Nation's Restaurant News

Fast Casual Marketing & Branding Executives News Donnie Upshaw joined the chain in 2018 as vice president of human resources. Alicia Kelso,Executive Editor,Nation's Restaurant News August 26, 2026 1 Min Read Wingstop’s Chief Brand and People Officer Donnie Upshaw is resigning from the companyPhoto courtesy of Wingstop Wingstop’s Senior Vice President and Chief Brand and People Officer Donnie Upshaw is resigning from the company, effective Sept. 10, to pursue another opportunity.

Food safety events often become visible to consumers only after illnesses are reported, recalls are issued, and public health agencies begin connecting the dots. But for those of us who work in food safety every day, these events are also a reminder of something more fundamental: prevention has to be built long before a product reaches the kitchen. The current multistate Salmonella Javiana outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers is a good example.

Fast Casual Marketing & Branding News The one-day offer, Aug. 27, was created to celebrate Chipotle Honey Chicken’s final week on the menu. Alicia Kelso,Executive Editor,Nation's Restaurant News August 26, 2026 2 Min Read Chipotle is offering free double protein for one day onlyPhoto courtesy of Chipotle Chipotle will offer customers free double protein on any entrée for one day only, Aug. 27, in a farewell bid to its Chipotle Honey Chicken, which will end its limited-time run that week.

Finance Quick Service Menu Trends Get all the headlines in today’s Restaurant Daily podcast. Lisa Jennings,Leigh Anne Zinsmeister August 26, 2026 Consumers are visiting and spending more at restaurants. But not at chains. According to Bank of America credit card data, sales at restaurants increased 3.3% in July. Transactions grew 1.8%. The bank said that younger and lower-income consumers led that growth and suggested that restaurants took business from grocers.

Quick Service Food Trends Menu Trends News The fast-food giant heats up the menu with a fiery take on its classic nuggets. Patricia Cobe,Senior Editor, Restaurant Business August 25, 2026 2 Min Read Spicy Chicken McNuggets are back at McDonald's. Photo courtesy of McDonald's Chicken nuggets are a hot menu category these days, and McDonald’s is making theirs even hotter. The Chicago-based fast-food giant is bringing back Spicy Chicken McNuggets starting September 1 for a limited time.

Senior Food & Beverage Editor Bret Thorn is senior food & beverage editor of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. Hi is responsible for spotting and reporting on F&B trends across the country for both publications. He is the co-host of a podcast, Menu Talk with Pat and Bret, which features interviews with chefs, food & beverage authorities, and other experts in foodservice operations.

Operations Finance News According to Bank of America credit-card data, younger and lower-income consumers are spending more at restaurants. But independents are getting the benefit.

Beverage Trends Menu Trends Beverage Trends News The Association’s 2026 Restaurant Beverage Trends report reveals that consumers are seeking drink-centric experiences and restaurants are working to meet the demand.

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.

Quick Service Food Trends Marketing & Branding News The chain is also bringing back its Double Crispy Hot Wings. It has tapped streamer/influencer IShowSpeed to promote the items. Alicia Kelso,Executive Editor,Nation's Restaurant News August 25, 2026 2 Min Read KFC's new Hot Ranch features ranch dip with garlic and herb flavors, and a chile pepper finish.