Business Strategy and Profitability Features

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…

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Beyond the slider: White Castle maps out future with tech-forward 'Castle of Tomorrow' prototype

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

White Castle has a sleek new prototype called the 'Castle of Tomorrow.' With a focus on tech, the prototype is set to bring White Castle into the future with a…

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Topsail Steamer founder sharing tips, advice at Founderology Growth Summit

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

The Founderology Growth Summit session, “Beyond the Tank: What Appearing on Shark Tank Taught Me About Business, Branding & Bold Moves,” features Danielle…

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Krystal's new loyalty program focuses on gamification, exclusive perks, seamless experience

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Slider chain Krystal partnered with PAR Punchh to launch its new loyalty program, Club Krystal, which offers personalized, gamified rewards, seamless…

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From café to national movement: Clean Eatz Founders on scaling wellness without losing heart

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Clean Eatz is a franchise co-founded by Don and Evonne Varady that solves the time vs. health dilemma by offering convenient, macro-balanced meals, from…

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Chicken Salad Chick, Main Squeeze Juice Co, Original ChopShop, Dog Haus leaders talk marketing on a limited dime

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A panel of fast casual executives shared that maximizing social media ROI with limited budgets is best achieved through deep community involvement, leveraging…

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How franchising will take Jollibee to the next level in the US

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The Philippines-based fast-food chain Jollibee, known for its popular fried chicken, is successfully overcoming its low U.S. brand awareness and crowded market…

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Farmer Boys, Taco Cabana, Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill execs talk high-tech drive-thrus

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A Fast Casual Executive Summit session highlighted the drive-thru's post-pandemic evolution, moving beyond just speed to prioritize accuracy, hospitality and…

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Brazilian concept TAP wins The Perfect Pitch contest at the Fast Casual Executive Summit 2025

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Eight fledgling brands competed in the event, billed as a nicer version of "Shark Tank."

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Reality star Karlie Redd talks good food, service, location at Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Love and Hip Hop Atlanta star Karlie Redd shared brand success insight with attendees at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Austin, Texas, on Sunday.

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5 training tips for restaurant employees

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

To combat high turnover and rising labor costs in the demanding hospitality industry, restaurants should view employee training as a core investment and adopt…

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The human touch: How kiosks are transforming retail, restaurants

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Self-service kiosks have evolved from a novelty to an essential tool in retail and restaurants, streamlining operations and improving customer experience by…

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Lion’s Choice refuses to compromise despite rising beef costs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Despite rising beef prices, Lion's Choice, a St. Louis-based QSR, is refusing to compromise on the quality or portion size of its signature roast beef, instead…

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Gong cha, Crust Pizza leaders talk franchising in today's modern restaurant world

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A session at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will look at franchising dos and don'ts as well as the latest trends and innovations in franchising.

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How AI turning labor from cost center into growth driver for QSRs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In a free webinar titled "Labor Forecasting 2.0: Predicting Future Demand and Staffing for Efficient Growth with AI" viewers will learn how AI is powering…

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Former Marine turns Wetzel's Pretzels into a mall powerhouse

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Tyler Dutton went from a teenage pretzel maker to a Marine and now a thriving Wetzel’s Pretzels franchise owner at the Mall of America, driven by years of hard…

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Velvet Taco, Salad House, &pizza, Erik's DeliCafe leaders talk online engagement, smart promotions

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

Top restaurant leaders share insight on fueling growth through online engagement and smart promotions at the upcoming Fast Casual Executive Summit.

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Driven by taste: Saroki's rapid rise in the QSR gas station market

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza, a Michigan-based QSR chain, has rapidly expanded to 19 locations since 2012 by focusing on quality ingredients, consistent…

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Beyond the food court: Auntie Anne's doubles down on non-traditional growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Auntie Anne's is expanding its presence beyond mall settings into high-traffic locations like airports, train stations and stadiums, optimizing for convenience…

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Speaker Spotlight: Susan Taylor, Juice It Up CEO and president

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Susan Taylor, CEO and president of Juice It Up, shares a look at her career, achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at Fast Casual Executive…

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