Restaurant industry experts make predictions for 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Industry experts predict that the 2026 restaurant landscape will be defined by a "Me-Me-Me Economy," where brands must leverage integrated AI and data-driven…

FastCasual extends nomination deadline for '25 Brands to Watch: 2026'

December 29, 2025

Nominations close Jan. 3.

The Legal Liability of Unmonitored Work Group Chats

There comes a point where the informal chat apps that got your business off the ground become a serious liability, creating legal, HR, and financial risks that…

The $162 Billion Question: Why Restaurant Operators Confuse Activity with Efficiency

This article exposes the $162B efficiency crisis in restaurants, revealing how 4-10% food waste and 144% turnover stem from flawed kitchen design. While 73% of…

Del Taco begins operations under Yadav Enterprises

December 23, 2025

Del Taco has been acquired by Yadav Enterprises, which operates more than 300 franchise restaurants nationwide. Del Taco has more than 600 locations across the…

Why 2026 is the year of the AI-driven restaurant

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

By 2026, AI is expected to transition from an experimental novelty to an operational necessity in the restaurant industry, utilizing "invisible" back-of-house…

Taco Bell bringing back Quesarito

December 22, 2025

Taco Bell has brought back the Quesarito. The menu item is available for a limited time, according to a press release.

QSR Operators Report Staffing Shortages as 70% Cite Unfilled Positions Heading into Busiest Season

Industry Turns to Kitchen Automation as Permanent Solution After Breaking Point Year. As restaurants enter their busiest weeks of the year, 70% of operators…

Pizza Marketplace’s 'Brands to Watch 2026' released

December 19, 2025

The report lists 25 pizzerias doing great things as we go into the new year.

QSR is losing its lunch to monofoods – here's what they can do about it

by George Gottl — Chief Creative Officer, Spatial Design, FutureBrand

Traditional QSRs are losing market share to specialized "monofood outlets" that excel in unique flavor, simplicity and customer experience, and must therefore…

Your frontline is your superpower. Here’s how to unlock it.

Frontline employees carry your brand every day, yet many feel overlooked and unheard. Learn how empowering them with trust, training, and meaningful feedback…

Pizza Brands to Watch in 2026

Dominating the landscape is a shift toward “experiential” and “fusion” dining, where classic pepperoni is being challenged by global flavors like…

Presented by PizzaMarketplace.com

Cold Stone Creamery seeks franchise opportunities in Birmingham, Alabama

December 18, 2025

Cold Stone Creamery is seeking to expand its presence in Birmingham, Alabama and its surrounding suburbs. The brand plans to open three to six stores in the…

A&W Restaurants exploring Kansas City metro area franchising opportunities

December 17, 2025

A&W Restaurants plans to expand the brand's presence across Kansas City, Missouri, and into neighboring suburbs, according to a press release.

Kraft Heinz hires Steve Cahillane as CEO

December 16, 2025

Kraft Heinz has chosen Steve Cahillane, former Kellanoa chief, as CEO come Jan. 1, 2026.

The power of why: no budget needed

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Founders are encouraged to anchor their leadership, decision-making and momentum to their "why," which is presented as their most powerful, zero-cost asset for…

Inside the Founder shift: What 2025 sparked and why 2026 is ready to ignite

In our final Founderology podcast episode of the year, Cherryh and I sat down to reflect on the moments that mattered, the shifts that shaped us and the…

The Retail Nomad explores the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show

Nick Harbaugh (aka "The Retail Nomad") takes viewers inside the recent Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show in Tampa.

HTeaO opens in San Antonio, Texas

December 15, 2025

HTeaO has opened a store in San Antonio, Texas. The shop is owned and operated by franchisees Anita Sustaita and Daniel Sustaita Sr. of SusTEAta, LLC, marking…

Little Caesars makes key leadership promotions

December 15, 2025

Little Caesars has promoted longtime CEO Dave Scrivano to vice chairman of Little Caesars, according to a press release.