![RB Daily](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/anchor-generated-image-bank/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
RB Daily
By Restaurant Business Online
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RB Daily Oct 05, 2022
![Starbucks, Tijuana Flats bankruptcy, Flynn-Applebee’s](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Starbucks, Tijuana Flats bankruptcy, Flynn-Applebee’s
There appears to be some movement in the case of Starbucks and its employees’ union. Tijuana Flats is filing for bankruptcy and closing many restaurants. And mega-franchisee Greg Flynn is deepening his relationship with Applebee’s
![Chipotle vs. Panera, TGI Fridays, Papa Johns’ marketing](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Chipotle vs. Panera, TGI Fridays, Papa Johns’ marketing
Chipotle and Panera are no longer neck and neck. Inside TGI Fridays’ potential merger with its UK franchisee. And what will a move to national marketing do for Papa Johns?
![Red Lobster, Oberweis, Starbucks cups](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Red Lobster, Oberweis, Starbucks cups
Red Lobster is falling behind on its bills. The Oberweis ice cream chain files for bankruptcy. And Starbucks makes a change to its cups.
![California, Red Lobster and Martha Stewart](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
California, Red Lobster and Martha Stewart
California operators are still optimistic about the future. That at least is based on a panel at the Restaurant Leadership Conference on Wednesday. Struggling seafood chain Red Lobster is considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to restructure its debt. And Martha Stewart on her first restaurant, The Bedford by Martha Stewart.
![Chain restaurant growth, Jersey Mike’s, TGI Fridays](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Chain restaurant growth, Jersey Mike’s, TGI Fridays
Chain restaurants are growing – but that growth might not be coming from the most-desireable sources. Is Jersey Mike’s on the market? And TGI Friday’s largest franchisee has plans to buy the company.
![Restaurant Leadership Conference, fill-service restaurants, Momofuku](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Restaurant Leadership Conference, fill-service restaurants, Momofuku
Restaurant Leadership Conference is off and running with a pair of industry leaders winning some hardware. Full-service restaurants commiserated on challenges for the sector. And Momofuku backs down on its chili-crunch offensive
![Fast-food traffic, loyalty programs, Restaurant Leader of the Year](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Fast-food traffic, loyalty programs, Restaurant Leader of the Year
Fast-food traffic suffered in Q1. A look at what makes a great loyalty program. And drum roll please: Restaurant Business revealed the winners of two annual industry awards.
![Joint employer, Crumbl, Buffalo Wild Wings](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Joint employer, Crumbl, Buffalo Wild Wings
There’s a surprising development in joint employer regulations. Crumbl cookie’s sales appear to be crumbling a bit. And Buffalo Wild Wings is quietly growing its spinoff concept. Welcome to RB Daily, a quick look at the industry’s top stories from the editors of Restaurant Business. I’m Heather Lalley, RB’s managing editor
![Menu prices, Papa Johns, I Heart Mac and Cheese](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Menu prices, Papa Johns, I Heart Mac and Cheese
Menu price inflation is starting to slow down. Papa Johns has a deal for more locations. And I Heart Mac and Cheese is in hot water once again.
![MOD Pizza, tech startups, Florida heat bill](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
MOD Pizza, tech startups, Florida heat bill
One fast-casual pizza chain has shuttered more than two dozen locations. There’s lots of activity in tech provider funding. A controversial Florida bill that could change restaurant operations there awaits the governor’s signature.
![Value, value, value](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Value, value, value
Restaurants both large and small are rolling out new menus with one thing in common: Value. Also, Panera Bread’s tech outage appears to have been a cyberattack, and Shake Shack pokes some fun at Chick-fil-A.
![Jersey Mike’s, Chick-fil-A, chicken battel](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Jersey Mike’s, Chick-fil-A, chicken battel
Reports indicate that Jersey Mike’s may be for sale. Business at Chick-fil-A is booming. And a new chicken battle is brewing.
![Avian flu, McDonald’s-Israel, Frances Allen](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Avian flu, McDonald’s-Israel, Frances Allen
Avian flu hits the nation’s biggest egg supplier. McDonald’s is buying out its franchisee in Israel. And the CEO is out at a big QSR chain.
![McDonald's, Red Lobster, Dave & Buster's](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
McDonald's, Red Lobster, Dave & Buster's
McDonald’s CEO got a pay boost. How has Red Lobster unraveled in recent years? And Dave & Buster’s is ready to focus on the food part of its food and games offering.
![World Central Kitchen, Wendy’s, BurgerFi](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
World Central Kitchen, Wendy’s, BurgerFi
Seven members of Jose Andres’ aid group are killed in Gaza. A big Wendy’s franchisee buys more Wendy’s. And BurgerFi is having some financial problems.
![Fast casuals, Swig, Dave & Buster’s](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Fast casuals, Swig, Dave & Buster’s
Wall Street is smiling at fast-casual concepts. A fast-growing drinks chain is looking for a new leader. And Dave & Buster’s is heading overseas.
![Punch Bowl Social, I Heart Mac and Cheese, Gen Z](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Punch Bowl Social, I Heart Mac and Cheese, Gen Z
What ever happened to Punch Bowl Social? A mac and cheese franchise is hit with a fine in California. And a look at Gen Z’s restaurant tech preferences.
![Bob Evans for sale, McDonald’s prices, Smashburger](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Bob Evans for sale, McDonald’s prices, Smashburger
Bob Evans is apparently for sale. McDonald’s price increases are not created equally. And what CEO Denise Nelsen plans to do at Smashburger.
![Swipe fees, Benihana, insider trading](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Swipe fees, Benihana, insider trading
Credit card swipe fees are going down, so why are restaurants so unhappy? Benihana is sold for $365 million. And a group of baseball players are accused of illegally trading Del Taco stock.
![McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme, Danny Meyer, marketing fails](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme, Danny Meyer, marketing fails
McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme are expanding their partnership. Danny Meyer is offering his hospitality expertise to non-restaurant businesses. And a look at some of the biggest marketing flops in restaurant history.
![Panera outage, D.C. tip credit, pizza problems](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Panera outage, D.C. tip credit, pizza problems
Panera Bread is dealing with a digital outage. Full-service restaurants in D.C. are slashing jobs. And the pizza business has fallen on hard times.
![Sluggish sales, Red Lobster, Rob Lynch](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Sluggish sales, Red Lobster, Rob Lynch
Restaurant sales are slowing. Red Lobster has a new CEO. And how Shake Shack lured Rob Lynch away from Papa Johns.
![Olive Garden, California wages, Shake Shack CEO](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Olive Garden, California wages, Shake Shack CEO
Lower-income diners aren’t going to Olive Garden as often as they used to. California’s fast-food wage-setting process seems to be getting more and more complicated. And Shake Shack just named the second CEO in its history.
![Chipotle’s stock split, Subway’s big switch, AI bread](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Chipotle’s stock split, Subway’s big switch, AI bread
Chipotle makes New York Stock Exchange history. Why Subway’s switch to Pepsi is such a big deal. And can AI make artisanal bread?
![McDonald’s chairman, Subway’s soda switch, Wonder](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
McDonald’s chairman, Subway’s soda switch, Wonder
McDonald’s CEO is adding a new title to his job description. Subway is switching soda suppliers. And Wonder lands another nine-figure funding round.
![Panera Bread, unified commerce, Virtual Dining Concepts](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Panera Bread, unified commerce, Virtual Dining Concepts
It looks like Panera Bread is not, in fact, exempt from California’s fast-food wage hike. Get to know unified commerce, the latest tech buzzword. And Virtual Dining Concepts continues to collect concepts.
![Corner Bakery’s comeback, Subway, Boston Market](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Corner Bakery’s comeback, Subway, Boston Market
Corner Bakery is bouncing back from bankruptcy. Subway franchisees just hired a high-powered attorney. And former employees of the struggling Boston Market say they’re having problems filing their taxes.
![Kernel, C3 acquisition, &Pizza CEO](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Kernel, C3 acquisition, &Pizza CEO
The new concept from Chipotle’s founder is looking to reimagine fast-casual dining. Digital restaurant group C3 has made another acquisition. And &Pizza has a new-ish CEO.
![McDonald's, Five Iron Gold, Pizza Hut](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
McDonald's, Five Iron Gold, Pizza Hut
Get ready for bigger burgers at McDonald’s (again). Five Iron Golf gets a high-profile endorsement. And Pizza Hut tries the bagel business.
![Menu prices, fast-casual delivery, Keith Lee Effect](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Menu prices, fast-casual delivery, Keith Lee Effect
Restaurant menu prices are easing. There’s a new partnership between two delivery-focused fast casuals. And what is the Keith Lee effect?
![Boston Market, restaurant trends, union salters](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Boston Market, restaurant trends, union salters
Boston Market appears to be down to just a couple dozen locations. Is the supermarket the next restaurant bastion? And here’s how to tell if restaurant employees are looking to unionize.
![Starbucks, Noodles, Potbelly](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Starbucks, Noodles, Potbelly
Starbucks passes Subway on the list of biggest restaurant chains. Noodles has a new CEO and a new menu strategy. And Potbelly is seeing good results from a revamped loyalty program.
![Bojangles marketing, Panera IPO, Florida delivery](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Bojangles marketing, Panera IPO, Florida delivery
Bojangles franchisees are taking their franchisor to court over marketing. Will Panera Bread ever go public? And Florida lawmakers are changing the way restaurants can communicate with delivery customers.
![Charter Foods lawsuit, loyalty programs, Ken Pendery](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Charter Foods lawsuit, loyalty programs, Ken Pendery
A Taco Bell operator is facing sexual harassment claims. Many restaurants want more from their loyalty programs. And First Watch co-founder Ken Pendery dies at 70.
![Starbucks’ board, First Watch earnings, DoorDash-NYC](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Starbucks’ board, First Watch earnings, DoorDash-NYC
The activists lobbying for seats on Starbucks board have withdrawn their nominations. First Watch opened a significant number of new stores during its fourth quarter. And DoorDash said New York City’s wage boost for couriers is hurting its sales.
![California wages, Neon Greens, Whole Foods](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
California wages, Neon Greens, Whole Foods
The members of California’s Fast Food Council have been named. Whole Foods has a scaled-down new store design. And a look at a salad concept that grows all of its lettuce on site.
![Sweetgreen, Starbucks, Papa Johns](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Sweetgreen, Starbucks, Papa Johns
Sweetgreen is going all in on its digital kitchens. Starbucks received some key endorsements in its board fight with a union-backed group. And expect to see a lot more from Papa Johns.
![Papa Johns, Red Robin, Subway](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Papa Johns, Red Robin, Subway
Delivery apps are beating Papa Johns at its own game. Red Robin wants you to know about its free refills. And Subway pressures franchisees on remodels.
![Wendy’s dynamic pricing, Panera Bread, Applebee’s and IHOP](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Wendy’s dynamic pricing, Panera Bread, Applebee’s and IHOP
Wendy’s isn’t testing dynamic pricing after all. Panera Bread is revamping its menu. And Applebee’s and IHOP could soon co-brand in the U.S.
![Wendy’s-dynamic pricing, Golden Corral data breach, Cava](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Wendy’s-dynamic pricing, Golden Corral data breach, Cava
Wendy’s recent mention of a surge-pricing test is going viral. A buffet chain is in the midst of a data breach. And Cava had an impressive first year as a public company.
![Domino’s Pizza, Smashed Jack burgers, Wonder-Walmart](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Domino’s Pizza, Smashed Jack burgers, Wonder-Walmart
Emergency pizza has been a hit for Domino’s. Here’s the inside scoop on the latest Jack in the Box burger. And Walmart has a new delivery-focused food hall.
![Bloomin’ Brands closures, Starbucks labor, restaurant success](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Bloomin’ Brands closures, Starbucks labor, restaurant success
Bloomin’ Brands is doing some pruning of its older restaurants. Starbucks’ board is getting some attention from labor activists. And reports of the restaurant industry’s demise are, apparently, greatly exaggerated.
![Jack in the Box, Cheesecake Factory, Burgerim](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Jack in the Box, Cheesecake Factory, Burgerim
Jack in the Box is cooking up a bigger burger. No news is good news at The Cheesecake Factory. And an update on the federal case against the founder of Burgerim.
![Wingstop, CosMc’s, energy drinks](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Wingstop, CosMc’s, energy drinks
Wingstop is seeing double-digit same-store sales growth, but investors aren’t impressed. Some McDonald’s franchisees want to get in on the CosMc’s action. And yet another QSR is putting energy drinks on the menu.
![Focus re-Brands, Andy Wiederhorn, Starbucks](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Focus re-Brands, Andy Wiederhorn, Starbucks
Focus Brands is rebranding. Andy Wiederhorn is facing charges from the SEC. And a record number of Starbucks stores filed to form unions.
![Toast, BJ’s-weather, Texas Roadhouse](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Toast, BJ’s-weather, Texas Roadhouse
Another restaurant tech supplier is in the midst of a major restructuring. Bad weather had a bad effect on the earnings of at least one casual-dining chain. And Texas Roadhouse appears to be grabbing customers from some of its competitors.
![Inspire IPO, Wendy’s, 7 Brew](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Inspire IPO, Wendy’s, 7 Brew
Inspire Brands is reportedly considering an IPO. Wendy’s is planning big investments in digital and marketing. And 7 Brew coffee has a high-profile new investor.
![McDonald’s franchisees, restaurant labor, David Bouley](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
McDonald’s franchisees, restaurant labor, David Bouley
McDonald’s franchisees are lobbying for the return of a popular snack item. A look inside the current state of restaurant labor. An
![Menu prices, BJ’s activist, Burger King](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Menu prices, BJ’s activist, Burger King
Restaurant prices keep rising. BJs Restaurants is facing pressure from an activist investor. And Burger King franchisees are having a big year.
![Taco Bell’s innovations, Boston Market, Tacos 1986](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo400/7675803/7675803-1701704561184-86c72896ddc3.jpg)
Taco Bell’s innovations, Boston Market, Tacos 1986
Taco Bell just divulged its marketing plan for the year. Boston Market’s owner is filing for bankruptcy yet again. And there’s an emerging taco chain that’s worth watching.