Nation's Restaurant News

Quick Service See which stories readers couldn't get enough of. NRN staff August 12, 2026 10 Slides This week on Nation's Restaurant News, the top story was “Wendy’s takes steps to fix its brand as sales fall again.” This has been a brutal year for Wendy’s. The fast-food burger chain has seen its sales fall off a cliff, including an 8.2% system sales decline in the second quarter amid store closures and a 7% deterioration in same-store sales.

Mergers & Acquisitions Quick Service News The fast-food chain’s biggest investor is apparently preparing a bid, and he has some help in the form of mega-franchisee Greg Flynn.

Quick Service Franchising Food Trends News The quick-service chain said same-store sales were up 9% in July, driven in part by new Chicken Flatbreads. Lisa Jennings,Executive Editor,Restaurant Business August 12, 2026 1 Min Read The flatbreads were introduced in June with three sauce options.Photo courtesy of Smoothie King Adding more food to the menu is paying off for Smoothie King.

Eatertainment Franchising Finance News The investment follows a year of strong same-store sales growth for the darts-and-dining concept. Joe Guszkowski,Senior editor,Restaurant Business August 12, 2026 2 Min Read Flight Club plans to add four more U.S. locations.Photo courtesy of State of Play Hospitality The operator of Flight Club and other eatertainment concepts has raised $10 million to fuel expansion in North America.

Joanna Fantozzi,Senior Editor August 12, 2026 3 Min Read Chili's hot streak continues.Photo courtesy of Chili's After 21 straight quarters of same-store sales growth, Chili’s turnaround has evolved into a steady pattern of long-term success. Parent company Brinker International reported another period of positive sales and traffic momentum for the fiscal year ended June 24, with 5% same-store sales growth driven almost entirely by Chili’s ongoing outperformance.

Every year, Nation’s Restaurant News provides analysis of Technomic’s annual Top 500 restaurant chains report, which ranks companies by U.S. systemwide sales. 2025 was a mixed bag for the industry. For the second straight year, foodservice inflation outpaced Top 500 sales growth, and it was the fourth consecutive year that sales growth decelerated. The chains ranked No. 101 – No. 150 were similarly missed. Twenty-eight saw year-over-year sales growth, with one hitting 42% growth.

Labor Executives News The collaboration provides the consultancy’s accountability framework to WFF’s 8,000-plus members and kicks off in October.

Quick Service Food Trends Marketing & Branding News The fast-food Mexican chain is introducing three new items for a limited time, including a new beverage, marking the seasoning brand's largest QSR collaboration to date.

Quick Service Food Trends Marketing & Branding News The chain’s new sandwiches are available in breakfast and entrée portions and launch nationwide Aug. 24. Alicia Kelso,Executive Editor,Nation's Restaurant News August 12, 2026 2 Min Read Chick-fil-A is launching breakfast and entree chicken and waffles sandwiches Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-A Chick-fil-A is adding its own spin to the classic Southern combination of chicken and waffles with the launch of two sandwiches nationwide starting Aug.

Fast Casual Finance Quick Service Menu Trends Get all the headlines in today’s Restaurant Daily podcast. Leigh Anne Zinsmeister,Lisa Jennings August 12, 2026 Cava had a strong second quarter. The fast-casual chain reported same-store sales up 9%, with traffic up 5.3%. CEO Brett Schulman credited the growing popularity of Mediterranean cuisine.