Food, Beverage & Agriculture · Week of Nov 2, 2026
Restaurant chains chase Gen Z and deals: the week in food
Restaurant chains reshaped menus, partnerships and portfolios, while The Andersons struck a $915 million ethanol deal.
Restaurant news dominated the week. KFC launched what it calls its largest global collaboration to date, a Marvel tie-in across 100 countries, and PepsiCo said it renewed its beverage partnership with KFC in eight international markets, with plans for drinks aimed at Gen Z. Wendy's reported lower third-quarter net income and same-restaurant sales, alongside a new Dave's Way strategy and a letter-of-intent to acquire up to 163 Meritage Hospitality Group restaurants. FARE opened its first location outside Illinois, and Yum China added a director.
Younger diners were a recurring target. OpenTable's 2027 trends survey found Gen Z more likely than Americans overall to expect higher dining spending, and PepsiCo cited Gen Z in its KFC plans. Outside restaurants, The Andersons agreed to buy Harvestone Low Carbon Partners for $915 million, and Mohegan Sun began a $30 million arena renovation that includes upgraded food and beverage outlets.
The Wendy's Company
THE WENDY'S COMPANY REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2026 RESULTS
The Wendy's Company reported third-quarter 2026 net income of $15.1 million, down 65.9% from $44.3 million, on revenues of $547.0 million, with U.S. same-restaurant sales down 5.7%. It also launched its Dave's Way strategy, signed a letter-of-intent to acquire up to 163 Meritage Hospitality Group restaurants and declared a $0.07 quarterly dividend payable December 15, 2026.
Kentucky Fried Chicken
KFC Brings the Doom: New Marvel-Inspired Menu Lands Ahead of Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Doomsday"
KFC announced a limited-time Doctor Doom-inspired menu tied to Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Doomsday" in 100 countries, beginning 9 November in select markets and running through January 2027. KFC says it is its largest global collaboration to date, though the menu will not be offered in the United States, India or China.
The Andersons, Inc.
The Andersons, Inc. to Acquire Harvestone Low Carbon Partners, Expanding Ethanol Production Capacity and Low-Carbon Fuels Capabilities
The Andersons, Inc. agreed to acquire Harvestone Low Carbon Partners from Energy Capital Partners for $915 million, adding three ethanol plants in North Dakota and Indiana and about 215 million gallons of annual production. The company says approximately half the price is attributed to expected 45Z and 45Q tax credit cash flows, and that the combined platform will have about 730 million gallons of capacity.
Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Yum China Board Welcomes New Board Member
Yum China Holdings appointed Alexander Dimitrief, former General Counsel of GE and of Sotera Health Co., to its Board effective November 4, 2026. The Board grows to 13 directors, 12 of whom are independent.
OpenTable, Inc.
From Payday to Showtime, OpenTable Reveals Americans Are Finding New Reasons to Dine Out in 2027
OpenTable's 2027 Dining Trends Report says dining on its platform rose 11% year-over-year in 2026, and 76% of surveyed Americans expect to spend the same or more on dining out in 2027. The company reports that 58% of Gen Z expect to increase spending, compared with 44% of Americans overall, and that 40% expect entertainment or live events to drive more dining out.
PepsiCo, Inc.
PepsiCo Secures Renewal Across Select KFC International Markets
PepsiCo said it renewed its beverage partnership with KFC in Australia, India, UK, Spain, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium, without disclosing length or financial terms. PepsiCo says it will support KFC's plans for new beverage offerings aimed at Gen Z consumers.
Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun Arena Embarks on $30 Million Transformation
Mohegan Sun announced a multi-phase, $30 million renovation of its 10,000-seat arena, including upgraded concessions and Marketplace concepts with more than 30 taps, one using Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology. The arena will close from December 15th and is scheduled to reopen February 28th, with a VIP lounge of nearly 4,000 square feet to follow in 2027.
FARE/ MATTIO Communications
FARE OPENS IN CHARLOTTE, BRINGING SEASONAL, CLEAN EATING TO NORTH CAROLINA
Fast-casual chain FARE opened its 11th location, and first outside Illinois, at Queensbridge Collective in Charlotte, N.C., on November 6, 2026. The company says its menu contains no seed oils, refined sugars or ultra-processed ingredients.
This roundup is written with AI assistance from the press releases listed above, using only what they state. The releases are the companies' own announcements, not BlessFeed reporting.