Jack in the Box replaced its chief executive officer this week, installing Darin Harris as the new leader of the struggling quick-service burger chain. The move comes as the brand faces declining sales and competition from rivals like McDonald's and Burger King in the value segment. Harris arrives from a background in restaurant operations and brings focus to menu innovation and franchisee relations.

Papa John's International accelerated its retail expansion beyond pizza delivery, testing new store formats in grocery chains and convenience stores. The pizza chain aims to capture incremental transactions outside traditional standalone locations, mimicking successful models used by Domino's and other delivery-focused brands.

Naya, the emerging functional beverage brand, hired Khalfani Coicou as head of research and development. Coicou oversees ingredient sourcing and product formulation as Naya competes in the crowded hydration and wellness drink category alongside established players like Liquid IV and Gatorade. His appointment signals the brand's commitment to clinical validation and differentiated formulations.

The restaurant industry faces a bifurcated 2025. Winners include fast-casual chains with pricing power and strong unit economics, along with delivery-dependent concepts that minimize overhead. Premium burger and sushi restaurants continue outperforming casual dining segments. Losers include full-service restaurants with high labor costs, mid-tier chains caught between fast-casual and fine dining, and quick-service spots struggling with commodity inflation.

Labor costs remain elevated across the industry, forcing operators to reduce headcount or increase menu prices. Consumer spending on dining out shows fatigue, particularly in suburban markets. Ghost kitchens and virtual brands lose momentum as consolidation accelerates. Automation investments accelerate, especially in food prep and order fulfillment.

The leadership changes at Jack in the Box and Naya reflect broader industry pressure to innovate or exit. Harris must stabilize franchis