
NRN: El Pollo Loco Ordered to Pay $8.8M in Damages to Franchisee
A California jury has ordered El Pollo Loco to pay nearly $9 million in damages to two franchisees in a territory dispute.
Nation's Restaurant News is a publication in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 2015. 1,115 stories link here, each summarized from the original publisher. - Major quick‑service chains Chipotle, McDonald’s and Sonic are rolling out new seasonal and celebrity‑collaborated menu items to boost fourth‑quarter traffic [[ef05ad]]. - Starbucks posted a 7.7% rise in U.S. same‑store sales for Q4, driven by service improvements and record loyalty‑program membership [[4640b9]]. - Blackwells Capital, a Wendy’s shareholder, is urging the chain to reject a $1.4 billion buyout offer from Trian Fund Management and Greg Flynn [[81ffb5]]. - Restaurant Brands International reported an 8.4% domestic sales increase for Burger King in Q3, while Popeyes same‑store sales fell 2.2% in the U.S. [[3dfc8a]]. - Dine Brands Global, parent of Applebee’s and IHOP, adopted a shareholder‑rights “poison pill” after reports that investment firms were pursuing an acquisition [[091493]]. - Brinker International’s Chili’s brand posted a 10.1% same‑store sales jump for the first fiscal‑2027 earnings period, marking 22 consecutive quarters of growth [[4d3030]]. - Popeyes dismissed

A California jury has ordered El Pollo Loco to pay nearly $9 million in damages to two franchisees in a territory dispute.

Habit Restaurants reports a decline in sales despite promotional offerings.

Wingstop reports a successful first quarter with same-store sales up 9.5 percent.

On April 28th, P.F. Chang's opened a new location in Shanghai’s No1 Mall.

Nation's Restaurant News reported that Denny's Corp. company-owned restaurants outperformed franchised units in the first quarter.

Nation's Restaurant News reports on a Yuma, Arizona farm identified as a source of E. coli cases affecting foodservice romaine lettuce.

Dunkin' Donuts believes that simplification of its menu and winter storms were responsible for less profitable times, despite average ticket increases.

Nation's Restaurant News reports that real estate prices continue to march upward, with companies like Starbucks taking notice and planning to open more destination-oriented stores.

Boston Market is introducing a prime rib option to its menu, available on three nights a week, as part of its refreshed brand identity.

Little Caesars saw a 154% lift in visits during its 'If Crazy Happens' promotion, which was tied to a major upset in the March Madness tournament.

Five Japanese chains, including Uncle Tetsu and Crackin' Kitchen, are targeting North America for growth opportunities, capitalizing on the demand for unique Asian food offerings.

Taco Bell is testing a French Toast Chalupa in Dayton, Ohio, as part of its ongoing innovation and menu development efforts.

Fish City Grill names Dave Orenstein president and chief operating officer, bringing extensive experience in the restaurant industry to the role.

Franchisors are struggling to attract multi-unit franchisees, with one expert estimating the cost of recruiting a big-fish franchisee at $20,000 for a show.

World of Beer adds art to its draughts for National Beer Day, using a brew printer from Beer Ripple to inspire social media sharing.

Wendy's is rolling out a smaller restaurant model called the Smart 55 design, which will feature bold curb appeal and modern decor.

Denny's debuts a Star Wars-themed menu in anticipation of the film's premiere, featuring limited-edition items.

Wetzel's Pretzels introduces a new store prototype, designed to meet the trend toward upscale entertainment in malls, with up to 40 new and existing locations to be renovated.

The article reports on Papa Murphy's new CFO, but does not have any relevance to the franchise industry.

Moe’s Southwest Grill has debuted a sleeker, more modern logo design.

7-Eleven introduced potato tots and a toppings bar to increase its hot food item selection and encourage culinary creativity.

A recent Nation's Restaurant News article outlined a study from a Culinary Vision Panel report which found that 82 percent of consumers wish establishments would use more environmentally friendly business practices.

Taco Bell introduces four variations of design formats for its buildings, shifting away from a uniform look and embracing a more stripped-down aesthetic.

U.S. consumers are increasing their intake of plant-based protein, driving demand for meat-free options and varieties.