Heather Haddon
Verified
Restaurants reporter for The Wall Street Journal. Chicago via NYC. Soup-maker, bike-rider, piano-player. heather.haddon@wsj.com
Articles by Heather Haddon
How Coke loosened Pepsi's grip on KFC's soda fountains
Inside a Yum Brands meeting room across two days in Plano, Texas, KFC executives and franchisees tasted samples from the biggest rivals in soda—Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. The goal: to choose which company would fill beverage fountains at more than 3,000 U.S. restaurants. While Pepsi had the business for decades, its 10-year contract with the chicken chain was ending soon, people familiar with the agreement said. The stakes for all parties were high.
KFC to ditch Pepsi for Coke in thousands of restaurants
KFC said it has struck a deal with Coca-Cola as its beverage provider at thousands of U.S. restaurants, a blow to longtime supplier PepsiCo. The switch to Coke at KFC U.S. would begin in January. PepsiCo will still supply many markets for KFC International—the much bigger arm of the restaurant chain, according to an internal KFC message. Pepsi will also continue to serve Taco Bell, a person familiar with the matter said. Those divisions within Yum Brands are growing faster than KFC's U.S. business.
肯德基将在数千家美国餐厅用可口可乐替代百事可乐
肯德基美国门店将从明年1月份开始改用可口可乐饮料。这对百事公司是一个打击。 肯德基(KFC)表示，已与可口可乐(Coca-Cola)达成协议，由后者为其在美国的数千家门店供应饮料。这对肯德基的长期供应商百事公司(PepsiCo)是一个打击。 肯德基美国门店将从明年1月份开始改用可口可乐饮料。 Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8 立即订阅 热门文章 热门视频
KFC、米店舗で飲料供給元をペプシコからコカ・コーラに変更へ
This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.
KFC Is Moving to Ditch Pepsi for Coke in Thousands of Restaurants
Chicken chain’s plan for new beverage partner would deal blow to PepsiCo’s U.S. business A deal could be announced as soon as Thursday, the people said, and the switch to Coke at KFC U.S. would begin in January. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8 Subscribe Now Already a subscriber? Sign In
How America’s Biggest Buffet Chain Cracked the Math of All You Can Eat
Sept. 26, 2026 5:30 am ET To make the economics work for all-you-can-eat meat and potatoes, executives with the Golden Corral buffet chain watch not only what their customers consume, but also what they throw away. If a dish isn’t well-made, diners will chuck it and load their plates with other food, breaking the tricky math of unlimited meals for one set price. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
How America's Biggest Buffet Chain Cracked the Math of All You Can Eat — WSJ
By Heather Haddon | Photography by Andrew Spear for WSJ To make the economics work for all you can eat meat and potatoes, executives with the Golden Corral buffet chain watch not only what their customers consume, but what they throw away. If a dish isn't well-made, diners will chuck it and load their plates with other food, breaking the tricky math of unlimited meals for one set price. "You can't fool the customer," said Lance Trenary, chief executive of the roughly 350-unit restaurant chain.
How America’s Biggest Buffet Chain Cracked the Math of All You Can Eat
1 hour ago It’s a kind of ticking tax bomb. At the height of the COVID-19 emergency in 2020, Ontario ordered the non-profit corporation that reassesses property values across the province to take a pause, freezing the price estimates that municipalities use to calculate property-tax bills. As taxpayers know …
LongHorn Steakhouse Owner Sees Imports Easing Beef Costs — WSJ
LongHorn Steakhouse Owner Sees Imports Easing Beef Costs — WSJ DRI Darden Restaurants expects a rise in beef imports to ease its soaring costs for the commodity. The owner of LongHorn Steakhouse told investors it should benefit from the Trump administration allowing more beef to enter the U.S. tariff-free and from Mexico after lifting a ban because of cases of New World screwworm.
Starbucks to close 250 underperforming stores
Starbucks plans to close around 250 underperforming cafes across North America this week, the latest move under Chief Executive Brian Niccol to streamline and boost the profitability of its operations. The closures mark the second round of cafe cuts under Niccol, who joined the coffee giant in September 2024. The company's fiscal year concludes later this month, which is around the same time when the closure of hundreds of stores was announced last year.
Starbucks to Close 250 Underperforming Stores
This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/business/hospitality/starbucks-targets-hundreds-of-cafes-in-new-round-of-closures-9c2da130
Starbucks Targets Hundreds of Cafes in New Round of Closures — WSJ
Starbucks Targets Hundreds of Cafes in New Round of Closures — WSJ SBUX Starbucks plans to close hundreds of cafés across North America this week, the latest move under Chief Executive Brian Niccol to streamline and boost the profitability of its operations. The closures mark the second round of café cuts under Niccol, who joined the coffee giant in September 2024.
McDonald's pledges $8.5 billion in investments to help franchisees
CHICAGO—McDonald's plans to invest billions of dollars to help its franchisees make investments in equipment and their operations to better compete with fast-food rivals. The restaurant giant said Wednesday that it would spend around $8.5 billion to provide franchisees with rent assistance and help with capital improvements through 2036 as part of a new corporate strategy. The financial commitment, the company said, is in addition to its typical capital-spending plans.
McDonald's Pledges Multibillion-Dollar Investment to Help Franchisees — WSJ
McDonald's Pledges Multibillion-Dollar Investment to Help Franchisees — WSJ MCD CHICAGO-McDonald's plans to invest billions of dollars to help its franchisees make investments in equipment and their operations to better compete with fast-food rivals. The restaurant giant said Wednesday that it would spend around $8.5 billion to provide franchisees with rent assistance and help with capital improvements through 2036 as part of a new corporate strategy.
New Cracker Barrel CEO Sticks With Chain's Strategy — WSJ
New Cracker Barrel CEO Sticks With Chain's Strategy — WSJ CBRL Cracker Barrel's former CEO Julie Masino had some good ideas after all. The restaurant chain's new chief, Dave Deno, said during his first investor call today that the company has largely focused on the right areas and he's working to refine the strategy prioritizing food and customers. Shares gained nearly 5%. "Cracker Barrel is on the right track," said Deno, who joined the company in August.
McDonald's Pledges Billions in AI, Infrastructure Upgrades — WSJ
McDonald's Pledges Billions in AI, Infrastructure Upgrades — WSJ MCD McDonald's plans to invest billions of dollars to help its franchisees use AI tools and upgrade their kitchens and menus to better compete with rivals. The fast-food chain said today that it would allocate around $8.5 billion globally for franchisee rent assistance and capital spending through 2036 as part of a new corporate strategy. The company believes that AI-enabled technology will lead to improved restaurant returns.
Chili's Gearing Up for Battle With Taco Bell — WSJ
Chili's Gearing Up for Battle With Taco Bell — WSJ EAT Chili's went after fast-food burgers, and now it wants to take a bite out of to-go Mexican. Executives from Chili's parent Brinker International said Thursday that the chain plans on developing new spins on tacos and quesadillas. The offerings could include Chili's improved chicken tenders, steak or spicy mayo, executives said.
Papa John's on a Quality Quest as its Shares Stall — WSJ
Papa John's on a Quality Quest as its Shares Stall — WSJ PZZA Papa John's has yet to reverse its sales swoon. CEO Todd Penegor thinks the process starts with boosting the quality of the company's pizzas. At an investor event Wednesday Penegor said the pizza chain's turnaround is taking longer than he would have liked, with U.S. same-store sales declining for several consecutive quarters. The company's stock has slumped 48% so far this year.
America’s Fast-Food Chains Are Making a Big Pivot – Back to Humans
McDonald’s and Burger King boost training to improve hospitality. »Our restaurants seem rushed, impersonal, sterile.« I kæder som McDonald's har man indset, at kunder i højere grad foretrækker menneskelig betjening frem for digitale bestillingsskærme. Foto: Michael M. Santiago/AFP/Ritzau Scanpix Heather HaddonThe Wall Street Journal It turns out that service with a smile has never gone out of style.
美国快餐连锁迎来战略大转向：从自动化回归“人情味”
事实证明，微笑服务从未过时。 根据高管的说法、市场研究以及《华尔街日报》(The Wall Street Journal)查阅的行业文件，在斥资数百万美元引入数字自助点餐机和移动点餐系统后，快餐连锁店发现，许多顾客只是希望有人能在柜台前亲切地为他们点餐。 Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
America’s Fast-Food Chains Are Making a Big Pivot—Back to Humans Original
Sept. 10, 2026 8:00 pm ET Burger King is making a comeback. The fast-food chain has seen increased sales and foot traffic, which the company’s U.S. president Tom Curtis credits to their updated signature burger, the Whopper. WSJ’s Heather Haddon sat down with Curtis and visited the Burger King test kitchen to find out how they plan to make it last. Illustration: June Bang It turns out that service with a smile has never gone out of style.
New whoppers, higher quality: Inside Burger King's bold revamp
Burger King is trying to convince America it has the best burger out—and that it is worth paying for. The No. 2 U.S. burger chain by sales has charged its corporate chef with upgrading the sauces, buns and packaging for its food. Executives believe the improvements are helping it stand out in the competitive fast-food market that often relies on discounts to bring in customers.
New Whoppers, Higher Quality: Inside Burger King’s Big Revamp
Burger King is trying to convince America it has the best burger out—and that it is worth paying for. The No. 2 U.S. burger chain by sales has charged its corporate chef with upgrading the sauces, buns and packaging for its food. Executives believe the improvements are helping it stand out in the competitive fast-food market that often relies on discounts to bring in customers.
New Whoppers, Higher Quality: Inside Burger King’s Bold Revamp
1 hour ago The late-night host said his interview with the Democratic Senate candidate would air instead on YouTube. Jimmy Kimmel announced on Wednesday night that his show would not air his upcoming interview with Texas’ Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico on television, citing the Trump …
Jersey Mike's Sees Progress in Courting Gen Z — WSJ
Jersey Mike's Sees Progress in Courting Gen Z — WSJ Jersey Mike's biggest customers are now from Gen X and baby boomers. The subs chain's CEO says that newer initiatives, such as more playful marketing and partnering with social-media influencers, are helping it land more Gen-Z customers.
Dunkin' boss named interim CEO of Inspire Brands ahead of IPO
Inspire Brands has named the head of its Dunkin' division as interim chief executive, an abrupt leadership change that comes while the fast-food giant prepares for an initial public offering. Dunkin' President Scott Murphy will temporarily run the Atlanta-based company while longtime Chief Executive Paul Brown takes temporary medical leave, Inspire said in a message to employees, a copy of which was viewed by The Wall Street Journal.
Dunkin' Boss Named Interim CEO of Inspire Brands Ahead of IPO — WSJ
Dunkin' Boss Named Interim CEO of Inspire Brands Ahead of IPO — WSJ Inspire Brands has named the head of its Dunkin' division as interim chief executive, an abrupt leadership change that comes while the fast-food giant prepares for an initial public offering.
Jersey Mike's Soars on Order Growth — WSJ
Jersey Mike's Soars on Order Growth — WSJ Investors are rewarding Jersey Mike's for getting people to buy more of its subs at a time when many restaurants are struggling to increase transactions. The New Jersey-based sandwich chain's shares were up 7% Wednesday after it released its first earnings report as a public company. Same-store sales grew 2.3% in the three months ended June 28 from a year earlier, driven by transaction growth for sandwich options like chicken salad.
Starbucks Refreshed Its Menu. Chai Fans Are Losing Their Minds.
05.09.2026 09:00 The Wall Street Journal By Heather Haddon, The Wall Street Journal Share Ditch the 40-Ounce Water Bottle: You’re Probably Hydrated Enough You don’t need to make drinking water a part-time job since too much of it doesn’t have any real health benefit By Sumathi Reddy, The Wall Street Journal The Wall Street Journal By Sumathi Reddy, The Wall Street Journal A Starbucks logo is seen at a Starbucks coffee shop in Seoul, South Korea, March 7, 2016. Picture taken March 7, 2016.
Starbucks refreshed its menu. Chai fans are losing their minds.
Adam Benson works in cybersecurity by day. By night, he's trying to hack the code for Starbucks's iced chai. The 58-year-old dad became hooked on the chain's tea lattes in 2001, when he started dating his now wife and was searching for a sweet beverage to sip alongside her. Soon, he was splurging on a chai two to four times a week. Then, in March, the trouble began. For the first time in years, his chai wasn't a sweet treat with a luscious, spicy taste.
Starbucks Refreshed Its Menu. Chai Fans Are Losing Their Minds.
The coffee chain’s loyal tea drinkers are calling headquarters, emailing execs and signing petitions over changes; ‘Turn this unnecessary mess around’ Devotees of Starbucks original iced chai have re-evaluated their rituals. Chase Gaewski/WSJ Adam Benson works in cybersecurity by day. By night, he’s trying to hack the code for Starbucks’s iced chai.
The Midwestern Burger Chain That's Going Full MAGA — WSJ
By Heather Haddon | Photography by Garrett Sweet for WSJ SCHERERVILLE, Ind.-An American flag big enough to cover two school buses flaps over a Steak 'n Shake location southeast of Chicago. Payment systems take bitcoin, and for customers who pull up in Teslas, there are free supersize fry upgrades served in gold boxes. French fries are cooked in beef tallow instead of vegetable oil.
The Midwestern Burger Chain That’s Going Full MAGA
Steak 'n Shake in Schererville, Ind. Steak ‘n Shake in Schererville, Ind. By Heather Haddon | Photography by Garrett Sweet for WSJ SCHERERVILLE, Ind.—An American flag big enough to cover two school buses flaps over a Steak ’n Shake location southeast of Chicago. Payment systems take bitcoin, and for customers who pull up in Teslas, there are free supersize fry upgrades served in gold boxes. French fries are cooked in beef tallow instead of vegetable oil.
The Midwestern Burger Chain That’s Going Full MAGA
Advertising 1 hour ago Explaining real-time bidding ppc.land - Luis Rijo • 1h Real-time bidding is the per-impression auction behind most digital display advertising: how the OpenRTB protocol works, what it costs, and who … World News 14 hours ago New U.S. sanctions will hit ordinary Iranians hard.
Wendy's CEO aims for chain to get back in the burger fight
Bob Wright knows his mission: Get Wendy's back on its feet. Since taking the helm as Wendy's chief executive in May, Wright has been unsparing in his assessment of the burger chain's challenges. He has told franchisees and investors that the company has shortchanged ingredient quality for cost savings, that service has become uneven and that Wendy's depends too much on deals.
Wendy's CEO Aims for Chain to Get Back in the Burger Fight — WSJ
Bob Wright knows his mission: Get Wendy's back on its feet. Since taking the helm as Wendy's chief executive in May, Wright has been unsparing in his assessment of the burger chain's challenges. He has told franchisees and investors that the company has shortchanged ingredient quality for cost savings, that service has become uneven and that Wendy's depends too much on deals.
Starbucks laying off more than 200 workers in streamlining drive
Starbucks will lay off more than 200 corporate staff, continuing a strategy to tighten its operations two years into a turnaround effort pursued by Chief Executive Brian Niccol. The Seattle company plans to cut about 120 technology workers, according to the company, after those staff declined to relocate to Nashville, where a new corporate office is being built. Starbucks is cutting an additional 104 jobs in coffeehouse design and development.
星巴克总部将裁员逾200人，继续推行精简战略
星巴克(Starbucks)将裁减200多名总部员工，在首席执行官布莱恩·尼科尔(Brian Niccol)主持转型重组两年之际，继续推进其精简运营的战略。 星巴克表示，由于部分员工拒绝迁往正在建设新办公区的纳什维尔，这家总部位于西雅图的公司计划裁减约120名技术人员。此外，星巴克还将裁减104个咖啡馆设计与开发岗位。 Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
Starbucks Laying Off More Than 200 Workers in Streamlining Drive — WSJ
Starbucks Laying Off More Than 200 Workers in Streamlining Drive — WSJ SBUX Starbucks will lay off more than 200 corporate staff, continuing a strategy to tighten its operations two years into a turnaround effort pursued by Chief Executive Brian Niccol. The Seattle company plans to cut about 120 technology workers, according to the company, after those staff declined to relocate to Nashville, where a new corporate office is being built.
Starbucks Laying Off More Than 200 Workers in Streamlining Drive
Cuts affect corporate staff in technology, coffeehouse development; reductions don’t involve cafe closures Aug. 20, 2026 11:50 am ET Starbucks SBUX -0.94%decrease; down pointing triangle will lay off more than 200 corporate staff, continuing a strategy to tighten its operations two years into a turnaround effort pursued by Chief Executive Brian Niccol.
The third-largest coffee chain in the U.S. actually sells very little hot coffee
‘I certainly aspire for us to be a household name,’ says Davila. Dutch Bros, a coffee and beverage chain still unknown in many parts of the country, is becoming a thorn in Starbucks’s side. Founded in 1992 by two Oregon dairy farmers transitioning away from their family business, Dutch Bros is now the third-largest coffee chain by U.S. sales and locations, behind Starbucks and Dunkin’, according to market-research firm Technomic.
Cómo Burger King ha renovado su Whopper y ha superado a Wendy's
Haz que nuestras noticias aparezcan en tus búsquedas La renovación de las hamburguesas y la modernización de sus restaurantes ayudan a la cadena a recuperarse tras años de dificultades; McDonald's y Wendy's también buscan mejorar el servicio y la calidad. Para renovar su emblemática Whopper, Burger King incorporó un pan de mayor calidad, nueva mayonesa, una caja para conservar la frescura y un chef corporativo que ya había hecho magia en la cadena de pollo Popeyes.
How Burger King Revamped Its Whopper and Overtook Wendy’s
To overhaul its signature Whopper, Burger King added a more premium bun, new mayonnaise, a box to preserve freshness—and a corporate chef who had already worked magic at chicken chain Popeyes. Overseen by Burger King’s U.S. Head Chef Amy Alarcon, who developed the Popeyes chicken sandwich that became a viral sensation in 2019, the revamped Whopper is now helping propel a comeback for the chain.
How Burger King revamped its Whopper and overtook Wendy’s
; ; ; ; Continue reading More for You ; ; ; Continue reading More for You
How Burger King Revamped Its Whopper and Overtook Wendy's — WSJ
By Heather Haddon | Photography by Audra Melton for WSJ To overhaul its signature Whopper, Burger King added a more premium bun, new mayonnaise, a box to preserve freshness — and a corporate chef who had already worked magic at chicken chain Popeyes. Overseen by Burger King's U.S. Head Chef Amy Alarcon, who developed the Popeyes chicken sandwich that became a viral sensation in 2019, the revamped Whopper is now helping propel a comeback for the chain.
How Burger King Revamped Its Whopper and Overtook Wendy’s
4 hours ago Plus, why Big Tech’s $3 trillion AI spending is higher than it seems, and how Burger King overtook Wendy’s As Washington pursues a diplomatic exit from the five-month-old Iran war, Tehran is quietly preparing for a far larger, costlier fight. Today, our Middle East correspondents detail how Iran’s …
Cracker Barrel's CEO was plotting a turnaround—but opened the door to her own exit
After Cracker Barrel's botched rebranding campaign kicked up a culture war-fueled maelstrom nearly a year ago, its board of directors huddled to consider options. Some directors asked Chief Executive Julie Masino if she was still up for managing a company through a controversy that even President Trump had weighed in on—and which had also threatened her own security, according to people familiar with the matter.
Cracker Barrel’s CEO Was Plotting a Turnaround—but Opened the Door to Her Own Exit
Aug. 11, 2026 10:00 pm ET Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
Domino's set to release new individual-size pizza for diners who don't want to share
Domino's Pizza believes it has a solution to those endless debates over toppings, crust and extra cheese. The chain is set to introduce this month a rectangular pie geared toward individual orders. The new pizza, called the Domino, aims to draw diners that might otherwise go for burgers or chicken sandwiches, and who may not want to share. Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Domino's has been trying to rekindle growth in its U.S. business as the U.S. pizza industry slumps .
Domino’s Set to Release New Individual-Size Pizza for Diners Who Don’t Want to Share
Pizza chain to debut rectangular pie in move to boost sales, as more Americans eat meals alone Domino’s is set to offer a rectangular pizza pie tailored for individual orders. Domino’s Domino’s Pizza DPZ 1.86%increase; green up pointing triangle believes it has a solution to those endless debates over toppings, crust and extra cheese. The chain is set to introduce this month a rectangular pie geared toward individual orders.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Heather
Contact Heather, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack