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…

Domino's profits fall as consumers curb spending based on rising costs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

April 27, 2026

Domino's Pizza Inc. reported a decline in first-quarter net income, as investment losses outweighed gains from higher U.S. sales.

Built to Breakthrough: The power of one vision

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

The Power of One Vision provides restaurant Founders with a strategic framework to transition from "stuck in the middle" to scalable growth by shifting their…

Lynora’s Partners with SynergySuite to Power AI-driven Restaurant Operations Across South Florida

Family-owned Italian restaurant group adopts AI-powered back-of-house platform to streamline multi-location operations and scale its growing hospitality…

Wendy’s reaches 100-restaurant milestone in the Philippines

April 24, 2026

Wendy's has opened its 100th restaurant in the Philippines, located on Friendship Highway in Angeles City, Pampanga, according to a press release.

More than a post: Turning influencers into content engines for your restaurant

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

At the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit, marketing experts discussed the evolution of influencer marketing from a secondary tactic into a core…

Marco's Pizza inks 3 unit expansion in New Mexico

April 24, 2026

Marco's Pizza has signed a three-unit area development agreement to expand its presence in New Mexico, with the first location scheduled to open this summer…