Taco Bell revs up drive-thru AI deployment
Taco Bell is expanding AI-powered voice ordering in its drive-thrus through a partnership with Omilia, which already operates in nearly 900 U.S. restaurants, signaling continued industry momentum towa

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Taco Bell is expanding AI-powered voice ordering in its drive-thrus through a partnership with Omilia, which already operates in nearly 900 U.S. restaurants, signaling continued industry momentum towa

Dairy Queen appointed Phil Crawford as executive vice president and chief technology officer to oversee IT and retail technology across its global system of more than 7,800 restaurants, signaling the

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers plans to open around 60 locations in 2026, nearing 600 total units, with new building formats enabling expansion into different real estate types.

Golden Chick is launching a new marketing campaign, loyalty program, and digital-first strategy to compete in the competitive chicken tender category.

Bobby's Burgers is incorporating global flavors into its core burger menu through limited-time offerings rather than creating entirely new categories, suggesting QSRs are finding ways to drive variety

Audivi AI has released a new pricing model designed to make drive-thru automation more accessible to quick-service restaurant operators.
Slim Chickens appointed Maureen DiStefano as Director of Franchise Development to strengthen its franchise team ahead of expansion efforts.


Jollibee launched new chicken nuggets, a move the market views as potentially supporting its U.S. IPO ambitions and franchised expansion plans.

Buffalo Wild Wings appointed Scott Nelson as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing experience in brand-building and digital innovation to lead the company's marketing and culinary efforts.

Chicken Salad Chick signed 52 franchise agreements in early 2026, nearly 50 percent more than the 35 it secured in the same period last year, marking its strongest quarter for franchise development si

McDonald's hired Bryan Brown, a veteran from Raising Cane's, to lead development efforts supporting its NEXT strategy, which encompasses restaurant redesigns and enhanced hospitality initiatives.

Burger King is expanding its Original Chicken Sandwich lineup with two new variants launching July 7, signaling continued focus on the core menu item as a driver of traffic and ticket building.

Vibe Restaurants is opening its 100th Wingstop location in Wichita on July 8, marking a milestone in the franchisee's expansion.

Fuzzy's Taco Shop is running a summer promotion through August 30 featuring limited-time menu items, rewards offers, and events designed to drive repeat visits and engagement during peak season.

Smalls Sliders has launched Soda Shakes, a line of concentrated syrups developed with Coca-Cola.

McDonald's appointed Bryan Brown, a former Raising Cane's development executive, as U.S. chief development officer to oversee domestic growth strategy.

Chipotle's COO discussed the chain's technology investments in back-of-house operations as part of its strategy to attract and retain younger diners.

Quick-service restaurants are deploying incremental technology upgrades like digital menus and tablets, along with outsourced services, to address drive-thru inefficiencies such as slow service and or

Hopdoddy Burger Bar's CEO Jeff Chandler discusses the burger chain's sale to Founders Table Restaurant Group on a restaurant finance podcast.

Bareburger is launching a blended burger made with beef and roasted mushrooms across its locations starting mid-June, signaling growing restaurant interest in health-positioned burger innovations to a

Bojangles attributed business growth to drive-thru improvements enabled by AI and operational insights focused on consistency.

Church's Texas Chicken is shifting to smaller, lower-cost restaurant formats designed to reduce construction expenses and enable expansion into urban markets while improving operational efficiency.

KFC is launching a global brand transformation featuring updated menu items, new restaurant designs, and enhanced digital capabilities aimed at differentiating itself and attracting younger consumers

McDonald's is launching a limited-time Happy Meal promotion featuring 10 collectible BT21 character toys with ring clips, starting July 14 at participating locations.

Fast-food sandwich chains are losing market share to fast-casual competitors, suggesting that consumers may be prioritizing perceived quality and business sustainability over traditional quick-service
KFC is overhauling its global menu and restaurant designs.

Church's Texas Chicken has launched a catering service, joining other QSRs in targeting large group orders as a way to offset individual consumer price sensitivity.

Taco Bell franchisee Southpaw has acquired a Columbus location, expanding its restaurant portfolio in the Midwest region.

Founders Table Restaurant Group has acquired Hopdoddy Burger Bar.

Taco Bell has launched a global platform called L.O.C.O.S. aimed at engaging emotionally connected fans.

Sailormen Inc., a bankrupt Popeyes franchisee, is selling 97 locations across Florida and may close the rest.
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Limited-time co-branded product tie-in — routine promotional merchandise without broader operator or loyalty implications.

A Popeyes franchisee facing bankruptcy is divesting most of its restaurant locations.

Eggs Up Grill announced its 110th restaurant opening in South Carolina, reaching a scale position among actively franchising breakfast chains.

KFC is consolidating its global operations and aligning with Taco Bell's playbook, with CEO Scott Mezvinsky positioning the chain as a modern quick-service chicken concept.

Mas Restaurant Group has sold its Ohio Taco Bell restaurants to an existing operator, following an earlier sale of 44 Texas locations.

Haven Hot Chicken, a nine-unit Connecticut chain, is pursuing franchise growth under the operational approach of Peter Cancro, founder of Jersey Mike's Subs.

Limited-time promotional event — typical chain-wide offer with no broader operator insight.

Love & Honey Fried Chicken's co-founder credits the five-unit brand's franchise growth strategy to systematized operations, detailed execution, and staff training.

Seasonal catering promotion with branded merchandise tie-in — routine campaign with no strategic takeaway for operators.

A profile examines Don Fox's career trajectory from dishwasher to leader of a major quick-service chain, extracting lessons on culture and franchise growth.
Dog Haus appointed franchise veterans to its executive team.

White Castle and Garage Beer, both Ohio-based brands, have announced a partnership to create new offerings for their fan bases.

Chicken chains including Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, Houston TX Hot Chicken, Huey Magoo's, and Wingstop are featuring summer limited-time offers centered on value meals and sweet-and-hot flavor profiles.

Taco Bell opened its Cantina concept at Denver International Airport, operated by hospitality company Mission Yogurt Inc.

Wingstop is launching a limited-time Sweet Heat Chamoy wing flavor and matching sauce on June 30, signaling the chain's continued focus on bold, culturally resonant flavors to drive traffic and differ

A podcast episode featuring Berry AI's CEO discusses how computer vision technology is being applied to drive-thru operations, suggesting AI tools may help quick-service restaurants optimize speed and
Vicious Biscuit has signed franchise partners to open its first location in Upstate South Carolina, expanding beyond its original footprint through a franchisee-led model.

Taco Bell is testing a $3 Chili Cheese Menu item.
