News & Media
Wonder, Zipline to launch Texas food drone delivery program
by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media
Wonder and Zipline have partnered to bring drone food delivery to Texas.
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How Joe & the Juice is scaling without losing brand identity
by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media
Joe & the Juice combines aggressive U.S. expansion plans with maintaining the identity that factored into its growth.
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How Velvet Taco CEO Chris Schultz scales a cult brand without losing its soul
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media
During his keynote at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Texas, Chris Schultz will discuss restaurant growth, brand culture, leadership, international…
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Portillo's, Vienna Beef launch hot dog for America's 250th birthday
June 30, 2026
Portillo's has partnered with longtime supplier Vienna Beef to launch the Char'diniera Dog to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The hot dog will be available…
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Earl of Sandwich opens permanent Downtown Disney location
June 30, 2026
Earl of Sandwich has opened a permanent restaurant in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort after operating from temporary locations for…
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Free webinar will teach restaurant operators how AI can personalize offers
June 29, 2026
Restaurant operators have long relied on customer segmentation to tailor promotions, but advances in artificial intelligence are making true one-to-one…
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Why Slim Chickens Ranch Remix is arriving at the perfect time
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
Most of us are familiar with Gen Z's obsession with sauces, but the latest dipping craze is catching fire globally, thanks in part to international visitors…
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Paytronix, Qu launch upgraded menu, order integration for restaurants
June 29, 2026
Paytronix, a guest engagement and digital ordering solutions provider, announced an upgraded integration with commerce platform Qu to automatically sync online…
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The Power of the Rearview Mirror and the Windshield: An activity of reflection and projection
by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners
Using the metaphor of a vehicle's small rearview mirror and large windshield, columnist Kathleen Wood shares a structured framework designed to briefly…
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MOD Pizza launches 'Sweet Heat Summer' campaign with Italy trip sweepstakes
June 29, 2026
MOD Pizza has launched its "Sweet Heat Summer" campaign, a summerlong initiative running through Aug. 23 that features the return of a popular menu item, a…
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In franchising, the product is now your marketing
by Carla McLean — Marketing Executive, IFA World Franchise Show
The franchise sector continues to show steady growth, with output expected to rise to $921.4 billion and the number of franchise establishments increasing to…
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Nick the Greek keeps rolling in Orange County with 7th opening
June 29, 2026
Nick the Greek has opened its seventh Orange County, California, location at 1313 W. 17th St., in Santa Ana.
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Einstein Bros bakes up growth with 300-plus U.S. locations planned by 2030
by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media
Leslie Haver, senior director, design, said the prototype will be slightly larger in most locations to support in-store dining and offer a better customer…
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Playa Bowls makes Canada debut
June 26, 2026
Playa Bowls has officially made its international debut, opening its first Canadian location at The Well in downtown Toronto. The 1,700-square-foot flagship…
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Founders Table Restaurant Group acquires Hopdoddy Burger Bar
June 26, 2026
Founders Table Restaurant Group has acquired Hopdoddy Burger Bar, an Austin, Texas-based fast-casual brand known for pioneering the better-burger space.
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Improving restaurant food cost margins: Benchmarks, tips and expert insights
by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media
Running restaurants is costly, but effective food cost reduction strategies can help operators protect their margins and cut their expenses.
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Birdcall targets 100 Midwest locations in 5-year franchise expansion
June 26, 2026
Birdcall plans to expand into the Midwest with a goal of opening 100 franchised restaurants across six states over the next five years.
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Smoothie King to open 1st Western New York location in Penfield
June 26, 2026
Smoothie King will open its first Western New York location on July 18 in Penfield as part of a three-unit development agreement. The restaurant, located at…
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Blaze Pizza expands nationwide menu with refreshed salad lineup
June 25, 2026
Blaze Pizza is expanding its menu this week with a refreshed salad lineup at participating locations nationwide, featuring three new premium entrée salads and…
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Haven Hot Chicken expands in Massachusetts with 3-unit agreement
June 25, 2026
Haven Hot Chicken has signed a three-unit franchise agreement that will expand the brand's presence in Massachusetts. The agreement with local entrepreneurs…
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