News & Media From Mandy Wolf Detwiler

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,

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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Old Scratch Pizza leads with 'Midwesternly Neapolitan' pizza

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The episode of the Pizza Marketplace Podcast features Old Scratch Pizza founder Eric Soller discussing his journey from a culinary and corporate background to…

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Brazilian concept TAP wins The Perfect Pitch contest at the Fast Casual Executive Summit 2025

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Eight fledgling brands competed in the event, billed as a nicer version of "Shark Tank."

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Reality star Karlie Redd talks good food, service, location at Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Love and Hip Hop Atlanta star Karlie Redd shared brand success insight with attendees at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Austin, Texas, on Sunday.

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5 training tips for restaurant employees

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

To combat high turnover and rising labor costs in the demanding hospitality industry, restaurants should view employee training as a core investment and adopt…

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The human touch: How kiosks are transforming retail, restaurants

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Self-service kiosks have evolved from a novelty to an essential tool in retail and restaurants, streamlining operations and improving customer experience by…

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Lion’s Choice refuses to compromise despite rising beef costs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Despite rising beef prices, Lion's Choice, a St. Louis-based QSR, is refusing to compromise on the quality or portion size of its signature roast beef, instead…

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Gong cha, Crust Pizza leaders talk franchising in today's modern restaurant world

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A session at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will look at franchising dos and don'ts as well as the latest trends and innovations in franchising.

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GoTo Foods takes to skies with multi-brand drone delivery in partnership with DoorDash, Wing

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

GoTo Foods is partnering with DoorDash and Wing on a multi-brand drone delivery pilot in three Texas markets to explore how the technology can improve…

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Speaker Spotlight: Claudia Lezcano, Fuku CEO

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Claudia Lezcano, CEO of Fuku, shares a look at her career, her achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at Fast Casual Executive Summit 2025.

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How Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza pairs great food, service with mega pavilions

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza proves that gas station food can be great. Lead by brothers Todd and Curtis Saroki, the brand has 19 locations in mega gas…

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How AI turning labor from cost center into growth driver for QSRs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In a free webinar titled "Labor Forecasting 2.0: Predicting Future Demand and Staffing for Efficient Growth with AI" viewers will learn how AI is powering…

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Former Marine turns Wetzel's Pretzels into a mall powerhouse

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Tyler Dutton went from a teenage pretzel maker to a Marine and now a thriving Wetzel’s Pretzels franchise owner at the Mall of America, driven by years of hard…

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Star Micronics leads the way in smart labeling for growing restaurants

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Smart labeling is a necessity in today's restaurants. Learn how Star Micronics is leading the charge in labeling technology.

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Driven by taste: Saroki's rapid rise in the QSR gas station market

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza, a Michigan-based QSR chain, has rapidly expanded to 19 locations since 2012 by focusing on quality ingredients, consistent…

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Beyond the food court: Auntie Anne's doubles down on non-traditional growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Auntie Anne's is expanding its presence beyond mall settings into high-traffic locations like airports, train stations and stadiums, optimizing for convenience…

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