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…

Little Caesars makes key leadership promotions

December 15, 2025

Little Caesars has promoted longtime CEO Dave Scrivano to vice chairman of Little Caesars, according to a press release.

Wetzel's Pretzels continues expansion with Utah Walmart location

December 12, 2025

Wetzel's Pretzels has opened in a Walmart in American Fork, Utah. It's the fifth Wetzel's bakery in the state, according to a press release.

How a Mooyah franchisee moved into chicken with Layne's Chicken Fingers

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

After tapping out the Madison, Wisconsin area with a burger concept, Lucas Bergeson, along with his family and a partner, brought Layne's Chicken Fingers to…

National Restaurant Association seeks solutions to penny shortage

December 11, 2025

The National Restaurant Association is seeking solutions to the national penny shortage. The shortage means operators can't order pennies from their local…

Pizza Marketplace’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers nominations now open

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The deadline is January 11, 2026.

Marco's Pizza names new CMO, CFO

December 10, 2025

Marco's Pizza has appointed Steve Kennedy as chief marketing officer and Bill Schaffler as chief financial officer, according to a press release.

Pizza Across America to bring together pizzerias across the country for good cause

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Host Mandy Detwiler talks to Director Scott Wiener about the week-long event that draws pizzerias together across the country.