Zaxby's taps Russell Holland to lead development strategy

July 6, 2026

Zaxby's has named Russell Holland chief development officer, formalizing his leadership role. The move comes as the fast-casual chicken chain continues…

Chicken chains rule the roost with summer LTOs

July 2, 2026

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, Houston TX Hot Chicken, Huey Magoo's and Wingstop are leaning into menu trends, including value meals and sweet and hot flavors.

Chicken Salad Chick creates 'National Chicken Salad Day'

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

July 2, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick has deemed July 16, "National Chicken Salad Day," and will mark it with free scoops and giveaways.

Tocaya unveils summer happy hour menu

July 1, 2026

Fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain Tocaya has introduced a summer happy hour menu featuring drink specials, small bites and tortas. The menu is available for…

Portillo's, Vienna Beef launch hot dog for America's 250th birthday

June 30, 2026

Portillo's has partnered with longtime supplier Vienna Beef to launch the Char'diniera Dog to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The hot dog will be available…

Earl of Sandwich opens permanent Downtown Disney location

June 30, 2026

Earl of Sandwich has opened a permanent restaurant in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort after operating from temporary locations for…

MOD Pizza launches 'Sweet Heat Summer' campaign with Italy trip sweepstakes

June 29, 2026

MOD Pizza has launched its "Sweet Heat Summer" campaign, a summerlong initiative running through Aug. 23 that features the return of a popular menu item, a…

Nick the Greek keeps rolling in Orange County with 7th opening

June 29, 2026

Nick the Greek has opened its seventh Orange County, California, location at 1313 W. 17th St., in Santa Ana.

Birdcall targets 100 Midwest locations in 5-year franchise expansion

June 26, 2026

Birdcall plans to expand into the Midwest with a goal of opening 100 franchised restaurants across six states over the next five years.

Smoothie King to open 1st Western New York location in Penfield

June 26, 2026

Smoothie King will open its first Western New York location on July 18 in Penfield as part of a three-unit development agreement. The restaurant, located at…

Blaze Pizza expands nationwide menu with refreshed salad lineup

June 25, 2026

Blaze Pizza is expanding its menu this week with a refreshed salad lineup at participating locations nationwide, featuring three new premium entrée salads and…

Haven Hot Chicken expands in Massachusetts with 3-unit agreement

June 25, 2026

Haven Hot Chicken has signed a three-unit franchise agreement that will expand the brand's presence in Massachusetts. The agreement with local entrepreneurs…

Freddy's joins premium beverage trend with new drink lineup

June 25, 2026

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has launched Freddy's Bevies, a beverage lineup featuring custard cream sodas, flavored teas and lemonades. The…

Jimmy John's partners with rapper Fetty Wap on LTO

June 24, 2026

Fetty Wap, Courtesy of Jimmy John's Champaign, Illinois-headquartered Jimmy John's has partnered with rapper Fetty Wap to launch the limited-time…

Gong cha debuts in Maine with South Portland location

June 24, 2026

Boston-based Gong cha will soon launch its first Maine location next week in South Portland, bringing the bubble tea brand to 200 Running Hill Road. The unit…

Sweetgreen debuts in Tennessee with Nashville opening

June 23, 2026

Sweetgreen will open its first Tennessee location June 30 in Nashville's Gulch neighborhood.

Houston TX Hot Chicken flies to UK with PizzaExpress franchise deal

June 23, 2026

Houston TX Hot Chicken has signed a master franchise agreement with PizzaExpress to bring its fast-casual chicken concept to the United Kingdom. Under the…

Former senator opening Juice It Up in Utah

June 22, 2026

Juice It Up! has entered Utah through a multi-unit development agreement with local franchisees Aaron and Nancy Osmond. The move expands the smoothie and raw…

Former McDonald’s operator opens Paris Baguette in Thousand Oaks

June 22, 2026

Former McDonald's owner-operator Gabriel Vesci has opened a Paris Baguette cafe in Thousand Oaks, California, as part of a Southern California expansion plan.

Shipley Donuts signs 3-unit franchise deal in Ohio

June 19, 2026

Shipley Donuts is expanding into Ohio through a three-unit franchise agreement with Koelache Co. LLC, marking the Houston-based doughnut chain's entry into the…