We begin with the acquisition that had everyone in the food industry abuzz this week, as JAB seeks to purchase Panera for $7.5 billion. We also glance at earnings from Inventure Foods, an effort by Buffalo Wild Wings to sell some stores to franchisees, and with MLB Opening Day this week, a look around new and emerging food trends at ballparks throughout the country.

One of the largest chicken producers in the U.S. issues a sizeable recall, and we tackle whether or not it will affect chicken prices overall.  Additionally, Checker’s/Rally’s is in the midst of another sale, a Pie Five franchisee takes Rave to court, and the latest from Darden’s $780 million bid for casual dining chain Cheddars Scratch Kitchen.

Dunkin’ Donuts hosts a media day this week, unveiling several new product innovations and LTOs…we discuss the direction in which the company is headed. Additionally, La Madeleine seeks to grow through franchising, Jamba Juice sales fall, a ShopHouse update, and possible outcomes from the new Keurig partnership with Anheuser-Busch-InBev.

Ruby Tuesday, after several consecutive quarters of shrinking sales and operating losses, mulls over its options with the help of UBS…we discuss this along with continued excellence in revenue numbers at Del Taco. Chipotle exits their ShopHouse concept, and we talk about why El Pollo Loco may be positioned for growth despite recent lackluster quarterly financials.

Although Shake Shack saw revenue grow during the last quarter, significant signs of slowing traffic numbers spark concern for the company.  We discuss this, and Monster Energy’s continued growth despite massive competitive pressures.  Finally, we touch on QSR limited time offers for Lent, and an Arkansas-based steakhouse chain trying to grow in an already crowded space.

McDonald’s unveils their latest limited time offer in an attempt to regenerate restaurant traffic—we discuss how their latest plan appeals to customers and franchisees alike. Meanwhile, Domino’s rolls out another quarter with double-digit sales growth, Papa John’s tries a new marketing path, and Trader Joe’s initiates a recall.

After we discuss earnings from Dean Foods, the largest dairy operator in the United States, we delve into information from Wendy’s annual investors day, and look closely at their opportunities for future growth. Additionally, we detail the attempted buyout of Popeye’s by Restaurant Brands, a failed takeover bid by Kraft Heinz, and slight optimism from Texas Roadhouse.

Panera’s system-wide expansion of their 2.0 concept contributes to solid same store sales increases, while fellow fast-casual operator Pie Five shrinks in the opposite direction with another quarter of double-digit comparable-store losses. Meanwhile, we discuss Noodles & Company’s move towards increased franchisee ownership, and the passing of a QSR legend.

Chipotle shows signs of a turnaround in their most recent earnings release, and we discuss why onlookers have potential reasons for optimism (and pessimism). Additionally, Tyson Foods is the subject of an SEC query, KFC launches its newest limited time offer, and a well-known Canadian grill and bar chain makes their first inroads in the U.S. by way of Texas.

Starbucks releases their latest quarterly results, and there are both positives and negatives for the coffee giant.  Additionally, Bob Evans sells off their restaurant division under shareholder pressure, and Smallcakes takes the lead in the cupcake franchise race. Finally, we discuss Olive Garden’s latest limited time offer, and Taco Bell’s latest unique ad campaign.