Breakfast

Financing

First Watch's traffic slides in Q1, but don't expect price-off specials to follow

By Peter Romeo on May 07, 2024

Management at the daytime dining chain said it will focus instead on bringing back strong customer lures from the past.

Food

Einstein Bros. Bagels taps maple for new breakfast sandwich

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 15, 2024

The fast-casual bagel chain's Maplehouse Egg Sandwich launches Wednesday for a limited run.

Premium

Emerging Brands

How breakfast player Squeeze In is primping to find its future growth partner

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 04, 2024

Squeeze In is known for omelets, generously boozy brunch cocktails and a joyfully wacky community vibe. Here's how the two sisters who own the brand plan to reach 100 units within a decade.

Premium

Financing

First Watch blazes its own path on tech, aiming for multiple benefits

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 05, 2024

The breakfast-and-lunch chain is proceeding slowly and selectively in building its stack.

Beverage

America runs faster on Dunkin' with new energy drink

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 21, 2024

SPARKD’ Energy by Dunkin’ leads off a spring menu collection, which also includes a churro donut and breakfast empanada.

Premium

Food

Chicken is showing up in some unexpected places on menus

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 16, 2024

Cost pressures, health concerns and changing consumer tastes are pushing chicken into new menu territory.

Financing

After shutting 60 namesake units, Denny's readies Keke's for expansion

By Peter Romeo on Feb. 13, 2024

A Keke's unit was opened for the first time outside of Florida, to encouraging results, the company said. It sports a new look and menu, as well as alcoholic beverages.

Marketing

How the Famous Toastery Bowl came to be

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 10, 2024

Marketing Bites: With six weeks’ lead time, the regional breakfast-and-lunch chain pulled off the title sponsorship of a nationally televised college bowl game.

Consumer Trends