Chicken Salad Chick awarded 100 franchise deals, opened 42 units in 2025

January 29, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick reported a record-breaking 2025, awarding nearly 100 franchise deals and opening 42 restaurants as it prepares to push further into the…

Starbucks turnaround: Niccol’s "Back to Starbucks" plan ignites Q1 growth

January 29, 2026

Starbucks has officially shifted from defense to offense. During Wednesday's Q1 2026 earnings call, the company reported a 5% increase in global revenue to…

Five Guys goes all in on AI

January 28, 2026

Five Guys is doubling down on artificial intelligence, expanding its partnership with SoundHound AI after the burger chain's automated ordering system…

Zenzap helps restaurateurs control IP, communication in house

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Zenzap, a communication app for restaurants, can help operators control intellectual properties and notifications.

Presented by Zenzap

Chipotle doubling pace of 'new product launches,' chicken al pastor returning

January 27, 2026

Chipotle Mexican Grill is bringing back chicken al pastor for a limited time, marking the first move in an aggressive 2026 menu strategy that will see the…

Dog Haus enters 15th year with record development pipeline

January 27, 2026

Dog Haus is marking its 15th anniversary with its largest expansion slate to date, following a record-breaking 2025 that saw triple-digit growth in…

Original ChopShop reports 9th consecutive year of profitability

January 27, 2026

Original ChopShop reported record annual sales for 2025, marking its ninth consecutive year of profitability as it prepares for a four-store expansion across…

FAT Brands files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure debt

January 26, 2026

FAT Brands Inc., the parent company of 18 restaurant concepts including Fatburger and Johnny Rockets, has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection…

Steak ‘n Shake expands Iowa presence with tech-forward location

January 26, 2026

Ryan Winter expanded his footprint in the Des Moines area with the opening of his second Steak 'n Shake last week at 1045 S.E. Alice's Road. The…

Optimizing off-premise orders

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

In a session at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit held in San Diego, California from March 16 to 18, restaurant veterans will chat about how to…

Captain D's expands UK presence

January 26, 2026

Captain D's is doubling down on its British expansion, opening its second U.K. location in Kent following what executives describe as an "exceptional…

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…

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.