Gong cha deploys Super Wu beverage automation system, kiosks to streamline operations

February 1, 2026

Gong cha, the global bubble tea powerhouse with nearly 2,200 locations, announced the launch of its "Gong cha 2.0" initiative, a comprehensive brand overhaul…

Barberitos, Garbanzo, Saladworks launch protein-packed LTOs

February 1, 2026

WOWorks, the parent company of several health-focused restaurant chains, has launched a suite of limited-time menu offerings across its Barberitos, Garbanzo…

Thriving through uncertainty: the power of resilience in leadership and business

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Resilience is the essential "superpower" for navigating modern uncertainty, serving as a developable skill that enables individuals and organizations to…

Speaker Spotlight: Jeff Perera, co-founder, vice president, Jeff's Bagel Run

Jeff Perera, co-founder and vice president of Jeff's Bagel Run, shares a look at his career, his achievements and industry trends ahead of his appearance at…

The Rewards Wars: Starbucks bets on AI while Panera returns to traditional math

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Panera is moving toward a more traditional, transparent math — replacing "surprises" with a predictable points-per-dollar system. It is about removing the…

How top franchise brands turn culture into direct profitability

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Industry leaders will gather at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit to share actionable strategies for transforming workplace culture and…

The future of hiring in restaurants is more human than we think

by Alexander Florio — Co-Founder, Swob Inc.

For years, restaurant hiring followed a familiar script: post a job, wait for applications, interview whoever showed up, and hope at least one person stayed…

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, Networld Media Group

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…

A Restaurant Owner's Guide to Secure Team Communication

Using personal chat apps for work puts your business data at risk. This guide breaks down the challenges of unsecured team communication, the real costs to…

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, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

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…