Business Strategy and Profitability Features

Part 2: Cool technology at the NRA Show 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Editor Mandy Wolf Detwiler spent time in the tech pavilion at the NRA Show checking out the modern tech and wares the show had to offer.

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Part 1: Cool technologies at the NRA Show 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Editor Mandy Wolf Detwiler spent time in the tech pavilion at the National Restaurant Association Show.

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The 'people-first' philosophy that turned a broke delivery driver into Domino’s largest U.S. franchisee

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Former delivery driver Brian Bailey scaled his Domino’s franchise from a single New Mexico location into a massive 160-store empire by maintaining a strict…

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Off-premise blitz: Turning pandemic survival tactics into long-term growth engines

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Industry leaders at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit highlighted how the shift from convenience to a permanent off-premise model requires a…

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Ovation, Tap leaders share tips on crafting a guest feedback strategy

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

A panel talk at the upcoming Restaurant Marketing Workshop will deliver insight on not only getting a guest feedback approach up and running but tips and…

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Wendy’s Q1 sales decline 7.8% as Project Fresh turnaround gains momentum

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Wendy's reported its Q1 2026 results on May 8, focusing on its Project Fresh initiatives.

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Disposable cameras and raw reactions: Why 'imperfect' social media content is winning in 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Marketing leaders from Via 313, ATL Wing Spot, and Hook + Ladder explain how multi-unit restaurant brands can drive sustained foot traffic in 2026 by balancing…

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Blaze Pizza, Farmer Boys, Mike's Red Tacos, HigherMe experts discuss recruitment, retention

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Industry experts at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit emphasized that sustainable restaurant profitability and successful scaling depend on…

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How Flying Dolly’s is cooling down the Gulf Coast

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Flying Dolly’s is a community-focused boutique creamery that pairs nostalgic, artisanal ice cream with authentic New Orleans-style snoballs, leveraging a…

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Synergy in a slice: Inside the dual-concept model driving Hungry Howie’s Texas expansion

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Entrepreneur Jay Dhaliwal is leveraging a high-traffic "one-stop-shop" model in Fort Worth by operating a lean Hungry Howie’s franchise within a co-branded gas…

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Cicis Pizza takes No. 1 spot on Pizza Marketplace's 2026 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Cicis Pizza took home the top honors as Pizza Marketplace's annual event in Las Vegas; Moto Pizza won a tech award from XRobotics and Pizza Nova's Domenic…

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The Pop's Beef legacy: How Frankie Radochonski joined the family grill

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

After sharpening his skills at another sandwich chain, Frankie Radochonski returned to his roots to evolve from a general manager into a successful multi-unit…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Pizza Nova franchisee believes in quality, consistency, brand culture

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Driven by a lifelong connection to the brand, franchisee Chi-son Phu has successfully grown his Pizza Nova business in Toronto by strictly following the…

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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…

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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…

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