Recent Posts
News•Feb 27, 2026
Scooters Coffee Reaches 900 Stores Nationwide with 83 New Locations Added in 2025 Across 32 States
Scooter’s Coffee announced it has reached 900 stores nationwide, adding 83 new locations in 2025 across 32 states. The expansion represents a 10% increase over the prior year, following a 16% growth spurt in 2024. The company attributes the growth to its franchise‑driven model and is targeting the next milestone of 1,000 stores through kiosk, endcap, and non‑traditional formats. A new 183,000‑square‑foot distribution center in Indianapolis bolsters its vertically integrated supply chain.
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 27, 2026
How a K-Shaped Economy Is Rewriting the Rules for Restaurants
Independent restaurants are feeling a K‑shaped economy where high‑spending guests continue to splurge while price‑sensitive diners cut back, creating a mismatch between busy dining rooms and shrinking profit margins. Rising labor and food costs, combined with lower check averages and...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 27, 2026
El Pollo Loco Launches a Protein Menu
El Pollo Loco unveiled a "Protein Packed Menu" featuring 24 items priced under $15, each delivering 23 to 74 grams of protein. The lineup includes burritos, bowls, salads and a chicken side, all built around the chain’s citrus‑marinated, fire‑grilled chicken....
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 26, 2026
Maru San Is Washington, D.C.’s First Nikkei-Style Handroll Concept
Maru San, opened Feb. 20 in Washington, D.C.’s Eastern Market, is the city’s first Nikkei‑style handroll concept. Chef Carlos Delgado, known for his work at Causa/Amazonia and under José Andrés, leads the 25‑seat counter‑service spot offering traditional and premium handrolls plus a...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 26, 2026
Applebee’s Strategy: Fewer Promotions, More Manager Visibility
Applebee’s parent Dine Brands trimmed its promotional calendar to four or five events a year, shifting focus to the core menu and the 2 for $25 value platform. The change helped reverse a slump, delivering positive same‑store sales in Q2 2025 and attracting...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 26, 2026
Papa Johns Announces 300 Store Closures and 7% Corporate Layoffs
Papa John’s announced a sweeping cost‑savings program that includes closing 300 under‑performing restaurants—200 of them this year—and laying off 7% of its corporate workforce. The plan aims to generate at least $25 million in savings through 2027, with $13 million expected in...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 26, 2026
National Restaurant Association Show Names 20 Kitchen Innovations Award Recipients for 2026
The National Restaurant Association Show announced the 2026 Kitchen Innovations Awards, honoring 20 food‑service equipment and technology solutions that improve automation, sustainability, and operational resilience. The winners were chosen for their ability to help kitchens cope with labor shortages, tighter...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 26, 2026
National Restaurant Association CEO: ‘Cautious Optimism’ for Growth in 2026
The National Restaurant Association’s 2026 State of the Industry report shows 2025 delivered only 1% sales growth after inflation, with 42% of restaurants operating at a loss and food and labor costs soaring 38% and 35% respectively since 2019. Despite...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 26, 2026
Outback Steakhouse, Noodles & Company, CAVA
Outback Steakhouse recorded a 0.9% traffic increase in Q4, its first rise in four years, driven by the popular Aussie 3‑Course value meals, though same‑store sales slipped 0.6% because of lower pricing. The chain will allocate $50 million toward further restaurant...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 26, 2026
Burger King Has Upgraded Its Signature Whopper
Burger King announced its first Whopper reformulation in nearly ten years, driven by guest feedback. The new version keeps the quarter‑pound flame‑grilled beef but adds a premium bun, upgraded mayo, and serves the sandwich in a heat‑retaining box, while eliminating...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 24, 2026
Kelli Valade’s Career Comes Full Circle
Kelli Valade, a veteran of Chili’s, Red Lobster and Denny’s, was named chief executive officer of the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) in January 2026, shortly after leading Denny’s through a $620 million private‑equity deal. Valade brings deep operational, HR and leadership...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 23, 2026
Zaxbys Launches a Dry Rub Lineup
Zaxby’s has turned its experimental dry‑rub flavors into a permanent menu offering, debuting garlic parmesan, Nashville Hot and lemon pepper rubs. The rubs can be applied to Chicken Fingerz, wings, fries or bundled in meal combos, expanding the chain’s flavor...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 23, 2026
IHOP Goes Analog to Celebrate National Pancake Day
IHOP announced its first National Pancake Day on March 3, offering a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes at participating locations from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event includes an in‑person appearance by social‑media influencer Mr. Fantasy at the Hollywood restaurant. IHOP...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 23, 2026
Texas Roadhouse, Tariffs, Del Taco
Texas Roadhouse posted a 4.2% same‑store sales increase in Q4 2025, driven by a 1.9% traffic rise, and delivered a 4.9% full‑year sales gain despite a three‑point margin dip from soaring beef costs. The chain plans a modest 1.9% menu...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
News•Feb 23, 2026
KFC Is Piloting Two Value Platforms
KFC is testing two distinct value platforms in Ohio and Florida from late February through March, offering flat‑rate bundles at $8 and $10 respectively. The Ohio market provides an everyday all‑day menu with choices of tenders, wings or nuggets, while...
By Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
Deals•Feb 23, 2026
Yadav Enterprises Acquires Del Taco From Jack in the Box for $119M
Yadav Enterprises has purchased Del Taco from Jack in the Box for a reported $119 million, marking a significant markdown. The sale follows Del Taco’s recent closures and its former operator Matadoor Restaurant Group’s Chapter 11 filing, highlighting challenges in...
Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)
Deals•Feb 23, 2026
KBP Brands Acquires 78 Sonic Drive‑In Restaurants
KBP Brands, one of the largest U.S. franchise groups, announced the acquisition of 78 Sonic Drive‑In restaurants across Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, making it the fourth‑largest Sonic franchisee. The restaurants were purchased from Sonic corporate; terms were...
Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN)