Lisa Jennings

Data firm YouGov ranked the Top 20 restaurant chains on the rise, evaluated by key metrics.

James Field, who moves from the C-suite at the sandwich chain, was named CMO of Dog Haus amid several other promotions and new hires.

The quick-service sandwich chain’s promotion attempts to tap the fandom of gamers.

Taco Bell is expanding its beverage lineup with three new energy drinks, each including 120 milligrams of caffeine and vitamin B. The new beverages, available nationwide, include Pineapple Citrus Energy Refresher, Strawberry Tropics Energy Refresher, and Pineapple Citrus Energy Freeze. They join a growing part of Taco Bell’s menu that already includes specialty beverages like Agua Refrescas and Rockstar Energy Refrescas (launched last year). Earlier this month, McDonald’s launched a Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer drink, while in March, Panera launched a lineup of Energy Refreshers.

The first of two LA-area units opened in Studio City, with a second to come in Beverly Hills. This one will offer something new: ice cream.

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the weekly restaurant news discussion podcast looks at the comeback of the bagel, the comeback of Endless Shrimp, and whether Wendy’s can come back.

The New York City-based bakery chain has promoted two long-time executives to lead the 19-unit chain to a next phase of growth. Outgoing CEO John Maguire will remain on the board.

The multi-concept operator acquired the casual dining brand last year, but said some needed to shutter due to cannibalization. Another 16 units remain in the Carolinas.

Papa Johns has named KM Capital as its new franchise partner in Mexico. Under the agreement of this new partnership, KM Capital will assume leadership of 44 existing franchised restaurants across the country, which the company said is a priority market for Papa Johns International. KM Capital will also focus on expanding the brand across the country with continued investments in operations, branding, and restaurant growth. This partnership comes as the chain’s international business continues to grow. In the second quarter, same-store sales in the division increased 1.5%, marking its seventh consecutive quarter of positive comps. This is compared to the domestic business, which was down 8.3%.

AQ Chicken, and its unique fried chicken over coals, was embraced by generations before closing in 2023. Can this family bring it back to life for modern diners?