
Denny’s hires a Cracker Barrel veteran as COO
- Family Dining - Franchising - Executives - News Denny’s hires a Cracker Barrel veteran as COO Aaron Howard joins the diner chain after a long career in restaurants, including mor
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

- Family Dining - Franchising - Executives - News Denny’s hires a Cracker Barrel veteran as COO Aaron Howard joins the diner chain after a long career in restaurants, including mor

- Expert Opinions \\ \\ Take-Away with Sam Oches features interviews with CEOs and founders of restaurant companies big and small, sharing their stories and ideas for the future bu
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D720%26quality%3D80%26disable%3Dupscale?w=768)
- Finance - Franchising - News Mountain Mike’s franchisee declares Chapter 11 bankruptcy Rogue Fare operates five restaurants in southern Oregon. [](https://www.nrn.com/author/alic

- Fast Casual - Finance - Supplier News - Technology - News Chipotle invests in 6 more emerging companies They are part of the fast-casual chain’s Cultivate Next venture fund to su

The 55-unit Canadian dessert franchise is making its American debut with a new location in Dallas as part of a larger international expansion strategy.

Long-standing chicken franchise Golden Chick is revitalizing its brand identity and marketing strategy to better compete within the crowded quick-service restaurant category.

The Denver-based burger chain is streamlining its seasonal strategy with a value-focused summer menu featuring the new $4.99 Pickle Stack Smash.

The new pricing model removes hardware barriers for drive-thru automation, allowing franchise operators to deploy voice AI with no capital budget approval or procurement friction.

- Independent Restaurants - Fine Dining - News Chicago's Boka Restaurant Group expands to Nashville The multiconcept operator is bringing its Momotaro and Alla Vita concepts to Mus

The buffet franchise is launching a series of value deals for loyalty members, starting with discounted weekend breakfasts for children throughout July.

Industry experts discuss the potential Jersey Mike's public offering alongside broader concerns regarding recent restaurant sector job losses.

Jersey Mike’s has filed for a $100 million IPO following its acquisition by Blackstone, potentially marking one of the largest public offerings in restaurant history.

CEO Michael Montagano explains how granting area directors equity and board seats aims to accelerate the brand's expansion toward 300 locations through deeper franchisor-franchisee alignment.

The fast-casual sandwich giant has filed for a $100 million initial public offering, marking a major transition following its acquisition by Blackstone.

A bankrupt Popeyes franchisee is divesting 97 units in Florida, while Raising Cane’s marks a milestone with its first airport location at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

The Restaurant Academy pilot program offers free leadership training and James Beard Award-winner coaching to independent operators with one to five units.

The chicken chain is launching a "Ranch Remix" promotion featuring a rotating monthly drop of new housemade ranch flavors to drive repeat customer visits.
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D720%26quality%3D80%26disable%3Dupscale?w=768)
The quick-service chicken chain opened its first Idaho location in Meridian, marking a milestone in its plan to double its annual opening rate by 2026.

The Chinese coffee chain is deploying self-ordering kiosks at its growing number of Manhattan locations to complement its mobile-only ordering model.

Buffalo Wild Wings has appointed Scott Nelson, formerly of Tatte Bakery & Cafe and Panera, as Chief Marketing Officer to lead the brand's marketing strategy.

Recent industry data shows that while overall sales growth has decelerated, several top-tier restaurant chains are still achieving double-digit unit and sales expansion.

Knicks MVP Jalen Brunson has joined Just Salad as an equity partner, marking the NBA star’s first investment in the fast-casual restaurant industry.

Church’s Texas Chicken has introduced a new catering program across participating locations, offering buffet-style bundles and individual meals to capture growing off-premises demand.

The 58-unit fast-casual chain is the first restaurant brand to sign an exclusive deal with Keurig Dr Pepper, offering franchisees more localized beverage flexibility.