HTeaO partners with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for May fundraiser

May 5, 2026

Iced tea franchise HTeaO is partnering with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation this May to raise funds for childhood cancer research, according to a press…

McDonald's to phase out self-serve soda fountains

May 5, 2026

McDonald's plans to remove self-serve beverage stations from its U.S. dining rooms by 2032, signaling the end of a long-standing fast-food tradition, according…

6 Signs Your Restaurant Team Communication Is Out of Control

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s worth seriously rethinking how your team communication is set up.

SynergySuite Wins Three TITAN Business Awards in 2026, Including Third Consecutive Platinum in Restaurants

SynergySuite earned three 2026 TITAN Business Awards—including two Platinum and one Gold—marking its strongest showing yet. The recognition highlights its…

The Power of One leadership team: Building a Founder’s leadership team for success

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

May 4, 2026

To scale a business successfully, a founder must transition from being the organization’s primary bottleneck to building a high-level Power of One leadership…

How One Restaurant Fixed Its Team Communication Chaos (And What Every Operator Can Learn From It)

Most restaurants are losing data, burning out staff, and starting from scratch every time someone leaves. Here's how one multi-location BBQ restaurant fixed…

4 Reasons your restaurant’s AI initiative will probably fail

by Luke Fryer — CEO & Founder, Harri

To truly succeed in hospitality, AI must move beyond retroactive dashboards and cost-cutting to become a real-time, integrated "operational co-pilot" that…

Disposable cameras and raw reactions: Why 'imperfect' social media content is winning in 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Marketing leaders from Via 313, ATL Wing Spot, and Hook + Ladder explain how multi-unit restaurant brands can drive sustained foot traffic in 2026 by balancing…

Burger King to launch limited-time menu inspired by upcoming Star Wars movie

May 1, 2026

Burger King will launch a limited-time menu on May 4 to promote the upcoming theatrical release of "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu," according to a press…

Minnie Bird opens 3rd location

May 1, 2026

Minnie Bird, a fast-casual chicken concept co-founded by Sean Thomas, the grandson of Wendy's founder Dave Thomas, has tripled its Chicago-area footprint over…

McDonald's to release 'Stranger Things' Happy Meal

April 30, 2026

McDonald's is set to release a "Stranger Things: Tales From '85" Happy Meal on May 5 in the U.S., according to a press release.

FAT Brands opens Fatburger, Buffalo's Express, Hot Dog on a Stick unit

April 30, 2026

FAT Brands has opened a a tri-branded unit in Manteca, California, containing a Fatburger, Buffalo's Express and Hot Dog on a Stick. It is located in a travel…

Diving deeper: Looking beyond sales for improved restaurant marketing

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

At the Restaurant Marketing Workshop in Boston from June 2 to 3, panelists will discuss how to do a deep dive into your brand's marketing and menu decisions.

Yum Brands takes flight in Q1 as KFC fuels global ascent

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Taco Bell also posted strong first-quarter results, with U.S. same-store sales increasing 8% quarter over quarter and 18% over a two-year period.

Subway launches nationwide value menu with 15 items under $5

April 29, 2026

Subway has debuted its first value menu, offering 15 entrees priced under $5 at more than 18,000 participating U.S. locations, according to a press release.

McDonald’s highlights high-protein menu options to meet customer demand

April 29, 2026

Chicago-based McDonald's is highlighting its high-protein menu selections as a majority of its customers seek balanced meal options, according to a press…

Papa Johns introduces Google Cloud-powered AI ordering tool

April 29, 2026

Papa Johns has launched Lou AI, a digital assistant integrated into its mobile app designed to automate the process of coordinating group food orders…

Whataburger updates kids' meals with interactive boxes; collectible toys

April 28, 2026

Whataburger is introducing new interactive packaging and collectible toys for its Kids Whatameal beginning May 5, according to a press release.

In-N-Out Burger opens in Vancouver, Washington

April 28, 2026

In-N-Out Burger has opened a location in Vancouver, Washington, marking a continued expansion for the California-based chain, according to a company press…

How The Red Chickz brought true Nashville soul to the West Coast

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Podcast host Mandy Detwiler talks to Shawn Lalehzarian, co-founder of the West Coast Nashville hot chicken brand The Red Chickz about the brand's aesthetic…