Restaurant Business

The Bottom Line: Inflation is outpacing wage growth, and new data released on Thursday suggest it won't go away anytime soon.

The AI-powered Pokebot has automated so much work at the fast casual's headquarters that the company is no longer hiring, even as it plans to open more restaurants.

Government Watch: Sen. Elizabeth Warren posted a video criticizing the low quality of PE-backed chains like Jersey Mike's, Panera, and Red Lobster. It's part of a larger push to regulate private equity.

The new device features an AI voice assistant that can help guide customers through their order. The company says it will boost efficiency without hurting service.

The Chef's Table in Milwaukee saves time for creativity by working with RATIONAL

Marketing Bites: Though such one-off promotions are the least popular value options for customers, they're cheap and they trend on social media.

The Bottom Line: Two of the country's largest chains, Domino's and McDonald's, have recently said that they don't expect the economy to improve quickly. That's bad news for the fast-food sector.

A Deeper Dive: Kent Ferguson, director of partnerships with Wing Drone Delivery, joins the restaurant finance podcast to discuss the future of the service.

Behind the Menu: The trademarked side dish has been on the menu for 45 years, and the fast-casual chain has been using the same 20-step hands-on prep and cooking technique since its founding.

It's only the fourth restaurant for the fast-casual birria taco concept, backed by NBA champ LeBron James. But these familiar faces are ready to put the well-honed playbook into gear.