Pizza Hut Sold, Taco Bell Launches Ice Cream, 7 Brew Expands

Yum Brands has completed the sale of its Pizza Hut business outside of Mainland China to private equity firm LongRange Capital for approximately $1.5 billion. This follows last month's $1.2 billion sale of the brand's Mainland China operations to Yum China Holdings, bringing the total transaction value to $2.7 billion and ending Yum's ownership of the 68-year-old pizza chain.

Pizza Hut interim CEO Eduardo Luz stated that as a standalone business, there will be more focus on the brand. He said LongRange is well positioned to invest in Pizza Hut and build on its legacy. The chain, which has struggled with sales and market share for over a decade, is on track to close about 250 restaurants this year. Luz took over the interim role following the resignation of former global brand leader Aaron Powell.

Taco Bell and Salt & Straw Expand Partnership

Taco Bell and Portland-based ice cream company Salt & Straw have launched a new co-created dessert item available nationwide. Following last year's Tacolate, the chains are now offering the Salt & Straw Churro Ice Cream Taco at Taco Bell restaurants for $3.99.

The item features a new churro ice cream served inside a waffle cone shell, finished with puffed rice and a dark chocolate-flavored coating. In a statement, Taco Bell's Global Chief Food Innovation Officer Liz Matthews said the collaboration proves there is joy in reimagining a nostalgic favorite. Additionally, the Salt & Straw Choco-Waffle Chiller is available for a limited time at Taco Bell's more than 30 Live Más Café locations, starting at $4.69.

7 Brew Acquires Dozens of Former Salad and Go Sites

Drive-thru beverage chain 7 Brew has agreed to pay more than $143 million for 73 locations from the shuttered Salad and Go chain. The deal comes after rival Dutch Bros opted not to increase its earlier $105 million offer for up to 65 of the sites.

Dutch Bros said it chose not to raise its bid to remain more disciplined on its cost structure. The acquisition will help fuel 7 Brew's rapid expansion. The company has grown from about 40 shops in 2022 to more than 800 today.

Chain Restaurant Sales Slow in 2025

According to a report highlighted in the source, Top 500 chain restaurant sales slowed again in 2025 as consumers cut back on dining out. The report noted that sectors like coffee, beverages, snacks, and chicken thrived despite the broader slowdown.