Par acquiring Bridg in $30M deal to unify guest data

January 26, 2026

Par Technology Corp. has reached an agreement to acquire Bridg, an identity resolution and shopper intelligence platform, from Cardlytics Inc. The deal, valued…

Why Your Company Has 40 Group Chats and Nobody Knows What’s Going On

Personal chat apps give you zero control over company data. When employees leave, they take years of business information with them—and removing them takes…

Iron Cactus doesn't sit still; brand keeps evolving

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Iron Cacus stopped frying in seed oil and Founder Gary Manley watched sales soar. The brand has two locations in Texas.

From vision to breakthrough: 5 game-changing lessons from the Founderology Podcast

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

The Founderology: Built to Breakthrough podcast shares actionable insights from visionary entrepreneurs, emphasizing that success comes from bold risk-taking…

Speaker Spotlight: Troy Hooper, CEO, Hot Palette America - Pepper Lunch

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America - Pepper Lunch, shares a look at his career, his achievements and industry trends ahead of his appearance at the…

Panera testing points-based loyalty program to boost customization, value

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The shift comes in response to direct feedback from MyPanera members seeking more clarity on how they earn rewards.

Häagen-Dazs launches updated Sorbet Smoothie Collection

January 21, 2026

Häagen-Dazs has released a new-and-improved Sorbet Smoothie Collection. The drinks are made with the brand's signature sorbet, real fruit and juices, according…

Restaurant leaders share tips for driving growth, innovating when franchising

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

At the upcoming Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit, top restaurant executives will share how they’re scaling smarter and growing faster through bold…

Texas Restaurant Association’s Emily Williams Knight on the power of shared insight

In this episode, Kathleen Wood and Emily Knight discuss why Founders benefit from being part of strong communities, whether through state restaurant…

The Beverage revolution: Why drinks are the new dining destination

Fast Casual Nation explores how Taco Bell, craft innovators and the sober-curious movement are reshaping restaurant revenue.

Chili Shack snags 1st franchisee

January 21, 2026

Chili Shack, a Denver-based restaurant chain known for its Mexican-American fare and green chili, has signed its first franchise agreement to develop three…

Chipotle outgrowing slump thanks to 10-minute visits

by Lila Margalit — Content Writer, Placer.ai

In November, same-store visits turned slightly positive, compared to previous declines, contributing to a stronger increase in total chain-wide traffic.

Freddy’s adding 118 restaurants to US, Canada

January 20, 2026

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers closed 2025 with record-breaking growth, signing 22 multi-unit development agreements to add 118 restaurants across…

Roti Modern Mediterranean opening delivery-only location

January 20, 2026

Roti Modern Mediterranean is expanding its footprint in its home market with the opening of its first delivery-only location in Smyrna, Georgia. The move marks…

Shake Shack hires chief commercial officer to oversee marketing, culinary, revenue

January 20, 2026

Shake Shack Inc. has hired Jim Taylor as its first chief commercial officer, a new position designed to oversee the company's marketing, culinary and revenue…

Fresh Baguette opening 9th location

January 20, 2026

Fresh Baguette will open its ninth location on Jan. 28, marking the company's continued expansion across the Washington metropolitan area.

Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers deadline extended to Jan. 23

by Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers deadline extended to Jan. 23, Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Don't delay! The deadline has been extended to THIS Friday!

How Matt’s Hot Dogs uses music to create the perfect vibe

January 19, 2026

Since founding Seattle-based Matt's Hot Dogs in 1992, Matt Jones has been passionate about staying independent and providing guests with a unique experience.

3 friends launching Gyro City in Manhattan

January 19, 2026

Gyro City, a fast casual Greek concept, is hoping to elevate Manhattan, New York's street food scene with an emphasis on organic ingredients and traditional…

Why the 'new' food pyramid is choosing opinion over evidence

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Suzy Badaracco's imagined dialogue between a registered dietitian and the personification of whole grains reveals how the "inverted" government food pyramid…