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Fast Food, Finance, News, Story

Wendy’s Calls 2026 a Rebuilding Year as Sales Slide and Closures Accelerate

Wendy’s interim CEO Ken Cook made it clear to investors Friday that 2026 will be a rebuilding year for the burger giant. U.S. same-store sales fell 11.3 percent in Q4, driven by a decrease in traffic, partially offset by a higher average check. The brand attributed downward sales to significantly less marketing spend, a tough […]

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Fast Casual, Fast Food, News, Story

Restaurant Industry to Hit $1.55 Trillion in 2026, But Guest Caution Remains

The U.S. restaurant industry is expected to reach $1.55 trillion in sales in 2026, a 4.8 percent increase year-over-year, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2026 State of the Restaurant Industry report. The increase comes amid a complex operating environment. Adjusted for inflation, real sales growth is projected to be 1.3 percent, indicating that much […]

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Burgers, Fast Food, Finance, News, Story

Beef Costs Bite into Burger King’s Profits, but Turnaround Plan Presses On

Burger King’s “Reclaim the Flame” turnaround plan ran into some roadblocks last year because of the macroeconomic environment. Average profitability per unit was about $185,000 last year, down from $205,000 in 2024. The chain attributed the dip to higher beef costs—the brand’s largest commodity—which increased more than 20 percent year-over-year. CEO Josh Kobza said that […]

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Fast Casual, Fast Food, News, Story

CEO to CEO: A&W Restaurants’ Betsy Schmandt and Kilwins’ Brian Britton

In this episode of CEO to CEO: Behind the Counter, we hand the mic over to A&W Restaurants’ CEO Betsy Schmandt and Kilwins’ CEO Brian Britton. They discuss life overseeing two of the country’s most-iconic foodservice brands, what it’s taking to win over customers with experience and service, and how restaurant leaders can inspire growth […]

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Burgers, Fast Food, Finance, Marketing & Promotions, News, Story

McDonald’s Maniacal Focus on Value Leads to Surging Sales

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski re-emphasized to investors Wednesday evening that the brand refuses to “get beat on value and affordability” and that “It’s in our DNA.” The burger giant’s recent financial results back up his message. In the fourth quarter, thanks to clear-cut value messaging and significant marketing campaigns, the chain saw the highest quarterly […]

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Burgers, Fast Casual, Franchising, Growth, News, Story

Savvy Sliders Finds Big Opportunity in Small Burgers

Happy Group COO Sonny Asker likes to describe Savvy Sliders as a “disruptive” concept. Since its founding in 2018, the fast casual has opened 57 restaurants, and there are 60 more units in development. The brand was born out of Michigan, but has spread to existing/upcoming markets like Illinois, Nevada, Indiana, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, […]

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Fast Casual, Fast Food, Franchising, News, Story

Tips to Successfully Build and Scale a Restaurant Franchise

A recent International Franchise Association report shows that franchising continues to have a substantial, positive impact on the U.S. economy. The restaurant industry has always been fertile ground for franchise success. Restauranteurs looking to expand their concept should consider franchising as an option. Franchising a restaurant concept can offer significant benefits, including new revenue streams, […]

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Fast Casual, Fast Food, Legal, News, Story

FAT Brands Faces Leadership Turmoil Days into Bankruptcy Case

Early in FAT Brands’ bankruptcy case, a fight over control of the company has erupted. At the center of the dispute is a January 30 stock sale, four days after FAT Brands and related entities filed for bankruptcy. Twin Hospitality Group issued 9 million shares of common stock to White Lion Capital for about $3.1 […]

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