Beyond the balance sheet: why the future of franchising is proactive, not passive

At the upcoming Restaurant Innovation and Franchising Summit, industry experts will share strategies for moving beyond passive bookkeeping to maximize…

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard heats up 2026 with $60K drive-thru incentive program

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is launching an aggressive 2026 incentive program offering up to $60,000 in direct cash support to franchisees who open…

Speaker Spotlight: Eddie Flores, co-founder L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, chairman of L&L Franchise, Inc.

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

In his RFIS keynote Eddie Flores will share "unconventional" strategies that led L&L Hawaiian Barbecuse to eight consecutive #1 Asian food franchise rankings.

Speaker Spotlight: Seth Larsen, CDO, Cheba Hut Toasted Subs

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Seth Larsen, CDO of Cheba Hut Toasted Subs talks about how stays ahead of the competition while having a blast in today's speaker spotlight.

1B served: Why Potato Olé is the side dish that built an empire

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Taco John’s corporate Chef Brad Bergaus explores the history, sensory science and enduring cult status of Potato Olés, a signature spiced-potato side dish that…

How top franchise brands turn culture into direct profitability

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Industry leaders will gather at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit to share actionable strategies for transforming workplace culture and…

Pan pizza returns to Papa Johns; brand says they got it right this time

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

After years of development, Papa Johns is relaunching its pan pizza with a refined recipe featuring a garlic-Parmesan crust and a six-cheese blend, supported…

Optimizing off-premise orders

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

In a session at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit held in San Diego, California from March 16 to 18, restaurant veterans will chat about how to…

4 ways to freshen up your QSR

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

QSR operators can freshen their brand by moving away from muted design trends toward vibrant, brand-aligned colors, upgrading flooring with luxury vinyl and…

Speaker Spotlight: Troy Hooper, CEO, Hot Palette America - Pepper Lunch

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

Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America - Pepper Lunch, shares a look at his career, his achievements and industry trends ahead of his appearance at the…

Restaurant leaders share tips for driving growth, innovating when franchising

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

At the upcoming Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit, top restaurant executives will share how they’re scaling smarter and growing faster through bold…

Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers deadline extended to Jan. 23

by Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers deadline extended to Jan. 23, Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Don't delay! The deadline has been extended to THIS Friday!

Beyond the headset: The new era of integrated restaurant communication

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Modern QSRs are increasingly adopting specialized digital tools — ranging from kitchen display systems to multilingual chat apps — to streamline operations…

Pizza Nova franchisee believes in quality, consistency, brand culture

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Driven by a lifelong connection to the brand, franchisee Chi-son Phu has successfully grown his Pizza Nova business in Toronto by strictly following the…

Pizza Marketplace's Top 100 Movers & Shakers submissions due Jan.18

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Nominations are due Jan. 18.

Speaker Spotlight: John Lucas, VP, Farmer Boys

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Read more about John Lucas, VP of Farmer Boys in today's Speaker Spotlight.

Restaurant industry experts make predictions for 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Industry experts predict that the 2026 restaurant landscape will be defined by a "Me-Me-Me Economy," where brands must leverage integrated AI and data-driven…

Why 2026 is the year of the AI-driven restaurant

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

By 2026, AI is expected to transition from an experimental novelty to an operational necessity in the restaurant industry, utilizing "invisible" back-of-house…

How a Mooyah franchisee moved into chicken with Layne's Chicken Fingers

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

After tapping out the Madison, Wisconsin area with a burger concept, Lucas Bergeson, along with his family and a partner, brought Layne's Chicken Fingers to…

Pizza Marketplace’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers nominations now open

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The deadline is January 11, 2026.