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…

Inspire doubles down on first Buffalo Wild Wings-Jimmy John’s co-brand

August 12, 2026

Inspire Brands is expanding its co-branding strategy with the Aug. 18 opening of its first Buffalo Wild Wings GO and Jimmy John's location at 5241 69th St. E…

Jeff’s Bagel Run taps Hungry Howie’s franchisees for South Carolina expansion

August 11, 2026

Jeff's Bagel Run has signed a three-store agreement with franchisees Jennifer Yanakiev and Brian Edelen to enter the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, market.

Ziggi’s, Philadelphia Cream Cheese make beverage debuts with savory latte

August 11, 2026

Ziggi's Coffee and Philadelphia Cream Cheese have teamed up on an Everything Bagel Latte, giving both brands a beverage first, while using the limited-time…

Technology drives 100% franchisee adoption of Beyond Juicery + Eatery pricing strategy

August 10, 2026

Beyond Juicery + Eatery said all of its franchise owners have adopted pricing guidance developed in partnership with restaurant pricing and decision…

Chicken Salad Chick adding to North Carolina footprint

August 10, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick will open its newest restaurant Aug. 19 at 1016 Burkemont Ave., in Morganton, North Carolina, continuing the Atlanta-based chain's…

The MilkShake Factory expands with Fort Collins, Colorado opening

August 7, 2026

The MilkShake Factory has expanded its footprint with the opening of a new location in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Pittsburgh-based dessert brand opened the…

Tropical Smoothie names Joe Sieve chief development, growth officer

August 7, 2026

Tropical Smoothie Café has hired Joe Sieve as chief development and growth officer, replacing Cheryl Fletcher, who will retire at the end of August.

FDA, CDC say danger has passed after Chipotle, Qdoba pull jalapenos

August 6, 2026

Qdoba has "proactively" removed jalapenos from its menu after the FDA recalled fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus…

Konala opens 1st New Jersey restaurant as expansion continues

August 6, 2026

Konala opened its first New Jersey restaurant July 31 at 11 Franklin Ave., in Belleville, marking another step in the company's nationwide expansion.

Jeff's Bagel Run signs 10-unit Pennsylvania franchise deal

August 6, 2026

Jeff's Bagel Run is expanding into Pennsylvania after signing a 10-unit franchise agreement with Jay and Amy DeLuca, Eric Clark and Nadia Hankin.

Chipotle: 'Robust ingredient traceability system' flagged jalapeños tied to salmonella probe

August 5, 2026

Chipotle Mexican Grill has reiterated that jalapeños identified from a common lot remain the focus of its internal investigation into a salmonella outbreak…

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…

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.

Second Cup names former Wingstop executive Joe Walker CEO

August 4, 2026

Joe Walker, Courtesy of Second Cup Coffee Company, Inc Toronto-based Second Cup Coffee Co. has named former Wingstop executive Joe Walker as its CEO.

5 menu localization myths that could hurt your restaurant brand

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

August 4, 2026

Michael Magerl, Joel Bulger, John Iannucci and Sarah Rooney are the panelists for "From Trend to Table: Operationalizing Regional Promotions in a Multi-Unit…

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.

Cousins Subs beefs up Kid's Meal with more entree, side options

July 31, 2026

Cousins Subs has rolled out a reimagined Kid's Meal at all of its locations, providing families with more meal choices.

Shipley Donuts grows footprint with 9-shop franchise deals in Q2

July 31, 2026

Shipley Donuts expanded its national presence during the first half of 2026, signing franchise agreements for nine shops, entering three new markets and…

Café Rio debuts LTO Utah Burrito as turnaround continues

July 30, 2026

Café Rio has introduced the limited-time Utah Burrito as part of its broader turnaround effort. The state-inspired menu item debuted July 24, Utah's Pioneer…