Meritage’s Proposed Wendy’s Sale Is a Transfer, Not a Closure List
Meritage proposes selling 42 Wendy’s restaurants for $18.6 million. Why a proposed ownership transfer and possible closures need separate attention.
Sweetgreen’s New Culinary Chief Faces the Everyday Lunch Test
Sweetgreen named John Karangis its culinary leader. The appointment puts menu development, ingredient sourcing and everyday consistency in focus.
Taco Bell’s PepsiCo Renewal Makes Drinks a Long-Term Menu Bet
Taco Bell and PepsiCo renewed their U.S. beverage partnership through 2036. Here is what is confirmed, and what future drink plans leave open.
Bojangles Expands Voice Ordering, With the Queue Shaping the Upsell
Bojangles plans 100 more Bo-Linda drive-through installations. What queue-aware upselling means for service speed, order handoffs and diners.
Wendy’s $7.99 Combo Puts a Familiar Meal at the Center of Value
Wendy’s launched a limited-time Dave’s Single combo on October 19. The deal highlights a familiar meal, with price and participation conditions.
PepsiCo’s Knoxville Closure Separates Production From Local Delivery
PepsiCo announced its Knoxville production closure on October 19. Local sales and delivery continue, while 112 workers are affected, reports say.
Olo’s New Ordering App Makes the Checkout Total the Real Test
Olo launched its ordering app on October 20 with more than 250 restaurant brands. Menu-price claims still need to be weighed against checkout fees.
Kayem Recall Calls for a Closer Look at Refrigerated Meat Labels
FSIS announced a recall of about 1.58 million pounds of Kayem ready-to-eat meat and poultry. Check official product labels and recall instructions.
Tropical Smoothie’s 40-Cafe Deal Targets New York and Connecticut
A new Aurify Kingstar agreement plans 40 Tropical Smoothie cafes across New York and Connecticut, with the first opening expected in early 2027.
Golden Corral’s Closures Put Franchise Transitions in Focus
Golden Corral confirmed an elevated closure rate while describing possible franchise reopenings and continued restaurant development.
MGP’s Sempreon Rebrand Connects Spirits and Ingredients Under One Name
MGP Ingredients plans a November 2 change to Sempreon, with a new ticker and a corporate identity spanning spirits and ingredients.
Boogie Brings Sourdough From Breakfast to Dinner in Washington Heights
Boogie Bakery & Bistro’s Washington Heights debut puts bread at the center of an all-day restaurant from Delmonico’s Hospitality Group.
Chubby’s New Funding Meets a Major GEN Restaurant Transition
Chubby Group announced $50 million in funding alongside a proposed deal involving 47 GEN Korean BBQ restaurants.
Salad and Go’s Return Depends on More Than Its Old Storefronts
New owners plan to revive Salad and Go in Arizona while many former locations move to other restaurant brands.
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.