Trending this week: Twin Peaks franchisee in Fla. files for bankruptcy

10. Artistry Restaurants acquires 20-unit Hickory Tavern

Artistry Restaurants

The Florida-based company now has seven concepts in its portfolio as it expands into the Carolinas for the first time

9. Yum Brands has terminated its franchising agreements in Turkey

Yum! Brands

The parent company said the operator failed to meet its standards and is taking legal action pursuant to the terminated deals

8. Sonic kicks off the year with a late-winter menu

Sonic Drive-In

Kickstart 2025 with new flavors, available nationwide for a limited time

7. How the surgeon general’s alcohol advisory could impact restaurant sales

Photo courtesy of Pexels / Chris F

Dr. Vivek Murthy recommends updating the health warning label on alcoholic beverages to include their link to cancer

6. KFC U.S. has big plans for a ‘brand transformation’ this year

KFC

The chain is expanding its ‘KFC Original’ prototype to Dallas in February

5. Kelly’s Roast Beef brand acquired by AAM15 Management Group

Wikimedia Commons

The Massachusetts-based regional quick-service brand will now be managed by the private equity management group

4. Applebee’s is extending its $9.99 Really Big Meal Deal

Applebee's

The chain has also introduced two new skillets and new cocktails ahead of Valentine’s Day

3. Panera Brands CEO José Alberto Dueñas steps down; interim replacement named

Panera Bread

The St. Louis-based parent company of Panera, Caribou Coffee, and Einstein Brands named CFO Paul Carbone interim chief executive

2. Menu Tracker: New items from Jack in the Box, Popeyes, and Sonic Drive-In

Plus innovation at &Pizza, Another Broken Egg Café, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Bojangles, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, CAVA, Checkers & Rally’s, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Cracker Barrel, Fajita Pete’s, First Watch, Friendly’s, Golden Chick, Hardee’s, Jason’s Deli, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Jimmy John’s, Krispy Kreme, Outback Steakhouse, Panera Bread, Paris Baguette , Peets Coffee, Perkins, PJ’s Coffee, Smoothie King, Taco Bell, Velvet Taco, Wingstop, and Ziggi’s Coffee

1. Twin Peaks franchisee in Florida files for bankruptcy; faces $12 million litigation claim

Twin Peaks

DMD Ventures filed for Chapter 11 protection, while facing a lawsuit from franchise operator, Florida Restaurant Franchise Group