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…

Speaker Spotlight: Eddie Flores, co-founder L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, chairman of L&L Franchise, Inc.

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

In his RFIS keynote Eddie Flores will share "unconventional" strategies that led L&L Hawaiian Barbecuse to eight consecutive #1 Asian food franchise rankings.

Operators are in Love with Automation this Valentine's Day

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with kitchen consistency. Learn how automated fry stations improve safety, cut food waste, reduce labor strain, and deliver reliable…

2026 State of the Industry: 10 trends redefining the restaurant landscape

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The 2026 restaurant landscape is more data-rich than ever, but it remains a people-first business. By leveraging technology to remove friction, operators can…

Chick-fil-A to award $6M in grants

February 12, 2026

Chick-fil-A will award $6 million in grants to 56 nonprofit organizations as part of its True Inspiration Awards program this year, according to a press…

White Castle adds automated kiosk at Southwest Florida International Airport

February 12, 2026

White Castle has installed an automated kiosk at Southwest Florida International Airport. Travelers passing through the Fort Meyers area can enjoy freshly…

Papa Johns makes playful run to become Michelin-starred restaurant

February 12, 2026

No pizzeria has ever earned a Michelin star, and Papa Johns wants to change that.

McDonald's caviar kits sell out in record time

February 11, 2026

McDonald's latest ploy to get people to try McNuggets had a high-brow offer. The Chicago-based burger brand released McNugget Caviar featuring Kits Baerii…

Pizza Hut teams with Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, Howie Dorough to launch heart-shaped pizzas

February 11, 2026

Pizza Hut has partnered with the Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter and Howie Dough to launch The Shape of My Heart-Shaped Pizza this Valentine's Day, according to a…

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken expands with legacy partner

February 11, 2026

Jack Omer, grandson of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Co-Founder Harold Omer, has acquired five existing Lee's restaurants across Indiana, according to a press…

Peter Piper Pizza truly engrained in the communities it serves

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

In this podcast episode, Peter Piper Pizza CMO Genaro Perez discusses how the 50-year-old legacy brand drives growth through affordable lunch buffets and a…

HTeaO to open in Sevierville, Tennessee

February 10, 2026

HTeaO will open a location in Sevierville, Tennessee, on Feb. 14. The store is under the helm of franchise owners Jeremy and Rachel Harris, marking their first…

Successful and struggling: The Founder paradox no one talks about

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

We explore the "founder's paradox" of being both successful and isolated, ultimately arguing that connecting with a community of peers is the essential…

Sonic teams with Lisa Rinna to market All-American Sonic Smashers

February 9, 2026

Sonic's latest advertising campaign features actor, Real Housewife and Traitor Lisa Renna, according to a press release.