Blaze Pizza names Tracy Stockard chief marketing officer

August 25, 2026

Blaze Pizza has appointed Tracy Stockard as chief marketing officer. A veteran marketing executive with more than two decades of experience leading national…

From the boardroom to the prep line: How Stonefire Grill's CEO is fueling legacy growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Stonefire Grill CEO David Youngberg joins the Restaurant Operator Podcast to share how his hands-on leadership, people-first culture and strategic use of guest…

How Teriyaki Madness flips franchise growth by vetting real estate before the deal is signed

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Franchise Development Real Estate Manager Jake Lowell breaks down how the fast-casual chain cut opening timelines to 18 months and secured over 80 leases in 1…

Angry Chickz turns up heat with new loyalty program, app

August 24, 2026

Angry Chickz has launched a mobile app and loyalty program, giving fans of the Nashville hot chicken chain a single place to order, earn rewards and access…

Proper Good opening London location, partnering with Professor Green

August 24, 2026

Proper Good is opening a restaurant at 3 Soho Street in London this September, marking its first location in England and its second overall, following the…

New study reveals revenue gaps from missed calls

August 24, 2026

Revmo, a provider of voice-enabled conversational AI for restaurants, released a comprehensive five-chapter report, "The State of Restaurant Calls 2026.…

3 in 4 diners open to restaurant AI, PAR survey finds

August 24, 2026

Consumer discomfort with AI in restaurants is rapidly declining, dropping from 41% in 2025 to 27% today, according to a survey from PAR Technology Corp.

Bounteous, Deliverect team up to enhance 1st-party digital ordering

August 24, 2026

Deliverect, a global restaurant technology company, and Bounteous, an AI services firm, are partnering to integrate their platforms, aiming to help restaurant…

Baker Katz secures 5 leases for Einstein Bros

August 21, 2026

The fast-casual chain is adding over 9,500 square feet as it continues expanding across the Houston market.

Stop being reactive: How restaurants can double catering sales

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

August 21, 2026

CaterZen founder and former restaurant operator Michael Attias will share strategies for finding new catering customers, winning back former buyers and growing…

Blaze Pizza launches 'Practical Magic 2' inspired menu

August 21, 2026

Blaze Pizza is launching a limited-time menu inspired by the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures film "Practical Magic 2," according to a press release.

Smalls Sliders offers free dog bandanas for National Dog Day

August 21, 2026

Smalls Sliders is celebrating National Dog Day on Aug. 26 by offering a free "Can's Best Friend" bandana to guests who bring their dogs to participating…

Huey Magoo’s signs agreements for 60 restaurants

August 21, 2026

Orlando-based Huey Magoo's has awarded development rights to eight franchise groups for 60 restaurants across the United States.

Houston TX Hot Chicken hires Ashley Prokos as senior director of franchise sales

August 21, 2026

Potbelly signs deal to add 10 shops in Central Florida

August 20, 2026

Chicago-based-Potbelly Sandwich Works has signed a development agreement with veteran franchisee BD Patel and his nephews, Bhavesh and Mihir Patel, to open 1…

Marine Corps veterans, childhood friends sign 6-unit Huey Magoo's deal in South Carolina

August 20, 2026

Two childhood friends and Marine Corps veterans have signed on to develop six Huey Magoo's locations across Rock Hill, Fort Mill and Columbia, South Carolina…

66% of young restaurant workers say employers aren't training them right — Here's the fix

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

A new Schoox survey reveals a gap between what frontline restaurant employees want to learn and what operators are actually delivering — and why closing it…

Freddy’s promotes Rick Petralia to executive chef, VP of training and innovation

August 20, 2026

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, based in Wichita, Kansas, promoted Rick Petralia to executive chef and vice president of training and innovation.

Franchise growth drives Hawaiian Bros’ 2026 expansion

August 20, 2026

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill continued its growth trajectory during the first half of 2026, signing development deals with experienced franchisees to support…

Sweetgreen expands drive-thru prototype to Virginia

August 19, 2026

Sweetgreen opened a restaurant Thursday featuring its Sweetlane order-ahead drive-up format, marking the chain's fourth and its first in Northern Virginia.