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McDonald's USA President Sky Anderson announced that Patrick Gerber will join the U.S. team and assume the role of Chief Restaurant Officer on September 1. Gerber brings over 25 years of multi-market experience within the McDonald's system, having previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Restaurant Officer for McDonald's UK and Ireland. This appointment comes as the company advances its NEXT strategy and addresses declining customer traffic in the U.S.
Quality Fresca, a franchisee of Moe's Southwest Grill with 38 stores, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week. The company aggressively expanded to 67 stores before the pandemic in 2020, but subsequently fell into negative EBITDA due to declining customer traffic, unreduced rents, rising costs, and intensified competition in 2025. The bankruptcy plan aims to close unprofitable stores, streamline the lease portfolio, and achieve sustainable operations on a smaller scale.
Restaurant software and payment company Toast is using AI tools to take over restaurant operations. Its first AI product, Toast IQ Grow, has been expected to reach $10 million in annual revenue since its launch in May. The company's CEO stated that more "agentic products" will be introduced, covering scenarios such as demand forecasting, scheduling, and tax.
Gen Restaurant Group received a letter of intent from a multi-concept restaurant operator on Monday to acquire its Gen Korean BBQ chain with 59 locations for $100 million. The company said it will evaluate the proposal and retain its rapidly growing consumer products business.
Restaurant operators often make slow decisions due to scattered data and cumbersome reports. Craftable has launched an AI assistant, Crafti, which provides conversational insights from cost diagnosis to menu optimization based on real operational data, and enhances trust through transparent, traceable methods.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that a salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated jalapeños distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors has sickened 345 people across 27 states. Chipotle, Qdoba, and Sweetgreen have removed the product or switched suppliers.
Dutch Bros announced on Wednesday's earnings call that it will acquire real estate and related assets for 65 former Salad and Go locations, with the transaction amount undisclosed and expected to close in the third quarter. The move aims to leverage established properties to accelerate store expansion and support its 2029 store count target.
Papa John's announced senior marketing personnel changes and plans to increase mass marketing investment. New Global Chief Marketing Officer Chris Lyn-Sue will succeed Jenna Bromberg, who will remain until August 28 to assist with the transition. The company faced pressure in Q2 results, with global and North American same-store sales declining by 5.7% and 8.3% respectively. CEO Todd Penegor stated that the company will optimize its media mix to balance national awareness with local relevance.
Bain Capital will acquire Gong Cha, with the seller being TA Associates, which took a stake in 2019. The transaction amount has not been disclosed and is expected to close in the fourth quarter. Gong Cha has approximately 2,200 stores worldwide, including about 240 in the United States, and recently acquired 170 stores from its U.S. master franchisee to strengthen operations. The brand is advancing its Gong Cha 2.0 plan and has signed a direct franchise agreement for 50 stores in Texas, targeting 1,000 stores in the U.S.
Portillo's announced on Tuesday the appointment of Kevin Kalicak as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, succeeding Michelle Hook, who departed in May to join Shake Shack. Kalicak spent nearly 30 years at Darden, most recently as Senior Vice President of Finance at Olive Garden, overseeing more than 900 restaurants and $5 billion in annual sales.