&pizza CEO doubles down on franchising efforts, increasing growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

&pizza CEO Mike Burns discusses how the brand lost its identity, found it again and began franchising.

Haven Hot Chicken founders find room for Nashville hot chicken brand

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Haven Hot Chicken has gone from four stores to nine in just 10 months. Learn how the Connecticut-based brand is growing from its co-founders in our latest…

Beyond the burrito: How Taco John's 'People First' approach drives success

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Taco John's emphasizes a "Putting People First" philosophy to combat employee turnover by investing in its corporate leadership, supporting franchisees and…

Eggs Up Grill, Hot Palette Holdings, Jeff's Bagel Run execs talk leadership skills

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Leaders from Eggs Up Grill, Jeff's Bagel Run and Hot Palette Holdings discussed leadership skills at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in Myrtle…

Donatos Pizza president, CEO wants it to be the household name in pizza

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Donatos Pizza president and CEO Kevin King talks about his career in the pizza industry and what makes his brand a leader in the category amidst rising pizza…

CORE Gives helps restaurant employees in need

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

CORE Gives provides financial support for restaurant employees in need.

Presented by CORE

Salad House, Barcelona Restaurant Group, Knuckies Hoagies execs talk tech, talent acquisition, retention

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A panel at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit highlighted the importance of balancing technology with human interaction in hiring and retaining…

Mountain Mike's Pizza takes top honors at Pizza Marketplace's Top 100 Movers & Shakers 2025 event

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Mountain Mike's Pizza took home the top honor at Pizza Marketplace's top brand of 2025. Cicis Pizza won a special award from Xrobotics, and David McKillips was…

GRUBBRR Guarantee gives kiosk users peace of mind

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Kiosk company GRUBBRR stands behind its commitment to helping restaurant brands increase sales and reduce labor costs.

Twisted: How Pretzelmaker's partnership with Great Wolf Lodge increases sales, brand awareness

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Pretzelmaker has several non-traditional units in Great Wolf Lodge retreats, appealing to the young and old alike. The brand's partnership is designed to…

Jollibee North America president says company is ready for next-level growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

At the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit in Myrtle Beach, Maribeth dela Cruz, president North America for QSR chicken brand Jollibee, said the brand…

Pizza Factory CEO talks acquisition of company, future of brand

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Restaurant Operator Podcast host Mandy Detwiler discusses Pizza Factory's acquisition and the future of the brand with MJ Riva, CEO of the company.

Wisconsin's root beer baroness: How Deanne Wells' A&W Restaurants thrive in small towns

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Deanne Wells has six A&W units in smalls towns in Wisconsin. She's paving the way for small-town franchisees to live and work in their respective communities.

Lion's Choice CEO offers secrets to brand's success

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Lion's Choice CEO Fred Burmer offers secrets to the brand's operations and cooking up delicious roast beef sandwiches.

Krystal building on legacy with new prototype

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Krystal is building on its legacy by remodeling six restaurants in Georgia with the brand's new prototype designed to bring in new and returning customers.

Stoner's Pizza Joint CEO talks economy, that kitschy name

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Stoner's Pizza Joint CEO John Stetson talks to podcast host Mandy Detwiler about weathering the economy, competing in a saturated market and that eponymous…

Do you know what part of your marketing spend is actually working?

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A panel at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit in Myrtle Beach will look at how brands are wasting their marketing money and how to get the most out…

Convenience, consistency, connection: Keys to restaurant profit revealed

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Restaurant operators will learn how to improve profits through the guest experience at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in Myrtle Beach, South…

Wetzel’s Pretzels head of development: Snacking’s here to stay

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Wetzel's Pretzels is experiencing record growth outside of malls, emphasizing high-traffic spots and food trucks. The brand is focusing on both domestic and…

Crust Pizza Co. CEO explains operations, building own tech

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Editor Mandy Detwiler talks to Crust Pizza Co. CEO and Founder Carl Comeaux about the brand's growth, search for franchisees and building its own POS system…