Alicia Kelso

Louisville

Executive Editor at Nation's Restaurant News

Journalist who craves information about restaurants, Michigan sports, BGSU, all musical genres, black labs and how to raise a boy. Views are my own.

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Articles

Here are the burger chains with the highest average unit volumes

5 days ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

We restaurant journalists like to zoom in on average unit volumes to better understand the health of a brand. While AUVs aren’t the only important metric, understanding that average sales of a brand across its markets serve as a key performance indicator overall, partially illustrating store-level economics and potential return on investment.
Taco Bell launches a build-your-own Luxe Cravings Box with Tony Hawk

5 days ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Taco Bell is teaming up with professional skateboarder Tony Hawk to launch a build-your-own Luxe Cravings Box, available through the chain’s app and website. Everyin-app Luxe Cravings Box order offers in-game items in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, including a Salsa Verde Skateboard, Taco Bell Hoodie, Verde Grip Tape, and more. New drops roll out weekly from July 11 to Aug. 13.
Crumbl’s latest celebrity collaboration is with singer Benson Boone

5 days ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Crumbl’s latest celebrity collaboration is with singer Benson Boone and features the Moonbeam Ice Cream Cookie available starting today and timed to coincide with the release of his latest single, “Mystical Magical.” The chilled chocolate cookie is filled with cookies and cream pieces and topped with moonbeam ice cream-inspired lemon, berry, and marshmallow toppings, and finished with a white drizzle and a final sprinkle of cookies and cream.
White Castle has expanded its late-night hours

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

As more quick-service chains extend their hours into the late-night daypart, White Castle is aiming to protect its market share with the nocturnal crowd. The chain announced today it is also expanding its hours, with 91% of the system now open until 1 a.m. or later and 72% operating 24/7, marking the highest level of late-night operating hours since 2020. This expansion builds on last year’s investments to bolster its late-night daypart, including labor, technology tools, and marketing.
Yum China is testing an AI assistant for store managers

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Yum China today announced the pilot launch of “Q-Smart,” an artificial intelligence-enabled assistant for restaurant managers, at select KFC restaurants. According to the company, Q-Smart helps with labor scheduling, inventory management, and food quality and safety inspection. Managers can interact with the system using wearable devices such as wireless earphones and smart watches, creating a hands-free experience rather than having to rely on touchscreens or PCs to complete tasks.
CAVA is celebrating Summer Solstice with free chips

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

June 20 marks Summer Solstice 2025, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the official start of summer. To celebrate, CAVA is giving away a free order of pita chips all day to Rewards members. There is no purchase necessary for the free chips, which come in classic and Hot Harissa flavors. Hot Harissa was launched in April, joining the Harissa Avocado Bowl and the Steak + Harissa Bowl on the menu.
McDonald’s shuffles technology leadership positions

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

McDonald’s is shaking things up in its technology division, announcing that Whitney McGinnis and Valerie Ashbaugh will step into each other’s roles beginning Aug. 1 to broaden their experience. With this change, McGinnis will become senior vice president, commercial products and platforms, while Ashbaugh will become chief information officer and senior vice president, McDonald’s USA. McGinnis joined the company in 2004.
Chick-fil-A and Texas Roadhouse once again have the most satisfied customers

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

The restaurant industry is navigating a period of slow growth and uncertainty, but two brands have proven to be consistent for consumer satisfaction amid such a challenging backdrop — Chick-fil-A and Texas Roadhouse. The American Customer Satisfaction Index Restaurant and Food Delivery Study 2025 shows that Chick-fil-A topped the quick-service category with a steady score of 83 out of 100.
Casual dining brands shift their marketing focus back to TV

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Chili’s began running its “3 For Me” TV spots in early 2023, featuring Grammy-nominated R&B singer Brian McKnight playing a waiter who sings a remix of “Back at One” to coincide with the meal deal, priced at $10.99. The ad marked Chil’s return to TV after a three-year hiatus and came at a time when the company was struggling with traffic. Since then, however, Chili’s performance has been nothing short of remarkable. The chain finished 2023 with 7% same-store sales growth.
Bain Capital offers $500M in secured notes to fund Sizzling Platter acquisition

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Bain Capital Private Equity is officially adding another restaurant company to its robust portfolio, announcing its intention to offer $500 million in secured notes to fund the acquisition of Sizzling Platter, one of the largest multi-brand franchisees in the United States, from CapitalSpring. Bain initially struck a deal to acquire the platform in April in a transaction valued at more than $1 billion, according to Bloomberg.