Marco's Pizza's chief development officer offers unique perspective with real estate background

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Gerardo Flores is chief development officer for Marco's Pizza. With a background in real estate, Flores brings a unique perspective to the quickly growing…

It’s a sister affair for a California Wetzel’s Pretzels food truck

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

Peyton and Paige Geyser, sisters in Orange County, California, are owners and operators of a Wetzel’s Pretzels food truck and were longtime fans of the brand…

Taco John's a growing QSR player in Mexican segment

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Taco John's has 375 units, of which seven are corporate owned. With a new store design, savvy multi-unit franchisees and a winning corporate team, the brand…

Papa Johns franchisee becomes mogul in his own franchise

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Nadeem Bajwa began his Papa Johns career as a delivery driver. Today, he owns 192 franchises and has his sights set on 500.

Cinnaholic on a roll to bring joy of signature sweets to the world

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Cinnaholic has more than 87 units. The signature roll brand is far from the typical sweet snack. It offers a completely customizable menu of rolls and desserts…

WOWorks, Shipley Do-Nuts, Noodles & Company execs say loyalty programs a must-have

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Panelists Blake Johnson, VP of marketing for Craveworthy Brands, Donna Josephson, CMO of Shiply Do-Nuts, Mark Kreiner, VP of marketing for WOWorks and Stacy…

Garces Group, Ballad Brands, Ideation Hospitality make Buena Onda winner

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In a keynote address at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit, three restaurant execs discuss launching Buena Onda, which now has five locations.

Food Truck Operator names 'Food Trucks to Watch’ in 2023

The first-ever edition of Food Truck Operator’s free ‘Food Trucks to Watch in 2023’ report offers an insider look at two dozen food truck operations across the…

Largest Black-owned Ben & Jerry's franchise company looks to motivate, lead

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Primo Partners owns and operates 14 Ben & Jerry's locations. The company is led by Antonio McBroom, Eric Taylor and Phillip Scott, three Black entrepreneurs…

How Wetzel's Pretzels achieved 35% growth in 3 years

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Wetzel's Pretzels achieved 35% growth in jus three years. The Pasadena, California brand is a leader in the snack category and thrives on innovation and a…

Restaurants to lean on marketing while facing competition from coffee chains, c-stores

by Emil Davityan — CEO and co-founder, Bluedot

QSRs are grappling with fast-emerging competition from coffee chains luring customers away with faster drive-thrus and convenience stores offering an enticing…

Roast beef leads the menu at Lion's Choice

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Missouri-based Lion's Choice brings the beef - roast beef, that is - to St. Louis. The legacy brand has 32 units and has opened eight in the last four years.

Capriotti's, Original ChopShop, Sweetfin leaders talk extending hospitality to digital customers

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

Technology is playing a big role in providing a robust digital customer experience.

Value, support makes Little Caesars attractive to franchisees

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Little Caesars has been a privately held company since its founding in 1959. Typically a private company, Chief Development Officer Jeremy Vitaro sat down with…

Retention crucial to restaurants' success

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Restaurants have been fighting recruitment and retention issues for the past three years. Once you've got a great employee, how do you keep him or her? This…

Taco Bell Cantina, Arby's franchisee talks innovation at #QSRNext event

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

S.G. Ellison, president of Diversified Restaurant Group, a Taco Bell and Arby's franchisee, spoke about how both companies innovate at the #QSRNext event…

Roy Rogers' focus on 3 key components sets it apart in QSR space

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Maryland-based Roy Rogers has 41 units, but the company is readying for growth by franchising. The brand was built on quality, variety and choice.

HTeaO makes big business out of tea

HTeaO has made a big business out of one item -- tea. The founders started with a burger joint, and saw how many people came in specifically for tea. They…

3 ways QSRs can engage their frontline staff

by Andrew Masterson — Sr. Client Director, YOOBIC

Technology can help QSR workers do their jobs better, making for a happier employee. Here are three ways restaurants can leverage digital tech to better engage…

Halo Burger’s history, dedication to community makes it stand out

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Halo Burger just celebrated its 99th birthday and the storied QSR brand has made its mark as a regional company in Michigan with a focus on community.