Applebee’s franchisee email sparks viral backlash

Operation exec placed on leave after leaked email about lowering wages leaves bad taste.

Jersey Mike’s donates all sales to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

Day of Giving is the culmination of Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving fundraising campaign in March, helping local athletes across the U.S. attend the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, June 5-12, in Orlando, Fla.

NRN editors discuss Panera joining the chicken sandwich wars, Washington D.C. suing Grubhub and Waitr helping drivers with their gas

Plus, hear from Spike Mendelsohn on his new NFT Chfty Pizza in partnership with Tom Colicchio.

Here’s how First Watch got away without price increases in 2021, despite inflation

First Watch also announced 20.6% same-store sales growth for Q4 over 2019 in its second earnings call since going public.

The 25 most influential women in foodservice

This all-female iteration of the Power List includes women in leadership from all segments, both chains and independents. Selected by NRN editors, these include some of the highest-ranking women within global companies, as well as prominent owner/operators.

BLT Steak owner files for bankruptcy after being unable to pay back PPP loans

BLT Restaurant Group filed for bankruptcy after it received a PPP loan but was unable to ‘restart and engage’ its locations and entice employees to come back.

Menu Tracker: New items from Carl’s Jr. & Hardee’s, Panera and Popeyes

Plus innovation at Atomic Wings, Bartaco , BD’s Mongolian Grill, Bellagreen, Carl’s Jr., Cinnaholic, Everytable and more.

Fat Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn addresses federal investigation in quarterly earnings call

Wiederhorn said he “looks forward” to proving that “all transactions were properly documented, reviewed, approved and disclosed” despite current allegations.

Smashburger elevates fast-casual format with first full-service bar location

Smashburger’s first full-service bar location opened in Denver on March 25.

Leaders at emerging Austin chains P. Terry’s, Chi’Lantro talk difficulties of scaling up

Brand founders Patrick Terry, Jae Kim share why culture is everything — and price increases are unavoidable..