For millions of Americans, grabbing a meal from Chick-fil-A has become part of their weekly routine. But one long-standing company policy continues to spark frustration among customers: every Chick-fil-A restaurant is closed on Sundays. The policy, established by founder S. Truett Cathy when he opened the first restaurant in 1946, was intended to give employees and franchise operators a guaranteed day to rest, spend time [...]
3 major restaurant chains quietly shrinking their California footprint
Three major restaurant chains have recently shrunk their California footprint—signaling that even well-known brands are rethinking where they operate as costs remain elevated and consumer habits continue to shift. From burger chains to casual dining restaurants, a combination of rising labor expenses, softer traffic and changing dining preferences has led several companies to close underperforming locations across the [...]
Biggest food bankruptcies of 2026: Restaurant giants, iconic brands, and franchise operators hit financial trouble
The food industry has seen a wave of high-profile bankruptcies this year, affecting everyone from major restaurant companies to regional franchise operators. While some businesses are using Chapter 11 to restructure and stay open, others have sold assets or closed locations as rising costs and changing consumer habits continue to pressure the industry. FAT Brands tops the list Perhaps the year's biggest filing came [...]
Popular sandwich chain dethrones Chick-fil-A as leader in customer satisfaction rankings
For the first time in more than a decade, a new restaurant chain has claimed the top spot for customer satisfaction among America's quick-service restaurants, ending an 11-year streak by one of the industry's most recognizable brands. According to the 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Jersey Mike's ranked No. 1 among quick-service restaurant chains with a score of 84 out of 100. The sandwich chain narrowly [...]
Culver’s announces biggest menu expansion in years with bold new additions
Culver's is preparing one of its most ambitious menu updates in recent memory, with the popular Midwest-based restaurant chain unveiling plans to introduce a wave of new food and dessert offerings throughout 2026. The company says its new menu strategy is designed to blend innovative flavors with the Wisconsin-inspired classics that have helped make Culver's a customer favorite. The rollout will include four new Pub [...]
Why Hershey is facing slowing chocolate demand despite strong brand loyalty
For decades, Hershey has been one of America's most recognizable chocolate companies. But even iconic brands aren't immune to changing consumer habits. While Hershey continues to post solid financial results, executives and industry analysts say the company is navigating a more challenging environment as shoppers rethink discretionary purchases, seek healthier options, and adjust to higher prices. Higher prices are [...]
