The K-shaped economy is working for Cheesecake Factory. Chipotle’s same-store sales were up in the first quarter. And look at Yum Brands’ spinoffs Live Mas Cafe and Kwench go!

Chili’s chicken sandwiches were a hit. Taco Bell is firing on all cylinders. And Wingstop had a rough winter.

Subway has launched its first-ever value menu. McDonald’s is adding more drinks. And Chipotle has a new CMO.

Domino’s is dealing with a lot of discounting from competitors. A Jack in the Box franchisee is suing the franchisor. And 2025 was not kind to fast-casual restaurant chain sales growth.

An Applebee’s franchisee is not happy about the growth of dual-branded units with sister-brand IHOP. The Deparment of Labor has a new proposed rule on joint employer status. And it’s tough to be a franchise brand in this market.

Little Caesars is taking its family meals to the skies, Starbucks is now enabling customers to schedule their orders, and a look inside the making of Wendy’s new spicy chicken sandwich.

Chipotle is bringing back its hardest hitting LTO. Jeni’s has a new CEO who knows a bit about ice cream. And which restaurant chains grew the most last year?

Starbucks is spending $100 million on its Nashville support center. Steak n Shake has a new chief maha officer. And P.F. Chang’s and El Pollo Loco announced big plans at RLC.

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Jersey Mike’s is heading for an IPO. Endless shrimp is back at Red Lobster. And this year’s Top 500 Restaurant chain report is out. It was a rough 2025.

Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast

We can continue to expect menu innovation at El Pollo Loco. Bread Zeppelin wants the world to know they stuffed salad into bread long before Panera. And a breakfast and brunch chain is expanding into lunch.

Learn more about Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast