News

Photo by Brad on Unsplash

Daybright gives Chick-fil-A a disciplined runway to test new beverages without touching its signature lineup—backed by Red Wagon’s try-and-learn model.

Photo by omid armin on Unsplash

Inflation-fueled value wars, rigid leases, and a softer crawfish season converged to push Razzoo’s into bankruptcy, underscoring the pressures redefining casual dining.

Cracker Barrel halts a limited remodel test after social media backlash, pledging to preserve vintage Americana while shifting investment toward kitchen-led value.

Photo by USAMA AKRAM on Unsplash

Starbucks is restoring thousands of seats and redesigning cafe flow in a $150 million remodel to foster longer visits, more frequent trips, and an inviting sense of belonging.

Waffle House integrates first-party ordering with DoorDash Drive On-Demand, adds 24/7 delivery in select DoorDash markets, and offers free delivery on direct orders until Sept. 14—extending a frictionless, personalized experience at scale.

Photo by Dope Masters on Unsplash

Casual dining is outperforming, and Olive Garden is capitalizing with measured pricing, a quiet affordability rollout, $13.99 Never Ending Pasta, and first-party delivery that doubled channel sales during a 1 million free deliveries campaign.

Photo by Tony Sebastian on Unsplash

Uber's investment in Flytrex links a proven drone operator with Uber Eats' high-volume marketplace, moving aerial delivery from trials to integrated service 'at scale for the first time.'

Photo by Marques Thomas on Unsplash

DoorDash unveils AI recommendations, smart menu tags, short-form video, and a Yelp partnership to create a cohesive “discover, decide and act” experience for delivery and dine-in.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

Dine Brands is centering complete-meal value and sharper marketing at Applebee’s and IHOP to turn awareness into visits and rebuild guest frequency.

Potbelly’s five-year reset—digital makelines, a smaller 1,800-sq-ft box, and disciplined franchising—meets a RaceTrac partnership, with 3.2% Q2 comps signaling momentum amid risks.