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Food

How the MAHA movement ties ultra-processed food addiction to Big Tobacco

 By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 05, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast looks at how HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could attempt to paint restaurant menus in the same light as cigarettes.

Food

Smaller portions could solve Chipotle's value perception problem

 By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 04, 2026

The fast-casual chain said the smaller dishes on the protein menu have been a hit, in part as an affordable entry point. It's part of a growing movement, fueled by GLP-1 drug users and others who don't want to spend on food they won't eat.

Financing

After a rough 2025, Chipotle is taking a more conservative approach

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 04, 2026

The fast-casual chain said same-store sales declined 2.5% for the fourth quarter, with transactions down more than 3%. But CEO Scott Boatwright said the protein push is resonating with younger diners.

Food

Shake Shack wants to teach fast-food restaurants how to cook

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 29, 2026

The fast-casual chain launched a campaign to spotlight the made-to-order cooking that goes on in its units, joining with Chipotle as a critic of assembly line fast food.

Beverage

A wine bar where the bottles do the talking

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 28, 2026

Behind the Menu: Emmy Lou’s in Charlotte is half bottle shop, half restaurant, where the retail shelves work as the wine list and the food is much more than an afterthought.

Food

Chipotle plans to do a lot more with its menu this year

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 27, 2026

The fast-casual chain began ramping up menu innovation last year. Expect to see a mix of new and previous menu items, including the return of Chicken al Pastor next month.

Food

PopUp Bagels teams up with Wingstop for a schmear

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 22, 2026

Fans of the fast-casual chicken chain's Lemon Pepper wings will be able to dip their bagels in the flavor, just in time for a certain Big Game.

Operations

Everytable hopes to capture office workers fed up with $20 lunch options

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 21, 2026

Keeping prices low has always been the formula for this unique 41-unit chain. But with demand for low-cost office delivery services exploding, Everytable is positioning to grow that channel.

Food

How new 'upside-down' dietary guidelines will impact restaurants

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jan. 15, 2026

Working Lunch: In this week's political podcast, Food Directions Partner Maggie Gentile discusses the new food pyramid. And a look at 2026 as an important election year.

Marketing

Taco Bell is doubling down on value

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 13, 2026

The Mexican fast-food chain is introducing a Luxe Value Menu featuring 10 items priced at $3 or less following a successful test last year.

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