In-depth pieces from our analyst team — the operations, market shifts, technology bets, and people decisions shaping food service.

Birdcall is setting its sights on the Midwest as it continues its rapid expansion. The Colorado-born fast casual brand has mapped out plans to add nearly 100 locations across six states to its franchise expansion pipeline in the next five years.

Steakhouses have long occupied a distinct place in restaurant culture. For decades, these establishments represented celebration, business dining, and occasion-driven hospitality.

How much manager burnout is actually being created by the systems and processes managers are forced to work with every day? Restaurant leaders spend enormous amounts of time talking about manager burnout.

Jim Bitticks has been CEO of the brand since January. As we wind down our Conversations series from Chicago (one more to go), Dave’s Hot Chicken CEO Jim Bitticks dropped by to discuss everything from viral product launches to why speed isn’t necessarily king anymore in QSR.

CC’s Coffee House, the beloved Louisiana-born coffee house concept, has appointed Jeremy Hecht as its new Director of Franchise Development, strengthening the brand’s leadership team at a key stage of growth.

The Wendy’s Company announced the appointment of Steve Cirulis as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, effective June 23, 2026. He will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Wright and serve on Wendy’s Senior Leadership Team.

When McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said publicly that combo meals priced above $10 were damaging value perception, it forced the company to lean into value meals to restore traffic. That is the kind of structural fix that comes after value perception has already eroded.

The full-time role supports coffeehouse leaders by providing additional leadership coverage throughout the day. Starbucks is betting that more leadership on the floor can translate into better execution, stronger partner development, and a more consistent customer experience.

The future of On the Border is unknown. On The Border has declared bankruptcy for the second time in a little more than a year.

Joe Jordan (left), currently COO and president of Domino's U.S., has been appointed CEO effective October 1, succeeding Russell Weiner (right). Current executive chairman David Brandon (middle) will retire from the Board in 2027.

Baldor Specialty Foods, a specialty food distributor serving more than 16,000 customers along the East Coast, announced its expansion into North Carolina with an initial focus on the Triangle, Triad, and Charlotte metro areas.

Haven Hot Chicken has signed a three-unit franchise agreement with local entrepreneurs Nate and Whitney Tupper of 1779 Hot Ventures, LLC. The development will bring restaurants to Springfield, West Springfield and Chicopee, with the first location expected to open in late 2026.

In the weeks to come, as we approach this year’s QSR Evolution Conference, I’ll share some thoughts from speakers taking the stage. First up is Heather Neary, CEO of Taco John’s. Neary joined the company in 2024 and previously served as president at QSR franchisee KBP Brands.

When cleaning processes deteriorate, the entire kitchen becomes a minefield. You understand the importance of keeping a restaurant clean and sanitary.

Fragmented technology doesn’t usually show up as a single line item on the P&L. Everyone in the restaurant industry knows margins are razor-thin. Food costs are elevated, and guests are more value-conscious than ever before. Labor also remains a major pressure point.

Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC), the Las Vegas-based fast-casual brand that has become one of the fastest-growing hot chicken concepts in the United States, today announced its first international expansion in the UK.

With the U.S.