Industry outlook, Yum update, Canlis changesIndustry outlook, Yum update, Canlis changes

The National Restaurant Association expects a big year for restaurants in 2025. The trade group expects the industry to hit $1.5 trillion in sales this year as consumers unleash “pent-up demand” for dining out.

Yum Brands is putting all its technology under one roof, so to speak. The owner of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut said on Thursday that it has formed Byte by Yum, which will house all the company’s global technology initiatives, including mobile and digital ordering, point-of-sale, delivery, back-of-house and other technology.

Speaking of Yum Brands, the company reported fourth quarter and full-year 2024 results before market Thursday, and Taco Bell continues to outperform the industry, generating a 5% same-store sales increase on the quarter.

The Seattle fine-dining restaurant Canlis announced big changes this week. First, executive chef Aisha Ibrahim and her wife Samantha Beaird, the restaurant’s sous chef, are leaving in April to develop their own restaurant concept. And the two brothers who own the 75-year-old restaurant, Mark and Brian Canlis, have agreed to amicably split. Brian will sell his stake to brother Mark.

Get all the headlines in today’s Restaurant Daily podcast.