FCES keynote: To go far, go together

by Valerie Gritton

Chicken Salad Chick’s story shows that scaling successfully isn’t necessarily about moving faster or constantly reinventing the brand. It’s about knowing what…

Life, leadership and restaurants: ‘Ted Lasso’ strikes again

by Valerie Gritton

* Please note, this post does contain spoilers for the Ted Lasso episode, "Mae Rides the Bus."

Inside Meritage Hospitality’s bankruptcy: Beef costs, closures and a battle with Wendy’s

by Valerie Gritton

Meritage Hospitality Group’s Chapter 11 filing reveals mounting pressures behind one of Wendy’s largest franchise operators, from declining sales and soaring…

Beyond the paycheck: How Canary helps restaurant brands turn compassion into action

by Valerie Gritton

As financial emergencies put increasing pressure on frontline workers, emergency-relief provider Canary is demonstrating how employers can turn a people-first…

Ted Lasso, an empty office and workplace culture

by Valerie Gritton

I once started a new job where, on my very first day, I was shown the empty office of a woman who had died of breast cancer.

Why Dillas Quesadillas simplified its menu to prepare for growth

by Valerie Gritton

Dillas Quesadillas is simplifying its menu to improve speed, accuracy and the customer experience as it prepares for future growth. In this episode of the…

Webinar: Order accuracy as the next loyalty battleground

by Valerie Gritton

In this “Accuracy is the New Loyalty” webinar, Star Micronics’ Craig Kaliebe discusses how labeling, smart scales and other verification tools help operators…

Latest Ted Lasso serves up Wingstop, Taco Bell and a lesson in brand fandom

by Valerie Gritton

The restaurant of tomorrow takes center stage at #QSRNext 2026

by Valerie Gritton

#QSRNext 2026 will bring together restaurant executives and industry leaders to explore the forces reshaping quick service, including AI, drive-thru…

New SNAP bill puts restaurant meals program in spotlight

by Valerie Gritton

A new House bill would eliminate the ability of certain SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals at restaurants, putting a relatively…