News & Media

PJ's Coffee among 1st tenants at former CVS

July 29, 2026

PJ's Coffee is one of the first tenants to open at a redeveloped former CVS Pharmacy in Baton Rouge this August. Wingstop, Marco's Pizza and Donuts and Burgers…

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CaterZen, Star Micronics integrate workflow tools to reduce catering errors

July 29, 2026

Nashville, Tennessee-based CaterZen Catering Software has partnered with Star Micronics to help restaurant operators integrate kitchen display and labeling…

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Why Taco Cabana is expanding its franchise beyond the Lone Star State

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler chats with Taco Cabana's director of franchise sales and development, John Ramsay…

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How to deliver fast casual quality at 'QSR speeds'

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Customers expect QSR speeds with fast casual quality. A panel at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will share how restaurants can keep up.

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Robotic food kiosk market projected to top $1.75B by 2036

July 28, 2026

The global market for robotic food kiosks and vending systems is projected to grow from $188 million in 2026 to $1.75 billion by 2036, representing a compound…

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Hawaiian Bros signs 8-unit Louisville-area development deal

July 28, 2026

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is expanding in Kentucky with an eight-unit development agreement targeted for the greater Louisville market. A local franchisee…

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Gong cha signs 50-unit Texas development deal

July 28, 2026

Gong cha Americas has signed an exclusive area development agreement with franchise operator Bakers Acres & Cattle Company to open 50 locations across…

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Starbucks, Delta revive mileage-earning perk for linked loyalty members

July 27, 2026

Starbucks and Delta Air Lines are relaunching a loyalty benefit that lets customers earn frequent flyer miles on their coffee purchases.

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How 1 Penn Station franchise is turning teen hires into tomorrow's leaders

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Restaurants seeing a shortage in young workers may want to take a page out of Genral Manager Taylar Richardson's book.

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Newk's Eatery names 20-year company veteran Matt Wilson as COO

July 27, 2026

Newk's Eatery has promoted Matt Wilson, a 20-year veteran of the fast-casual chain, to chief operating officer, the company announced Monday.

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Buffalo’s Express opens 1st standalone restaurant, expands beyond Fatburger co-brand model

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

FAT Brands' Jake Berchtold explains how the former co-located Buffalo's Express opened its first stand-alone restaurant in Washington State.

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Flo Rida becomes equity partner in Beyond Juicery + Eatery

July 27, 2026

Beyond Juicery + Eatery has added Grammy-nominated recording artist and entrepreneur Flo Rida as an equity stakeholder in a multimillion-dollar deal aimed at…

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Qu launches Qu Pay to unify restaurant payments and guest data

July 27, 2026

Qu, a commerce platform for enterprise quick-service and fast-casual restaurants, has launched Qu Pay, an embedded payment solution that combines processing…

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Nominations open for Top Women in Retail Technology awards

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Connect Media is honoring the brightest and best women in retail technology leadership roles who are driving innovation. Get those nominations in! Deadline is…

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AI is rewriting the rules of restaurant strategy — here's how to keep up

July 27, 2026

Consumer behavior is shifting. Privacy expectations are tightening. Data regulations are evolving by the month. For restaurant leaders trying to make smart…

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HTeaO reports Q2 growth with 10 openings, LTO launches, community initiatives

July 27, 2026

Fort Worth, Texas-based HTeaO closed out the second quarter of 2026 with 10 store openings, limited-time beverage launches and ongoing community support…

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Nick the Greek opens second Stockton restaurant

July 24, 2026

Nick the Greek has opened its second restaurant in Stockton, California, boosting its presence in San Joaquin County.

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Birdcall signs 5-unit franchise deal for Indianapolis

July 24, 2026

Denver-based Birdcall has signed a franchise agreement to open five restaurants in the Indianapolis area, marking the first step in the chicken chain's Midwest…

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