The first Taco Bell Cantina will open in Chicago next week, with fast-casual features and a beverage menu that includes beer, wine and cocktails. A second is set to open in San Francisco later this month, and the company may open up to 10 more in 2016, a spokesman said. The urban footprint is designed to appeal to millennials and the company hopes alcohol sales will boost check sizes.

Affordable and filling pasta dishes played a starring role on recession-era comfort food menus, but recent data show consumers may be shifting gears amid an improving economy. Low-carb, gluten-free and high-protein eating trends also play a role and could create opportunities for pasta brands to branch out into new products.

Sandwich preferences are shifting, with a growing number of millennials choosing sandwiches that are heavy on the vegetables, according to research by the Culinary Visions Panel. Younger sandwich fans are still eating meat, eggs and cheese, but they're more likely to go for sandwiches that use those ingredients sparingly while piling on the veggies, researchers found.

A group representing restaurants and other businesses is contesting N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's unilateral appointment of a board to raise quickservice employees' minimum wage. Read more.

Nationwide, restaurants throw away millions of pounds of food each day. By keeping tabs on and reducing waste, you can cut food costs and increase profits. Here are some steps on how to reduce food waste. Read more.