Finance / Investment News & Media

The foundation for Rooted: 7 ingredients, simplicity and trust

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Rooted founder Lily Rivkin Friend built a fast-casual concept around simplicity and trust. Its seven-ingredient rule keeps food and operations streamlined…

read now

Kutlerri.ai raises $4M to expand AI agents for restaurant sales, costs

September 30, 2026

Kutlerri.ai has raised $4 million from Houston-based Narahari Investments to accelerate development of its AI-powered agents, which are designed to increase…

read now

Survey: Restaurant operators are optimistic, but equipment costs squeeze cash flow

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

A survey reveals that a percentage of restaurant owner/operators are optimistic, even in the face of rising costs and concerns over replacing equipment.

read now

Mo’ Bettahs expands in home state with Highland, Utah opening

September 28, 2026

Fast casual Hawaiian lunch plate brand Mo' Bettahs is continuing its expansion in its home state of Utah with the opening of a restaurant at 10969 N. Town…

read now

Breadless launches franchise expansion with first multi-unit agreement

September 22, 2026

Detroit-based Breadless signed a multi-unit development agreement with Third Coast Harvest LLC, officially launching the brand's franchise expansion strategy.

read now

HB Protein Smoothies signs 6-unit South Florida franchise deal

September 22, 2026

HB Protein Smoothies signed a six-unit development agreement with franchisee Bob Morris to expand in South Florida. The deal marks the Scottsdale…

read now

Qvinci launches RoyaltyHub to automate franchise royalty management

September 16, 2026

Qvinci Software has launched Qvinci RoyaltyHub, a new platform designed to automate the royalty management process for franchise brands, the company has…

read now

UFG adds 105 locations, signs 148 franchisee deals in 1H

September 15, 2026

United Franchise Group reported robust growth during the first half of 2026, adding 105 locations, signing 148 individual franchisee agreements and executing…

read now

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.

read now

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…

read now

Pokeworks reports 10% year-over-year unit growth in Q2

August 18, 2026

Irvine, California-based Pokeworks opened five locations, has eight more under development and signed multiple-unit franchise agreements during the second…

read now

MOOYAH Burgers inks master franchise agreement for UAE expansion

August 18, 2026

Plano, Texas-based MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes signed a master franchise agreement with Great Foods USA LLC to expand the brand in the United Arab…

read now

Great Harvest unveils new branding after 50 years

August 17, 2026

Source: Great Harve Great Harvest unveiled new branding as the 50-year-old chain launches broader systemwide initiatives.

read now

Smoothie King posts 9% July same-store sales growth, expands franchise pipeline

August 13, 2026

Smoothie King is seeing strong momentum from menu expansion and franchisee investment, reporting 9% same-store sales growth in July and its highest number of…

read now

How Tony Roma's is using fast-casual strategies to reinvent itself

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

CEO Mina Haque explains how the 54-year-old brand is adapting to changing consumer habits without abandoning its casual-dining roots.

read now

Crisp & Green opens 3rd Omaha-area restaurant

August 5, 2026

Crisp & Green has opened its third Omaha-area restaurant in Papillion, Nebraska, as the Minneapolis-based fast-casual brand continues to expand its…

read now

Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café to open first North Carolina location

August 5, 2026

Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café will debut in North Carolina with a Cary restaurant, expanding the Houston-based fast casual brand's presence in the Southeast.

read now

Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill opens 2nd US location in North Texas

August 3, 2026

Vancouver, British Columbia-based Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill will open its second U.S. location Aug. 7 at 13850 Chadwick Parkway in Northlake, Texas.

read now

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…

read now

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…

read now