Major fast-food chains are officially adopting menu items first popularized by customers on social media. IHOP revived its Stuffed French Toast after fan requests and rolled out Dubai Chocolate Pancakes nationwide following a viral test run, while Chipotle launched Chili Lime Chips inspired by customers crushing chips into their bowls. Taco Bell's new 'Fan Style' feature lets loyalty members build and share custom orders, following similar moves by McDonald's and Burger King.
entrepreneur.com
· 2026-09-18
Despite widespread claims that artificial intelligence is destroying the value of computer science degrees, employers say demand for graduates remains strong. However, hiring managers now expect candidates to demonstrate practical skill working alongside AI tools rather than just traditional programming knowledge.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-09-18
Chipotle has built a 'food safety risk platform' running on Palantir's Foundry software that combines health department scores, pest incidents, and employee illness reports to generate a risk score for each restaurant location. A Chipotle spokesperson confirmed the project but offered no details on its rollout or timeline, and Palantir has not commented.
wired.com
· 2026-09-16
Chipotle developed a High-Efficiency Equipment Package after frontline workers flagged that slow prep and grilling were hurting throughput and consistency. The package, built through rapid R&D iteration and in-restaurant testing, includes a three-pan rice cooker, dual-sided plancha griddle, high-capacity chip fryer, and produce slicer, cutting prep time by hours per restaurant daily. The innovation helped land Chipotle the No. 2 spot on a Best Workplaces for Innovators 2026 list.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-09-08
Taco Bell has signed an exclusive development agreement with restaurant operator Americana Restaurants to relaunch in the United Arab Emirates, a market it exited without explanation in 2012. The Yum! Brands chain previously ran several locations across the UAE, including in Dubai. Americana's chairman, Mohamed Alabbar, framed the comeback around Taco Bell's brand appeal to younger consumers seeking bold flavors and value.
entrepreneur.com
· 2026-09-02
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