See & Be Kitchen launches competition to find 1st franchisee

December 16, 2025

A Catskills-based artisan bakery is taking an unconventional approach to its expansion, launching an eight-week competition to select its first franchise owner.

Inside the Founder shift: What 2025 sparked and why 2026 is ready to ignite

In our final Founderology podcast episode of the year, Cherryh and I sat down to reflect on the moments that mattered, the shifts that shaped us and the…

Jimmy John's expanding in Canada

December 15, 2025

Jimmy John's is open its newest location this week in Toronto's entertainment district.

Potbelly adding 50 locations in 2026

December 15, 2025

Potbelly Sandwich Works plans to open 50 locations in 2026, a significant expansion that will push the chain past the 500-store milestone as it pursues a…

The Retail Nomad explores the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show

Nick Harbaugh (aka "The Retail Nomad") takes viewers inside the recent Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show in Tampa.

Rock N’ Roll Sushi expands in home state

December 15, 2025

Rock N' Roll Sushi, the Mobile, Alabama-founded dining concept known for its American-style rolls and loud atmosphere, expanded its footprint in its home state…

Smashburger's comeback: A conversation with Tom Ryan and Jim Sullivan

Captain D's makes New York debut

December 15, 2025

Nashville-based Captain D's has officially entered the Northeast market, opening its first New York location in the Bronx on Dec. 8.

Chipotle reaches 4,000th restaurant milestone with Kansas opening

December 15, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill marked a major corporate milestone Friday, opening its 4,000th restaurant in Manhattan, Kansas, moving the chain past the halfway point…

Dave's Hot Chicken tops Yelp's 2025 'Most Loved Brands'

December 12, 2025

Three of the top five spots went to fast casual chains, with Korean fried chicken franchise bb.q Chicken taking No. 3 and California burger icon In-N-Out…

PAR Technology launches Smart Passes, next era of loyalty engagement

December 11, 2025

PAR Technology Corporation has launched Smart Passes, a wallet-native loyalty solution that transforms Apple and Google Wallet into a real-time, app-free…

National Restaurant Association seeks solutions to penny shortage

December 11, 2025

The National Restaurant Association is seeking solutions to the national penny shortage. The shortage means operators can't order pennies from their local…

White Rhino Coffee acquires Emporium Pies

December 11, 2025

White Rhino Coffee, a Dallas-based specialty coffee company, has acquired Emporium Pies, a North Texas dessert chain known for its handcrafted pastries.

Cheba Hut introduces limited-time holiday cocktail

December 11, 2025

Cheba Hut has launched the holiday drink, "Sleigh'd and Confused," available at its locations through Dec. 31.

Starbucks reveals 9 most-viral drinks of 2025

December 11, 2025

Starbucks released a list of its most viral customized beverages of 2025, highlighting how social media trends created by customers and employees continue to…

Pizza Marketplace’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers nominations now open

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The deadline is January 11, 2026.

Osmow's brings classic Mediterranean food to Canada, US markets

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Part 7 in our Founderology Forum's Founders: Take 5 looks at Osmow's, a Mediterranean brand in Canada that is expanding to the U.S.

Will 'No Tax on Tips' fix restaurants’ labor challenges?

by Oli Ostertag — GM of Operator Cloud, PAR Technology

Tax relief may help workers feel a bit more supported by the government and potentially add an extra sense of financial security, but it won't solve the core…

Pizza Across America to bring together pizzerias across the country for good cause

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Host Mandy Detwiler talks to Director Scott Wiener about the week-long event that draws pizzerias together across the country.

Deliverect launches AI tools for restaurant marketing, sales

December 10, 2025

Deliverect launched a library of artificial intelligence tools on Wednesday designed to automate restaurant operations, marketing and sales without requiring…