Taco Bell’s long-awaited ‘redefined drive-thru’

NRN editors discuss Taco Bell’s state-of-the-art drive thru, Starbucks’ new CEO hunt

Plus, hear from Starbird’s Aaron Noveshen on the state of the industry.

Applebee’s launches half-price appetizers to boost late-night dine-in crowd

Loaded Waffle Fries and Pretzels and Beer Cheese Dip join the appetizer lineup.

Menu Tracker: New items from Chick-fil-A, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Wendy’s

Plus innovation at Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, BD’s Mongolian Grill, Cava, Chuck E. Cheese, Clean Juice, First Watch, Fosters Freeze, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and more.

Taco Bell’s long-awaited ‘redefined drive-thru’ to open Tuesday in Minnesota

Designed by Minneapolis-based Vertical Works, the unit is operated by franchisee Border Foods.

Starbucks permanently shuts down unionized store as labor tensions continue to grow

Coffee chain also celebrates unfair labor practice lawsuit win in district court.

NRN Franchisee Spotlight: Craig Van Horn

Craig Van Horn’s family has owned A&W restaurants since 1967, and he now owns 4 restaurants in California.

Chipotle Mexican Grill debuts first seasonal beverage LTO

Watermelon Limeade was developed in partnership with Tractor Beverage Co. to support organic farming.

Golden Corral is out to prove that COVID didn’t kill buffets

The nation’s largest buffet chain evolved its business to survive the pandemic, but isn’t about to give up on its core service model.

Flavor of the Week: No longer just once a year, it’s Birthday Cake

Click through the gallery and watch the video below for more information on this week’s Flavor of the Week and see how one restaurant is using birthday cake on its menu.

Panera opens digital-only To Go unit in Chicago

Bakery-cafe brand debuts first of three planned pick-up, delivery locations this year.