Building unity through community

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

By fostering shared experiences and intentional connections, the restaurant industry serves as a vital "community connector" that accelerates growth for…

Wendy's offers free small chili with $5 purchase

February 20, 2026

Wendy's is offering guests a free small Chili with any $5 purchase for National Chili Day on Feb. 26. Chili has been a staple for the brand since 1969…

Panda Express rings in Lunar New Year by partnering with Nashville area schools

February 20, 2026

Panda Express has partnered with Nashville aria schools to ring in the Lunar New Year, according to a press release.

Speaker Spotlight: Liz Williams, CEO, El Pollo Loco

Liz Williams, CEO of El Pollo Loco, shares a look at her career, her achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at the Restaurant Franchising …

Family owned Mickey’s Deli opening 2nd location after 70 years

February 19, 2026

Mickey's Deli, a 70-year-old brand in California, has opened a second location North Redondo Beach.

Dunkin’ wants to give you a glove to hold your iced beverage

February 19, 2026

Let's face it. Iced coffee is cold. Dunkin' wants to help you stay warm while still enjoying your cold beverage with an iced coffee glove.

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken appoints Collin Donnelly VP growth, development

February 19, 2026

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken has named Collin Donnelly as VP of growth and development. Donnelly will work closely with CDO Logan Sumner and the field…

Burger King gives guests access to its president to share feedback

February 18, 2026

Burger King is putting its president, Tom Curtis, on the line by giving customers direct access to him via phone to share thoughts on their BK experience…

Golden Chick opens 250th restaurant amid accelerated 2026 expansion

February 18, 2026

Golden Chick has opened its 250th restaurant. The unit, located in Little Elm, Texas, marks a significant milestone for the nearly 60-year-old brand, according…

Jeff's Bagel Run: From garage bagels to 30 and growing

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

On this episode of the Founderology — Built to Breakthrough podcast, I talk with Jeff Perera, co-Founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run and a member of the inaugural…

Chick-fil-A offers free chicken biscuit to rewards program members

February 17, 2026

Chick-fil-A is offering a free Chick-Fil-A Chicken Biscuit through its app for Chick-fil-A One rewards program members from today through Feb. 28, according to…

Beyond the balance sheet: why the future of franchising is proactive, not passive

At the upcoming Restaurant Innovation and Franchising Summit, industry experts will share strategies for moving beyond passive bookkeeping to maximize…

Reigniting passion in your team: a blueprint for peak performance

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Cultivating employee passion through purpose, recognition and autonomy is the key to driving superior business performance, innovation and long-term retention…

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard heats up 2026 with $60K drive-thru incentive program

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is launching an aggressive 2026 incentive program offering up to $60,000 in direct cash support to franchisees who open…

Pizza vs. Chicken: The ultimate industry 'vibe check' at RFIS

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Executives in the pizza and chicken restaurant fields will answer questions about feedback in a 'Family Feud'-style game at the Restaurant Franchising and…

Krystal improves Crispy Fish Slider, offers Krush’d Sodas for spring

February 16, 2026

Krystal has released an improved Crispy Fish Slider in time for Lent, and is debuting Krush'd Sodas, a $1 upgrade that transforms any fountain drink into a…

Wendy's brings back Thin Mint Frosty with two cool ways to enjoy it

February 16, 2026

Wendy's will bring back its Thin Mints Frosty beginning today, Feb. 16, with two ways to enjoy it. As a licensed partner of Girl Scouts of the USA, Wendy's is…

Wetzel’s Pretzels debuts 1st Walmart location in Tennessee

February 13, 2026

Wetzel's Pretzels has opened a location in a Clarksville, Tennessee Walmart, according to a press release.

McDonald's sales rise as value meals take precedence

February 13, 2026

McDonald's has doubled-down on its value meals and Americans are returning to the brand, according to a press release.

Sales continue to fall as Wendy's struggles in 4th quarter

February 13, 2026

Wendy's continues to struggle in its fourth quarter as same-store sales fell 10.1% compared with the 8.5% decline expected by analysts. The decline hailed from…