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Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business.

Restaurant Business Online


    • Nov 21, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 4m AVG DURATION
    • 1,263 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from RB Daily

    Jack in the Box, Cracker Barrel, restaurant jobs

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 4:19


    Jack in the Box had a tough fourth quarter. Cracker Barrel's logo fallout has led to the loss of a board member. And jobs in restaurants and bars continued to trend upward in September.

    Chicken competition, dine-out preferences, cost equations

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 3:39


    Chicken's popularity doesn't concern the biggest chicken chain in the world. Consumers' dine-out preferences are changing. And emerging chain Luna Grill has started to figure out a good cost equation for its business.

    Panera reset, Topgolf owner, MTY sale

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 4:49


    Panera Bread wants to return to its glory days. Topgolf has a new owner. And the parent company of Papa Murphy's may be for sale.

    Freddy's Frozen Custard, Velvet Taco CEO, Popeyes x Blumhouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 5:35


    A Freddy's Frozen Custard franchisee has filed for bankruptcy. Velvet Taco's CEO is leaving after 8 years with the brand. And Popeyes has launched an exclusive collaboration with a horror film.

    Luckin IPO, menu prices, restaurant lending

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 3:48


    Luckin Coffee could go public, again. Menu price inflation is moderating. And why restaurant lenders are being more picky right now.

    Starbucks' holiday cheer, Pura Vida Miami grows and Shakey's returns to roots

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 5:26


    Starbucks is enjoying some holiday cheer. Pura Vida Miami has won a private equity investment. And Shakey's wants to be your neighborhood pizza parlor again.

    Carl's Jr's diss marketing, the return of the IPO, congress pressures Starbucks

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 4:06


    Carl's Jr is taking a swipe at McDonald's. Congress is trying to pressure Starbucks to move forward with a union contract. And will the IPO market make a comeback?

    P.F. Chang's CEO, restaurant sales trends, Red Robin

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2025 3:20


    P.F. Chang's has its second new CEO this year. Bifurcated consumers are impacting sales results. And Red Robin's executives are optimistic, despite falling revenue.

    Sweetgreen-protein, Biglari-Cracker Barrel, Burger King-China

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 3:36


    Sweetgreen is looking to capitalize on the current protein craze. Sardar Biglari is getting an assist in his fight against Cracker Barrel. And Burger King has big plans in China.

    Wendy's, Sweetgreen, Texas Roadhouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 5:05


    Wendy's will close hundreds of U.S. restaurants in the coming months. Sweetgreen is selling its Spyce technology to Wonder. And beef inflation is putting pressure on Texas Roadhouse.

    Bloomin' Brands, Tijuana Flats, Papa Johns

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 6:05


    An Outback Steakhouse turnaround plan is in the works. Tijuana Flats has a new owner. And Papa Johns is not for sale.

    McDonald's, Wingstop, Taco Bell

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 4:08


    The Snack Wrap and value helped McDonald's last quarter. Wingstop is developing its first loyalty program. And Taco Bell is innovating on its signature Baja Blast flavor.

    Pizza Hut sale, Denny's, Wingstop

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 6:25


    Pizza Hut appears to be on the hunt for a buyer. Denny's is going private for the first time in decades. And Wingstop is feeling the impacts of consumer anxiety.

    Starbucks, Wendy's, TGI Fridays 

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 3:47


    Starbucks is going on offense. Wendy's sees a silver lining in its Frosty program. And TGI Fridays' U.S. manager has acquired its counterpart across the pond.

    Popeyes, El Pollo Loco and New York's Waldorf Astoria

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 3:04


    Popeyes is working through a slump. El Pollo Loco is improving profitability, and New York's Waldorf Astoria is back and better than ever.

    Chipotle, 7 Brew, Burger King

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 4:47


    Chipotle downgraded expectations for the year – again – after a disappointing third quarter. The world's largest franchise group is adding a new brand to its portfolio.  And Burger King's focus on its signature Whopper is paying off.

    Chili's, Cheesecake Factory, HopCat

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 3:45


    It was another big quarter for Chili's. Get ready for a Cheesecake Factory app. And a pub chain has a new owner.

    Chili's Skillet Queso, 7 Brew traffic, Taco Bell beverage expansion

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 5:20


    Chili's is bringing back its Skillet Queso following a swift outcry on social media. 7 Brew is leading the coffee segment in traffic as bigger coffee chains struggle. And Taco Bell continues to expand its Live Mas Cafe beverage concept.

    Local Kitchens, Biglari-Cracker Barrel, tech redundancies

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 4:17


    Yet another ghost kitchen operator appears to be shrinking. An investment gadfly is speaking out against Cracker Barrel. And here's why technological redundancies just may be a good thing.

    Cracker Barrel, Dunkin', menu inflation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 4:11


    Cracker Barrel's CEO has spoken out about “logo-gate” for the first time. Dunkin' is getting ready to run in the afternoons. And The Consumer Price Index was published Friday after a 10-day delay.

    Potbelly-RaceTrac, Perkins CEO, third-quarter earnings

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 4:28


    Potbelly is now officially owned by a convenience-store chain. Perkins has a new CEO. And there are some looming questions as we approach third-quarter earnings.

     Big Boy, FAT Brands, restaurant traffic

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 5:27


    A turf war between Big Boy operators appears to be over for now. FAT Brands has moved to settle one of the lawsuits filed against the company. And traffic remains negative, despite another year of record-breaking LTOs.

    Cracker Barrel training, No Tax on Tips, Starbucks

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 5:01


    Cracker Barrel is debuting a new training program. Will the No Taxes on Tips rule create more wage disparity? And Starbucks is testing a new assistant manager program.

    Federal shutdown, Potbelly wraps, Pizza Hut UK insolvency 

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 3:56


    The ongoing federal government shutdown is expected to take a toll on Cava and Sweetgreen. Potbelly is the latest chain to crowd up the battleground over wraps. And a Pizza Hut UK franchisee is insolvent.

    Franchising, immigration, Walmart-ChatGPT

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 4:05


    Restaurant franchising is seeing success right now, with some caveats. The Trump Administration's immigration push is having wide-reaching impacts on the restaurant industry. And here's how Walmart's new ChatGPT partnership could affect the restaurant industry.

    Del Taco, DoorDash/Waymo, AI advertising

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 2:34


    Del Taco has been sold. DoorDash is partnering with Waymo for driverless delivery. And this chain's new ad campaign was created entirely with AI.

    Lemonade closures, Bravo/Brio, Cava

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 3:22


    The Lemonade fast-casual brand is closing locations. Bravo and Brio are under new management. And what Cava can teach us about M&A.

    Domino's sales, Taco Bell Crispy Chicken, Snooze CEO

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 4:48


    Domino's isn't bullish, despite its strong sales. Taco Bell is bringing back its Crispy Chicken lineup with a new sauce. And Josh Kern has been named CEO of a brunch concept.

    Deal fatigue, 500 7 Brews, Wendy's Mexico

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 4:41


    Deal fatigue appears to be hitting fast food. 7 Brew has opened its milestone 500th stand. And Wendy's is accelerating its expansion in Mexico.

    Popeyes Mexico, teen spending, Cotton Patch comeback

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 3:31


    Popeyes is ramping up its presence in Mexico. Teenagers are cutting back significantly on dining out. And Cotton Patch Cafe is making a big comeback.

    Wendy's-Greg Creed, McDonald's Snack Wrap, AI search

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 3:36


    Wendy's is looking to the former CEO of Taco Bell for turnaround help. McDonald's Snack Wrap drove a lot of traffic. And here's how to get your restaurant to show up on AI search.

    Iron Hill liquidation, Domino's brand refresh, Steve Ells' new venture

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 5:14


    After nearly 30 years in business, Iron Hill has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation. Domino's has unveiled its first brand refresh in 13 years. And Chipotle founder Steve Ells wants to reinvent the fast casual segment again - This time, with sandwiches.

    ChatGPT food delivery, Long John Silver's, grocery v. restaurants

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 4:04


    ChatGPT is adding food delivery options. Long John Silver's is trying to lure younger diners. And the grocery store is becoming a growing restaurant competitor.

    Round Table Pizza franchisees, Long John Silver's chicken, political consumer trends

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 5:15


    Round Table Pizza franchisees are taking issue with their parent company's ad spending. Long John Silver's wants to be known as more than a seafood chain. And does political affiliation impact restaurant spending?

    Cracker Barrel consultancy, Bruegger's Bagels, Taco Tuesday

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 3:40


    Cracker Barrel has ended its relationship with the consultancy that oversaw its brand refresh initiatives. Bruegger's Bagels locations in Cincinnati are being rebranded. And Taco Bell is launching its biggest Taco Tuesday promotion.

     Restaurant jobs, Razzoo's bankruptcy, Krystal loyalty

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 4:50


    Restaurant hiring is slowing. A chain that just filed for bankruptcy is blaming discounting by its competitors for some of its woes. And 93-year-old Krystal is finally introducing a loyalty program.

    Starbucks union, Big Chicken, Habit Burger deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 5:59


    The Starbucks union has won negotiations for baristas affected by last week's closures. Big Chicken is working out some post-acquisition challenges. And Habit Burger is extending its meal deal.

    DoorDash, Wendy's chicken tenders, Yum CEO

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 4:44


    DoorDash wants to do more for restaurants than just deliver. There's a new chicken tender player in town. And Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs retires this week.

    Cracker Barrel backlash, Chinese tech giant, Burger King Halloween

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 4:14


    Bots played a big role in the Cracker Barrel logo backlash. A Chinese restaurant tech giant is looking to make inroads in the U.S. And Burger King is really leaning into Halloween.

    McDonald's drinks, magnetic brands, Starbucks traffic

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 5:09


    We tried some of McDonald's new CosMc's-inspired beverages. Five restaurants are among the most magnetic brands in America. And Starbucks' traffic remains a challenge.

    Starbucks layoffs and closures, Iron Hill Brewery, Popeyes lawsuit

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 5:37


    Starbucks is planning dozens of store closures and hundreds of layoffs as it looks to reverse sliding sales. A brewery chain has suddenly closed all of its locations. And Popeyes is accusing a former franchisee of trademark violations.

    Portillo's, Dine Brands tech, Panera/Gilmore Girls

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 4:57


    It remains to be seen if Portillo's will continue to expand outside Chicago. Dine Brands uses one simple criterion to prioritize tech investments. And Panera is welcoming fall with two Gilmore Girls stars.

    Osanloo-Portillo's, Subway remodels, Bojangles

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 5:19


    Portillo's has ousted its CEO. Subway franchisees are fighting back against store remodels. And Bojangles' largest franchisee has been acquired by private equity.

    Yum expansion, Starbucks apple crisp, Chick-fil-A delivery

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 5:31


    Yum Brands has acquired 13 PDQ restaurant leases in a quest for expansion. Starbucks is bringing back apple crisp after all. And Chick-fil-A has opened a delivery-only kitchen in Boston.

    Cracker Barrel recovery, cooling restaurant sales, BJ's union

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 6:23


    Cracker Barrel foresees a long road to recovery from its logo debacle. Chain restaurant sales are expected to cool even more than previously anticipated. And BJ's is facing a union push in California.

    Olive Garden, Uber-drones, Iron Hill Brewery

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 4:49


    Olive Garden is seeing whether diners enjoy smaller portions. Uber is testing drone delivery. And Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is shrinking.

    US Foods/Performance Food Group, Salad and Go, Pizza Hut Crafted Flatzz 

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 4:22


    A potential merger would form the nation's largest broadline food distributor. A drive-thru chain is closing more than 40 locations. And a value item at Pizza Hut has evolved into a platform for innovation.

    Denny's activist, McDonald's global impact, FSTEC wrapup

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 4:30


    There's activist investor interest in Denny's. McDonald's is adding more muscle to its global impact team. And here are some of the big takeaways from the FSTEC technology conference.

    McDonald's regenerative agriculture, Popeyes-Hot Ones, IHOP value

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 3:32


    McDonald's is investing in regenerative agriculture. Popeyes is turning up the heat with a new partnership. And IHOP is doubling down on value.

    Black Rock IPO, Portillo's, delivery speed

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 4:42


    There's a new publicly traded restaurant chain for the first time in three years. Can Portillo's get its groove back? And speed wins, when it comes to delivery.

    Value wars, Gen Z, menu price inflation

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 5:07


    The value wars are being fought on third-party delivery apps, restaurant chains might want to focus marketing on younger consumers, and menu pricing at full-service restaurants ticked up to its highest level in two years.

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