Part 1:  Cool technologies at the NRA Show 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Editor Mandy Wolf Detwiler spent time in the tech pavilion at the National Restaurant Association Show.

Little Caesars to expand to Malaysia

May 22, 2026

Little Caesars is expanding into Malaysia, with its first restaurant scheduled to open in Damansara on May 24, according to a press release.

Whataburger gets spicy with Hot Honey Crisp Whatachick’n Sandwich

May 22, 2026

Whataburger will release the Hot Honey Crisp Whatachick'n Sandwich on June 2, according to a press release.

Smalls Sliders debuts first-ever loaded fries, 2 dessert shakes

May 21, 2026

Smalls Sliders has launched its first-ever Loaded Fries and two hand-spun dessert shakes, Key Lime Pie and Banana Pudding, available for a limited time at…

The 'people-first' philosophy that turned a broke delivery driver into Domino’s largest U.S. franchisee

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Former delivery driver Brian Bailey scaled his Domino’s franchise from a single New Mexico location into a massive 160-store empire by maintaining a strict…

Taco Bell to bring back Shredded Beef Dipping Taco, debut Nacho Fries version

May 21, 2026

Taco Bell is bringing back its Shredded Beef Dipping Taco and introducing a new menu item, Shredded Beef Nacho Fries, at participating locations nationwide for…

Wendy's names Robert D. 'Bob' Wright president, CEO

May 20, 2026

The Wendy's Company has appointed Robert D. "Bob" Wright as president and CEO, effective May 21. Wright will also join the company's board of directors…

Inland National Development Company affiliate sells Illinois building anchored by Dunkin'

May 20, 2026

An affiliate of Inland National Development Company, LLC, a member company of The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc., has completed the sale of Ogden…

The success formula that took Everbowl from 1 to 400 locations

I sat down with Jeff Fenster, who built five eight- to nine-figure companies, exited three, and grew Everbowl to more than 100 open locations with almost 40…

Wendy's Canada launches seasonal menu with salad, beverages

May 19, 2026

Wendy's Canada has launched a menu of seasonal menu items, including a Strawberry Salad and a variety of flavored beverages, available at participating…

SynergySuite Wins Three Gold Stevie’s for Restaurant AI

SynergySuite earned three Gold Stevie Awards at the 2026 American Business Awards for its AI-driven restaurant technology innovations. The recognition…

Mark King named interim CEO of Jack in the Box

May 18, 2026

Jack in the Box's board of directors has appointed Mark King as executive chairman and interim chief executive officer, effective immediately, according to a…

Sonic launches Frozen Refreshers

May 18, 2026

Sonic is expanding its beverage menu with the launch of Sonic Frozen Refreshers, a lineup that converts its fruit-and-tea drinks into an icy format for the…

The Power of Financial Planning, Financial Visibility leads to business sustainability

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

To achieve sustainable growth and avoid the "stuck zone," Founders must overcome the emotional avoidance of their financials by owning their P&L, hiring expert…

Off-premise blitz: Turning pandemic survival tactics into long-term growth engines

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Industry leaders at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit highlighted how the shift from convenience to a permanent off-premise model requires a…

Papa Murphy's Meaty Italian Pizza joins Papa's Picks lineup

May 15, 2026

Washington-based Papa Murphy's Take 'n' Bake Pizza has launched the Meaty Italian Pizza, which joins the brand's Papa's Picks line-up, according to a press…

Ovation, Tap leaders share tips on crafting a guest feedback strategy

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

A panel talk at the upcoming Restaurant Marketing Workshop will deliver insight on not only getting a guest feedback approach up and running but tips and…

Taco Bell to launch Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza

May 14, 2026

Taco Bell will launch its Cantina Chicken Mexican Pizza on May 21 for a limited time, according to a press release.

Deliverect, DataCandy partner for loyalty

May 14, 2026

Deliverect has partnered with loyalty and gift card provider DataCandy to allow quick service and enterprise restaurant operators to reward customers through…

Custom Channels and Thanx Partner to Drive Guest Frequency and In-Store Engagement for Restaurant Brands

Connecting in-store audio with loyalty and guest engagement platforms activates guests at the moment that matters most