Optimizing off-premise orders

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

In a session at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit held in San Diego, California from March 16 to 18, restaurant veterans will chat about how to…

Why Your Company Has 40 Group Chats and Nobody Knows What’s Going On

Personal chat apps give you zero control over company data. When employees leave, they take years of business information with them—and removing them takes…

4 ways to freshen up your QSR

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

QSR operators can freshen their brand by moving away from muted design trends toward vibrant, brand-aligned colors, upgrading flooring with luxury vinyl and…

Nathan's Famous to be acquired by Smithfield Foods

January 23, 2026

Smithfield Foods Inc. will acquire hot-dog brand Nathan's Famous in a $450 million deal, according to a press release.

McDonald's releases limited-time sauce

January 23, 2026

McDonald's is releasing Hot Honey Sauce for a limited time beginning Jan. 27, according to a press release.

From vision to breakthrough: 5 game-changing lessons from the Founderology Podcast

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

The Founderology: Built to Breakthrough podcast shares actionable insights from visionary entrepreneurs, emphasizing that success comes from bold risk-taking…

Speaker Spotlight: Troy Hooper, CEO, Hot Palette America - Pepper Lunch

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

Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America - Pepper Lunch, shares a look at his career, his achievements and industry trends ahead of his appearance at the…

Subway takes on Southwest Airlines' middle seats with gift card offer

January 22, 2026

With Southwest ending its open seating policy Jan. 27, assigned seats means passengers may end up in the spot they dread the most: the middle seat. Subway…

Hardee's returns to NASCAR as official partner, teams with Bubba Wallace

January 22, 2026

Hardee's has become the official Quick Service Restaurant of NASCAR in a multi-year agreement.

Why the Restaurant Labor Crisis Is a Retention Problem, Not a Recruitment Problem

The restaurant industry is facing a staffing problem. But in reality, it's facing a retention problem. From dangerous work environments to boring, repetitive…

Bojangles lands in Austin, Texas area

January 21, 2026

Bojangles has opened a location in Manor, Texas, an Austin suburb, according to a press release.

Cicis Pizza teams up with Twitch streamer for specialty pizza

January 21, 2026

Texas-based Cicis Pizza has teamed up with Twitch streamer and longtime Cicis fan CaseOh to introduce the Mac & CaseOh Pizza, a renamed of its Mac &…

Häagen-Dazs launches updated Sorbet Smoothie Collection

January 21, 2026

Häagen-Dazs has released a new-and-improved Sorbet Smoothie Collection. The drinks are made with the brand's signature sorbet, real fruit and juices, according…

Restaurant leaders share tips for driving growth, innovating when franchising

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

At the upcoming Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit, top restaurant executives will share how they’re scaling smarter and growing faster through bold…

Texas Restaurant Association’s Emily Williams Knight on the power of shared insight

In this episode, Kathleen Wood and Emily Knight discuss why Founders benefit from being part of strong communities, whether through state restaurant…

The Beverage revolution: Why drinks are the new dining destination

Fast Casual Nation explores how Taco Bell, craft innovators and the sober-curious movement are reshaping restaurant revenue.

Wetzel's Pretzels opens in South Carolina Walmart

January 20, 2026

Wetzel's Pretzels has opened a location in a Walmart in Summerville, South Carolina, according to a press release.

Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers deadline extended to Jan. 23

by Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers deadline extended to Jan. 23, Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Don't delay! The deadline has been extended to THIS Friday!

Layne's Chicken Fingers promotes Alex Camp to VP of operations services

January 19, 2026

Texas-based Layne's Chicken Fingers has promoted Alex Camp to vice president of operations services. Camp will support the brand by overseeing the intersection…

Popeyes taps Matt Rubin as CMO

January 19, 2026

Popeyes has named Matt Rubin as chief marketing officer for the U.S. and Canada. Rubin will lead Popeyes' marketing strategy, brand positioning and customer…