Empowering restaurants to thrive: How smart technology is transforming the guest experience and the bottom line

by Fast Casual

Amid modern restaurant challenges lies a powerful opportunity – by embracing innovative technology, restaurants can not only survive but truly thrive.

Presented by Oracle

Thriving through uncertainty: the power of resilience in leadership and business

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Resilience is the essential "superpower" for navigating modern uncertainty, serving as a developable skill that enables individuals and organizations to…

Whataburger teams with Lainey Wilson to crown Feb. 4 as National Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Day

January 30, 2026

Grammy-award winning music artist Lainey Wilson is partnering with Whataburger to declare Feb. 4 National Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Day.

Speaker Spotlight: Jeff Perera, co-founder, vice president, Jeff's Bagel Run

Jeff Perera, co-founder and vice president of Jeff's Bagel Run, shares a look at his career, his achievements and industry trends ahead of his appearance at…

1B served: Why Potato Olé is the side dish that built an empire

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Taco John’s corporate Chef Brad Bergaus explores the history, sensory science and enduring cult status of Potato Olés, a signature spiced-potato side dish that…

Krystal to enter New Jersey

January 29, 2026

Krystal is expanding north with its first location in New Jersey. The restaurant, in Union, New Jersey, marks the brand's debut in the Northeast. The unit is…

Flying Dolly's lands in Mississippi with 2 franchise locations

January 29, 2026

Southern ice cream and snoball brand Flying Dolly's will open two franchised locations in Mississippi in early spring. One shop will open in Gluckstadt, just…

How top franchise brands turn culture into direct profitability

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Industry leaders will gather at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit to share actionable strategies for transforming workplace culture and…

Pan pizza returns to Papa Johns; brand says they got it right this time

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

After years of development, Papa Johns is relaunching its pan pizza with a refined recipe featuring a garlic-Parmesan crust and a six-cheese blend, supported…

Carl's Jr offers free hangover burger, $20 promo cards on Feb. 9

January 28, 2026

Carl's Jr. is offering a free Hangover Breakfast Burger exclusively to Carl's Jr. My Rewards Members on Feb. 9, according to a press release.

McDonald's partners with Forter to advance digital fraud protection

January 28, 2026

McDonald's has partnered with Forter, a platform for digital commerce, to deliver fraud prevention and identity solutions across the QSR leader's digital…

KFC UK & Ireland target Gen Z with Kwench by KFC drink line

January 27, 2026

KFC U.K. & Ireland has launched "Kwench by KFC," a specialty drink line. The line targets the Gen Z drinks market, according to a press release.

Zenzap helps restaurateurs control IP, communication in house

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Zenzap, a communication app for restaurants, can help operators control intellectual properties and notifications.

Presented by Zenzap

5 ways Super Bowl delivery success translates to year-round revenue

by Alex Vasilkin — Co-Founder & CEO, Cartwheel

By leveraging AI dispatch, hybrid fulfillment models and transparent communication, pizza operators can transform the extreme logistical pressure of Super Bowl…

Pizza Hut Middle East creates pasta approved by Italians. Kind of.

January 26, 2026

Pizza Hut Middle East has just launched pasta, according to a press release.

Optimizing off-premise orders

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

In a session at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit held in San Diego, California from March 16 to 18, restaurant veterans will chat about how to…

4 ways to freshen up your QSR

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

QSR operators can freshen their brand by moving away from muted design trends toward vibrant, brand-aligned colors, upgrading flooring with luxury vinyl and…

Nathan's Famous to be acquired by Smithfield Foods

January 23, 2026

Smithfield Foods Inc. will acquire hot-dog brand Nathan's Famous in a $450 million deal, according to a press release.

McDonald's releases limited-time sauce

January 23, 2026

McDonald's is releasing Hot Honey Sauce for a limited time beginning Jan. 27, according to a press release.

From vision to breakthrough: 5 game-changing lessons from the Founderology Podcast

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

The Founderology: Built to Breakthrough podcast shares actionable insights from visionary entrepreneurs, emphasizing that success comes from bold risk-taking…