GoKawiil
Tech News
Yum! Brands has ended its franchise agreement with Encanto Restaurants, the longtime operator of KFC and Taco Bell locations across Puerto Rico, forcing all stores on the island to close temporarily. Yum! cited Encanto's inability to meet its operating standards, while Encanto has not responded to requests for comment. Both brands say they are searching for a new franchise partner to reopen locations.
A newly launched, trending website lets diners search which New York City restaurants are owned by private equity firms rather than independent operators. The tool compiles ownership data so consumers can see which establishments have been acquired by investment firms.
Square, the payments unit of Block Inc., has launched self-service kiosks that use AI voice technology to take food orders in fast-food restaurants. The company is positioning dining as a stronger fit for automated ordering than grocery self-checkout, which has drawn customer complaints elsewhere.
Endeavor's Ari Emanuel has released a memoir this fall centered on his career negotiating high-stakes entertainment deals, positioned as a standout title in the season's nonfiction lineup. The related coverage also includes a broader etiquette guide addressing modern social behaviors like spoiler alerts, phone use at restaurants and concert conduct.
A growing number of AI researchers and policy experts argue that instead of fixating on hypothetical existential risks, attention should turn to establishing conventional safety regulations for AI systems—similar to those governing airplanes, elevators and restaurants. They contend that near-term harms like bias, misinformation and misuse are already occurring and need practical oversight now.
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.
Papa Johns has named KM Capital, a Mexican investment firm founded in 1986, as its new franchise partner in the country, handing it control of 44 existing locations. The firm plans to invest further in operations, branding and expansion there, while Papa Johns' international division has now posted seven consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth, up 1.5% in Q2, even as U.S. sales fell 8.3% over the same period.
A pay-what-you-can dining initiative that started small in Mexico City has grown this year to include more than 100 restaurants across Mexico, the United States, and other countries. On August 26, 2026, participating eateries let diners choose their own price for meals based on what they can afford.
A growing number of US restaurants are eliminating tipping and replacing it with fixed hourly pay or built-in service charges. Workers say tips only cover the hours spent serving customers, leaving unpaid or minimum-wage time for prep and closing duties before and after service.