Federal lawsuit claims McDonald's McRib has no pork rib meat

January 5, 2026

A federal class action lawsuit has been filed against McDonald's claiming the brand's popular McRib sandwich doesn't contain actual pork rib meat, according to…

Chick-fil-A kicks off 80th anniversary celebration with largest marketing campaign

January 5, 2026

Chick-fil-A is launching its biggest marketing campaign ever today, according to a press release.

Burger King, Popeyes have new head chefs

January 2, 2026

Burger King and Popeyes have new head chefs. Both have been promoted from within, according to a press release.

India's KFC, Pizza Hut operators to merge in $934M deal

January 2, 2026

Sapphire Foods India, India's KFC and Pizza Hut operators, will merge with Devyani International in a $934 million deal, according to a CNBC report.

3rd generation legacy leads Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken expansion in Central Indiana

December 30, 2025

Third-generation legacy Jack Omer has acquired the New Castle, Indiana, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken and has inked a development agreement for six new Lee's…

Jack in the Box kicks off 75th anniversary with throwbacks, collectibles

December 29, 2025

Jack in the Box is kicking off its 75th anniversary with throwback menu items, exclusive collectables, deals and surprises, according to a press release.

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.

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.

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…

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…