News & Media From Mandy Wolf Detwiler

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…

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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…

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

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Nominations are due Jan. 18.

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Riko's Pizza's unique style sets it apart as brand grows on East Coast

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Riko's Pizza's unique thin-crust pizza sets it apart from the heavy competition on the East Coast. The brand is growing and now has 12 locations.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The deadline is January 11, 2026.

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Pizza Across America to bring together pizzerias across the country for good cause

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Host Mandy Detwiler talks to Director Scott Wiener about the week-long event that draws pizzerias together across the country.

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Beyond the slider: White Castle maps out future with tech-forward 'Castle of Tomorrow' prototype

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

White Castle has a sleek new prototype called the 'Castle of Tomorrow.' With a focus on tech, the prototype is set to bring White Castle into the future with a…

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Dirty Dough owner succeeds on transparency, great cookies

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Restaurant Operator Podcast host Mandy Detwiler talks to Bennet Maxwell, owner of Dirty Dough, about the cookie brand's launch and what keeps it successful.

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Krystal's new loyalty program focuses on gamification, exclusive perks, seamless experience

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Slider chain Krystal partnered with PAR Punchh to launch its new loyalty program, Club Krystal, which offers personalized, gamified rewards, seamless…

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From café to national movement: Clean Eatz Founders on scaling wellness without losing heart

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Clean Eatz is a franchise co-founded by Don and Evonne Varady that solves the time vs. health dilemma by offering convenient, macro-balanced meals, from…

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Chicken Salad Chick, Main Squeeze Juice Co, Original ChopShop, Dog Haus leaders talk marketing on a limited dime

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A panel of fast casual executives shared that maximizing social media ROI with limited budgets is best achieved through deep community involvement, leveraging…

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Hungry Howie's differentiates itself with flavored crust, fresh dough, ingredients

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

VP of Public Relations Jennifer Jackson discusses the Hungry Howie's pizza brand's strategic marketing and operational planning, including cross-functional…

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Barry Bagels expands with major deal in Texas, uses hub-and-spoke model for growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Barry Bagels' history dates back to 1972. Today, the brand has locations in Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio,

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Crust Pizza Co., L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Gong cha, Juice It Up execs talk the future of franchising

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Executive insights from the Fast Casual Executive Summit reveal that the franchising model is rapidly evolving due to technology, changing consumer and…

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How franchising will take Jollibee to the next level in the US

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The Philippines-based fast-food chain Jollibee, known for its popular fried chicken, is successfully overcoming its low U.S. brand awareness and crowded market…

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Farmer Boys, Taco Cabana, Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill execs talk high-tech drive-thrus

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A Fast Casual Executive Summit session highlighted the drive-thru's post-pandemic evolution, moving beyond just speed to prioritize accuracy, hospitality and…

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Domino's Pizza refreshes brand after years of growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Domino's Pizza has a sweet new look and jingle by GRAMMY award-winning artist Shaboozey. The brand refresh is the first in 13 years for the company.

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