Operations News

Gong cha deploys Super Wu beverage automation system, kiosks to streamline operations

February 1, 2026

Gong cha, the global bubble tea powerhouse with nearly 2,200 locations, announced the launch of its "Gong cha 2.0" initiative, a comprehensive brand overhaul…

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Chicken Salad Chick awarded 100 franchise deals, opened 42 units in 2025

January 29, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick reported a record-breaking 2025, awarding nearly 100 franchise deals and opening 42 restaurants as it prepares to push further into the…

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Starbucks turnaround: Niccol’s "Back to Starbucks" plan ignites Q1 growth

January 29, 2026

Starbucks has officially shifted from defense to offense. During Wednesday's Q1 2026 earnings call, the company reported a 5% increase in global revenue to…

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Dog Haus enters 15th year with record development pipeline

January 27, 2026

Dog Haus is marking its 15th anniversary with its largest expansion slate to date, following a record-breaking 2025 that saw triple-digit growth in…

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FAT Brands files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure debt

January 26, 2026

FAT Brands Inc., the parent company of 18 restaurant concepts including Fatburger and Johnny Rockets, has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection…

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Chili Shack snags 1st franchisee

January 21, 2026

Chili Shack, a Denver-based restaurant chain known for its Mexican-American fare and green chili, has signed its first franchise agreement to develop three…

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Roti Modern Mediterranean opening delivery-only location

January 20, 2026

Roti Modern Mediterranean is expanding its footprint in its home market with the opening of its first delivery-only location in Smyrna, Georgia. The move marks…

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Fresh Baguette opening 9th location

January 20, 2026

Fresh Baguette will open its ninth location on Jan. 28, marking the company's continued expansion across the Washington metropolitan area.

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3 friends launching Gyro City in Manhattan

January 19, 2026

Gyro City, a fast casual Greek concept, is hoping to elevate Manhattan, New York's street food scene with an emphasis on organic ingredients and traditional…

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Founders Table Restaurant acquires Protein Bar & Kitchen

January 15, 2026

Founders Table Restaurant Group has acquired Protein Bar & Kitchen, marking a significant expansion of its portfolio of founder-led brands.

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Dutch Bros to acquire Clutch Coffee Bar

January 13, 2026

Dutch Bros Coffee has reached an agreement to acquire Clutch Coffee Bar, according to an open letter from Darren Spicer, the founder and CEO of Clutch Coffee…

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Coffee margins under pressure: Menu prices up 3.4%

January 13, 2026

Restaurant operators continued to adjust caffeine margins in late 2025, with coffee prices outrunning other menu categories in year-over-year growth, according…

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Heinz introduces fry box with built-in ketchup dipping compartment

January 13, 2026

Heinz is taking its condiments on the road with the launch of the "Heinz Dipper," a French fry box featuring a built-in compartment specifically designed for…

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Hot Head Burritos marks 2025 with record growth

January 7, 2026

Hot Head Burritos enters 2026 with sustained momentum following a year of steady expansion, product breakthroughs and digital investments designed to help…

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FastCasual opens nominations for 2026 Top 100 Movers & Shakers

January 7, 2026

Nominations close Feb. 8.

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Blaze Pizza names John Owen CEO, launches GLP-1 pizza

January 6, 2026

Blaze Pizza has named industry veteran John Owen as its chief executive officer, signaling a push for global expansion and technological innovation.

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Alonso Castaneda creates Taco Culture

January 6, 2026

After a quarter century of building some of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the country, industry veteran Alonso Castaneda is stepping into the…

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