Restaurant Industry Watch — August 2, 2026
Wonder's $650 million fundraise signals aggressive expansion in restaurant delivery and robotics, while the global ghost kitchen market valued at $99.3 billion continues reshaping how restaurants operate. Michelin's 2026 expansion—including 11 new starred restaurants in Portugal and a Southwest ceremony set for Las Vegas on August 26—reflects fine dining's geographic diversification, even as many casual restaurants struggle with rising closures in major markets.
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