Toppers Pizza leaders' epic road trip is all about gathering insight

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Scott Gittrich and his wife, Robin, are on a trip to visit all 71 stores in the Toppers Pizza franchise. Along the way they're holding town halls and meeting…

Webinar deep dives into modern loyalty programs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Transactions are just the tip of the loyalty iceberg. This webinar deep-dives below the surface to explain how to get more out of your rewards program.

Taco Del Mar ready to grow with local focus, great food

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Taco Del Mar once had upwards of 300 stores. Now, wth just under 100, and new ownership, the brand is eager to grow with a local focus and great food.

Chipotle, Rally’s, Noodles & Company execs talk increasing drive-thru experience

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Drive-thru innovation and the customer experience was the focus of a panel discussion at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit held this month in…

Oath Pizza, &pizza execs will talk hiring issues during virtual event

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

April 21, 2022

Michael Lastoria, co-founder and CEO of &pizza, and Dave Jamieson, director of operations for Oath Pizza, will discuss “Labor Issues and Nouveau Ways to Hire…

Bonchon, Asian Box, Zoup Eatery leaders discuss hiring, retention best practices

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Hiring and retention remains a critical issue plaguing the restaurant industry today. A panel of experts at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit…

Original ChopShop, McAllister's, Mutt's Canine Cantina leaders share clever marketing tips

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A panel discussion at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit examined ways to market without breaking the budget.

Examining alternatives to raising menu prices

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In the second part of a two-part series on raising prices, we examine how much is too much and potential alternatives to increasing prices.

How to determine when it's time to boost menu prices

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In part one of a two-part series, we take a look at making the decision to raise prices and how to do so without losing the customer base.

Wow Bao leader talks career growth, how ghost kitchens can drive success

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Wow Bao CEO Geoff Alexander kicked off the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, being held March 30 through April 1, with a…

Restaurant seating is more than just a place to sit

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Seating plays an important part in a restaurant's overall design and aesthetic.

Pollo Campero has long tradition of unique food, successful operations

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Pollo Campero had a record year in 2021. Blas Escarcega, director of franchise development, explains what's behind the Central American concept and how it is…

How automation helps labor issues in today's restaurants

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Labor remains a top issue for restaurateurs and management teams and an increasing number of operators are turning to automation to ease labor woes. That's…

QSR restaurant design changing for speed, service

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

QSR restaurant design is changing. Brands are rethinking their overall dining rooms and drive-thrus to increase speed and service.

Rascal House's catering, delivery programs set it apart in crowded field

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Rascal House's concept is heavy on delivery and catering. Learn what sets the company apart in the QSR space and how the six-unit company plans to grow.

Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream has cool concept ready for franchising

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream has a creative concept that puts customers squarely in the middle of the creation process. The eight-unit company plans to franchise…

Panda Express celebrates Lunar New Year with specialty campaign

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Panda Express, a 2,200-unit family-owned American Chinese brand, has created a specialty game just in time for the Lunar New Year. Kevin Holmes, executive…

Is there an end in sight for The Great Resignation?

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Employees are leaving their positions in droves. What can operators do to keep their businesses fully manned?

Pandemic causes PizzaLeah to pivot

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Leah Scurto opened her pizzeria, PizzaLeah, in Sonoma County, California just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown hit the state. That caused Scurto to…

How Chick’nCone’s Instagrammable product wows franchisees

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Chick'nCone combines the best of both worlds: sweet and salty. The concept thrives on social media and has gained an instant following, making it an attractive…