Trending this week: Taco Bell is testing out flatbreads and wraps

Menu Tracker: New items from Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell and Outback Steakhouse

Plus innovation at Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Buffalo Wild Wings, Carl’s Jr., Chopt, Culver’s, Dutch Bros, Farmer Boys, Gott’s Roadside, The Habit Burger Grill, Hardee’s, Hot Head Burritos, Insomnia Cookies, Jamba, Jollibee, La Madeleine, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, Lenny’s Grill & Subs, Rush Bowls, Smashburger, Sweetgreen, Taco Cabana, Velvet Taco and Wings Over.

Starbucks chief operating officer John Culver to exit company as COO position is eliminated

Once the new CEO is announced, Culver will be stepping down from COO on Oct. 3 and will transition to an advisory role until he leaves Starbucks at the end of 2022.

NRN editors discuss Denny’s hiring push, Starbucks’ latest union battle, Kevin Hart’s new restaurant

Plus hear from Scott Rodriguez, SVP menu strategy & product innovation for Papa Johns.

How robots are advancing the pizza industry to the next level

While automation has become a crucial aspect of restaurant tech, nowhere is it more prevalent than in the pizzeria.

Widespread slowdown of sales and traffic growth continues for all restaurant segments

Brands need to double down on experience, assess value to earn guests’ shrinking share of wallet.

How breakfast chain Eggs Up Grill plans to stand out in a crowded category

CEO Ricky Richardson shares how the brand is rising above the competition, preparing for possible recession.

SPB Hospitality, operator of Logan’s Roadhouse and Old Chicago, names Josh Kern interim CEO

Jessica Hagler appointment as chief financial officer made permanent at the casual-dining restaurant company.

Plant based restaurant concept Hart House from comedian Kevin Hart readies first location

Hart House already has several locations in the pipeline as it attempts to create a plant-based alternative to traditional quick-serve staples.

Taco Bell is testing out flatbreads and wraps

The new cheesy chipotle flatbreads and grilled lunchwraps bring creativity to Taco Bell’s carb-centric menu offerings.

Here’s why increasing wages might not be enough to lower staff turnover rates

In the latest episode of the CREATE Live Learning Series, Savory Fund’s Andrew K. Smith and four restaurant operators chatted with Informa about the key to improving retention rates.