McDonald’s, Velvet Taco, Chipotle
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July 10, 2026
McDonald’s new prototype is see-through. Restaurant Business received an early look at the concept the chain is working on in Chicago. It features a glass exterior and an open kitchen that enables customers to see from the parking lot into the restaurant and into the kitchen. Digital is fully integrated, with a temperature controlled, outdoor pickup area for delivery drivers and one inside for mobile order customers. The kitchen, meanwhile, is 40% devoted to beverages and features a wide range of technology, including equipment connected to a central operating system.
Velvet Taco is the latest chain to jump into value, launching a 2 for $10 deal that includes the choice of any two tacos and a drink. Guests can mix and match from 16 different tacos, including the brand’s signature French Dip, Spicy Tikka Chicken, and Beer Battered Cauliflower tacos. For $3 more, guests can add any side, including queso, guac, elote, buttery cilantro rice or tots. Coinciding with this launch, Velvet Taco is also introducing new protein cups, hitting on several accelerating trends.
Less than a month after Chipotle launched a branded lobby inside Riot Games’ 2XKO, the fast-casual chain is making its appearance in another video game. Chipotle announced an integration with Season 7 of PGA TOUR 2K25 that includes the chance for players to earn free food and unlock exclusive in-game gear tied to their performance. As part of the integration, Chipotle has launched a series of challenges that reward players based on their gameplay. Players can compete in the Chipotle Hot Streak Quest to earn rewards like foil-inspired golf pants and a Chipotle pepper bucket hat. Not only does this partnership expand Chipotle’s footprint within the gaming community, it also builds on the chain’s presence in golf. Earlier this year, for instance, Chipotle was named the Official Mexican Restaurant of the PGA Tour.
Get all the headlines in today’s Restaurant Daily podcast.
About the Authors
Leigh Anne Zinsmeister
Managing Editor
Leigh Anne Zinsmeister is a managing editor for Informa’s Foodservice Media, with brands including Nation’s Restaurant News, Restaurant Business, and Foodservice Director. Leigh Anne works on all of the brands’ special reports, including Nation’s Restaurant News’ annual Technomic Top 500 report. She also manages the group’s digital engagement team.
Leigh Anne lives in New York City, but also claims Phoenix, Dallas and Cleveland as hometowns. Leigh Anne holds a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, where she also studied European history.
Email Leigh Anne at [email protected]
Leigh Anne Zinsmeister’s experience:
Group Managing Editor, Foodservice Media (June 2026-present)
Group Managing Editor, Informa’s Foodservices Vertical (Aug. 2021-June 2026)
Group Content Manager, Informa Restaurant and Food Group (Feb. 2020-Aug. 2021)
Digital Content Manager, Informa Restaurant and Food Group (April 2018-Feb. 2020)
Digital Content Producer, Informa Restaurant and Food Group (June 2016-April 2018)
Community Moderator, Mail Online (March 2014-June 2016)
Wire Editor, Gannett’s Phoenix Design studio (The Arizona Republic, The Reno Gazette-Journal, The Statesman Journal, The Great Falls Tribune, The Visalia Times-Delta, The Tulare Advance Register, The Salinas Californian, The St. George Spectrum, The Desert Sun, The Coloradoan) (Jan. 2012-March 2014)
Group Managing Editor, Foodservice Media (June 2026-present)
Group Managing Editor, Informa’s Foodservices Vertical (Aug. 2021-June 2026)
Group Content Manager, Informa Restaurant and Food Group (Feb. 2020-Aug. 2021)
Digital Content Manager, Informa Restaurant and Food Group (April 2018-Feb. 2020)
Digital Content Producer, Informa Restaurant and Food Group (June 2016-April 2018)
Community Moderator, Mail Online (March 2014-June 2016)
Wire Editor, Gannett’s Phoenix Design studio (The Arizona Republic, The Reno Gazette-Journal, The Statesman Journal, The Great Falls Tribune, The Visalia Times-Delta, The Tulare Advance Register, The Salinas Californian, The St. George Spectrum, The Desert Sun, The Coloradoan) (Jan. 2012-March 2014)
Lisa Jennings
Executive Editor, Restaurant Business
Lisa Jennings is a veteran restaurant industry reporter and editor who covers the fast-casual sector, independent restaurants and emerging chain concepts. Her experience includes other industry publications as well as the daily newspaper The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn., where she was Food Editor. Her work has been cited in the Los Angeles Times, Business Insider, FoodBeast, The Huffington Post, Time.com and more.
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Source: This story originated with Nation's Restaurant News.
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