Part 1: Cool technologies at the NRA Show 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Editor Mandy Wolf Detwiler spent time in the tech pavilion at the National Restaurant Association Show.

Powerhouse Dynamics’ Open Kitchen to eliminate execution errors during menu rollouts

May 20, 2026

As fast-casual brands increasingly rely on seasonal offerings and limited-time menu innovations to drive customer traffic, Powerhouse Dynamics is introducing…

SynergySuite Wins Three Gold Stevie’s for Restaurant AI

SynergySuite earned three Gold Stevie Awards at the 2026 American Business Awards for its AI-driven restaurant technology innovations. The recognition…

AI Won't Save Your Restaurant, But Unified Data Will

Despite 73% of operators investing in AI, only 9% see real results. Leaders from Dave's Hot Chicken and Taco John's share why: fragmented data, over-reliance…

2026 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers

Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Each year, this report serves as a pulse check for the industry, celebrating the…

Presented by Elo Touch Solutions, Inc.

Deliverect, DataCandy partner for loyalty

May 14, 2026

Deliverect has partnered with loyalty and gift card provider DataCandy to allow quick service and enterprise restaurant operators to reward customers through…

Deliverect Partners with DataCandy to Connect Digital Ordering, Loyalty and Gift Cards Across Every Restaurant

Integration unifies third-party, first-party, and in-store orders with loyalty and gift card programs to drive retention and personalized engagement

How the Best Franchise Groups Get Franchise Communication Right

The bigger your franchise gets, the harder team communication becomes to manage. This guide covers what every franchise operator needs to know about keeping…

Rice and Noodle Selects SynergySuite to Power Operations and Fuel Franchise Expansion Across Canada

SynergySuite has partnered with Rice and Noodle to streamline operations and support franchise growth across Canada. The restaurant brand will leverage…

From scribbles to savings: Why precision labeling is the new profit protector

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Star Micronics is showcasing its versatile mC-Label series at the National Restaurant Association Show this weekend, highlighting how high-precision labeling…

Presented by Star Micronics America

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken overhauls digital experience with FNGRFOOD launch

May 11, 2026

Hattie B's Hot Chicken is turning up the heat on its digital strategy with the launch of a web and mobile experience powered by FNGRFOOD, a proprietary…

What Every Multi-Location Business Needs to Know About Team Communication

Here's what every multi-location business needs to know about getting team communication right at scale.

Pei Wei, Gyro Hut tap NCR Voyix to modernize POS operations

May 7, 2026

Fast-casual brands Pei Wei Asian Kitchen and Gyro Hut are modernizing restaurant operations and enhancing guest experiences through new and expanded technology…

Paytronix launches rewards hub giving marketers real-time control

May 6, 2026

Paytronix Systems Inc. has rolled out its a rewards hub to its customer engagement platform, Access Identity, part of the company's Guest Engagement Suite.

SynergySuite & Sightline OS Announce Integrative Partnership

SynergySuite and Sightline OS announced a new AI-powered integration connecting restaurant sales, operations, and supply chain intelligence in real time. The…

6 Signs Your Restaurant Team Communication Is Out of Control

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s worth seriously rethinking how your team communication is set up.

SynergySuite Wins Three TITAN Business Awards in 2026, Including Third Consecutive Platinum in Restaurants

SynergySuite earned three 2026 TITAN Business Awards—including two Platinum and one Gold—marking its strongest showing yet. The recognition highlights its…

How One Restaurant Fixed Its Team Communication Chaos (And What Every Operator Can Learn From It)

Most restaurants are losing data, burning out staff, and starting from scratch every time someone leaves. Here's how one multi-location BBQ restaurant fixed…

Rising costs, falling margins: Why restaurants must deploy workflows, not just robots

When operators start with the workflow, automation becomes easier to adopt and delivers results that are felt by both staff and customers, according to Elad…

Lynora’s Partners with SynergySuite to Power AI-driven Restaurant Operations Across South Florida

Family-owned Italian restaurant group adopts AI-powered back-of-house platform to streamline multi-location operations and scale its growing hospitality…