts a Smaller Lunch in a $7.99 Bundle
The new Mini Bundle pairs a cold mini sub with chips, making portion size part of the value conversation.
Starbucks Denies a Chipotle Acquisition
Starbucks has directly denied buying Chipotle, shifting attention back to the companies’ operating priorities.
Oliva Dip Recall Highlights a Sesame Labeling Gap
A regional recall covers specific Riad’s Oliva to Go dips sold in western Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Outback’s Steak Push Puts Consistency Back in the Spotlight
Outback is promoting revised steak standards and new cuts. The real test is the dinner that reaches the table.
Papa Murphy’s and Pinkberry Put Dinner and Dessert Under One Roof
Three planned Papa Murphy’s and Pinkberry locations test whether sharing a restaurant can serve different dining occasions efficiently.
Fatburger’s New Rewards Program Makes Value a Return-Visit Question
Fatburger launched its first rewards program on October 8. The useful question is how the offer fits a guest’s existing spending.
Taco Bell and Milk Bar Turn Birthday Cake Into a New Dessert Collaboration
An October 15 dessert launch shows how a recognizable bakery flavor can travel into a different restaurant format.
Cinemark Wants a Place at the At-Home Game-Day Table
Cinemark’s game-day delivery push adds another competitor for group food orders.
Google’s New Dining Lists Put New York’s Search Habits on the Menu
Google’s new dining lists highlight restaurant discovery signals. Here is what those signals can—and cannot—tell diners.
Souplantation Plans a California Return in 2027
A planned Fountain Valley reopening brings Souplantation back into the conversation about buffet value and restaurant revivals.
Toast Expands AI Tools for Restaurant Scheduling and Marketing
Toast’s October release adds labor and marketing tools. The practical test is whether managers can review and improve their output.
Uber’s $2.3 Billion ezCater Deal Puts Group Orders in Focus
Uber agreed to acquire ezCater. For restaurants, the opportunity comes with questions about capacity, delivery and order economics.
McDonald’s Pricing Lawsuit Puts Recommendation Tools Under Scrutiny
A proposed McDonald’s pricing class action raises questions about recommendation tools. The company disputes the allegations.
Red Robin’s New Credit Deal Follows a Major Franchise Shift
Red Robin refinanced after selling 108 restaurants. The new credit facility and franchise shift put operating consistency in focus.