Gong cha, Pepper Lunch, Krystal leaders to talk issues facing today's franchisors

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Five speakers will discuss challenges facing restaurants at the Franchising Think Tank at the Restaurant Franchising Innovation Summit March 24 in Kansas City…

Boston Market's future is up in the air

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

December 18, 2023

The future of Boston Market is in jeopardy after owner Jignesh Pandya filed for personal bankruptcy on Dec. 8 with the Eastern District of Pennsylvania…

Honeygrow opening 40th store

December 18, 2023

Toms River, New Jersey, will be home to Honeygrow's 40th location when the Philadelphia-based chain opens Friday inside the Ocean County Mall.

Food truck vendor opens sweet brick-and-mortar cheesecake store

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Podcast host Mandy Detwiler talked to Nicole Burks about her start as a food truck owner and what it took to open her first store.

Assessing restaurant tech stack saves money, reduces management tasks

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

Restaurant technology is great but sometimes a brand can amass a tech stack that’s proving to be expensive and hard to manage. Learn how minimization and…

Beans & Brews Coffeehouse percolating into Texas

December 15, 2023

Beans & Brews Coffeehouse, a drive-thru coffee franchise, is opening the first of three San Antonio locations Saturday. Two others will open in Q1 of 2024.

Jinya Ramen Bar levels up loyalty program, app

December 15, 2023

At Jinya Ramen Bar, the focus on "kaizen" — the Japanese practice of continuous improvement — runs deep in the company's culture and guides its customer…

Fazoli's returning to Arizona

December 14, 2023

Fazoli's, a portfolio company of FAT Brands, has returned to return to Mesa, Arizona, after closing a former location there in 2004.

MOD Pizza introduces trio of game-day pizza favorites

December 14, 2023

MOD Pizza has introduced the Tailgate Trio, a group of pizzas inspired by game-day appetizers, according to a press release.

FastCasual releases 2024 '20 Brands to Watch'

December 14, 2023

Customer demand for innovation and customization in food menus, as well as a preference for food infused with new and bold flavors, is driving growth. These…

Beef-a-Roo ending 2023 with 5 openings

December 14, 2023

Beef-a-Roo, a Midwest-based concept, has opened five locations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Indiana over the past six months, according to, Next Brands, a…

Cowboy Chicken launches wings to celebrate football season

December 14, 2023

Wings and football go hand-in-hand, which is why Dallas-based Cowboy Chicken is adding wings to the menu in four flavors — lemon pepper, BBQ, Buffalo and…

The art of pizza boxes: Guinness World Record holder a pizza box expert

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Pizza Marketplace Editor Mandy Detwiler talks to Scott Weiner about his collection -- which she personally certified by counting his collection twice. He's got…

BurgerFi, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza opening co-branded unit

December 13, 2023

BurgerFi International Inc., owner of BurgerFi and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings, is opening its first co-branded BurgerFi and Anthony's restaurant…

Mo' Bettahs debuting 50th location

December 13, 2023

The fresh flavors of Hawaii, the 50th state, are coming to Draper Friday when the 50th Mo' Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food restaurant opens at 163 E. 13800 S.

Chipotle invests in regenerative farming robots

December 13, 2023

Through its $50 million Cultivate Next venture fund, Chipotle Mexican Grill is investing in Greenfield Robotics, a company focused on making regenerative…

How commissary kitchens, plant-based offerings drive growth, savings at Tacotarian

Tacotarian co-founder Regina Simmons said using a commissary kitchen production has yielded annual savings of approximately $150,000

Scooter's Coffee opens 750th store

December 11, 2023

Frisco, Texas, is home to the 750th location of Scooter's Coffee, which opened Monday.

Big Chicken dribbling into Arkansas

December 11, 2023

Shaquille O'Neal-owned Big Chicken is opening in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Jan. 3, at 2190 MLK Blvd., as part of a 40-unit deal with Northwest Arkansas…

Island Fin Poke opens 1st location with pick-up window

December 11, 2023

Florida-based Island Fin Poké Co. is hoping to elevate its customer experience with the opening of its first location featuring a pick-up window. Marking its…