Starbucks

In the last few years, the build-your-own Chipotle-style fast casuals really hit their stride, expanding into almost any type of cuisine people could think of.

A union goes after a small restaurant chain, Tim Hortons franchisees head to court, Starbucks battles monsters, and two of the industry's best-known chefs draw spatulas—some of the business's most intense struggles have somehow dodged notice. Until now.