Restaurant operators choosing growth over retrenchment in 2026

August 28, 2026

Despite persistent inflation and labor challenges, restaurant operators are entering the second half of 2026 with a surprisingly durable outlook.

Loyalty programs have become new front line of QSR fraud

by Stuart Mann — Head of Industry Product Engagement, Accertify

A recently disclosed data breach at Chick-fil-A made headlines for the type of accounts that were targeted. It was reportedly a credential stuffing attack that…

Accuracy is the new loyalty: How smart labeling protects restaurant profits

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Star Micronics' upcoming webinar, "Accuracy Is the New Loyalty," will explore how integrating smart labeling with existing restaurant technology eliminates…

Shawarma Press, Chicken Salad Chick, Firehouse Subs execs to talk operational complexities at Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The upcoming "Complexity Killers" session at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will guide restaurant operators in auditing and streamlining their bloated tech…

Subway Canada launches value menu

August 27, 2026

Subway Canada has launched its first Fresh For Less Menu, featuring various breakfast, lunch, snack and side options priced under $5 each, according to a press…

Fry Station Turnover Could Be Costing Multi-Unit Restaurant Operators Millions Annually. Here’s How to Fix It.

New analysis shows a single automated fry station can turn one of a restaurant's most expensive turnover problems into a profit center, with the math…

Over half of fast-food workers quit early when onboarding fails, report finds

August 26, 2026

More than half of quick-service restaurant workers who experienced inefficient onboarding quit before they even started working independently, according to a…

Church's Texas Chicken to donate $100K to Big Brothers Big Sisters

August 26, 2026

Church's Texas Chicken and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America have a new national partnership aimed at expanding access to youth mentorship, backed by a…

GLP-1s and the new consumer reality: What the data really says

by Valerie Gritton

A new research report reveals GLP-1 adoption isn't static, men are an overlooked demographic and usage varies dramatically by restaurant — challenging chains…

Pizza Hut partners with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen for game day campaign

August 26, 2026

Pizza Hut has launched a national campaign alongside Pepsi and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, aiming to remind football fans that "gameday starts with…

Restaurant traffic rebounds post Cyclospora

August 26, 2026

The newest data from Placer.ai reveals restaurant traffic is recovering from the Cyclospora outbreak.

Papa Johns completes strategic refranchising of Orlando-area restaurants

August 26, 2026

Papa John's International, Inc. has announced in a press release that it has refranchised 28 formerly corporate-owned restaurants in the Orlando area, which…

National Restaurant Association: Beverages give brands daypart, sales boost

August 25, 2026

Beverages are becoming one of the most dynamic and innovative growth drivers in the restaurant industry, according to the National Restaurant Association's…

From the boardroom to the prep line: How Stonefire Grill's CEO is fueling legacy growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Stonefire Grill CEO David Youngberg joins the Restaurant Operator Podcast to share how his hands-on leadership, people-first culture and strategic use of guest…

New study reveals revenue gaps from missed calls

August 24, 2026

Revmo, a provider of voice-enabled conversational AI for restaurants, released a comprehensive five-chapter report, "The State of Restaurant Calls 2026.…

Long John Silver's details fall menu strategy following strong sales growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Long John Silver's is launching a comfort-focused fall menu featuring hand-battered fried pickles and ongoing $6 value baskets while continuing to remodel and…

Taco Bell releases Refrescas lineup, expands Live Más Café footprint

August 21, 2026

Taco Bell has introduced nationwide a six-drink line-up of its Refrescas nationwide, according to a news release.

Accuracy is the New Loyalty

Order accuracy directly impacts restaurant profitability, customer trust and repeat business. In this webinar, Star Micronics explores where costly errors…

Presented by Star Micronics America

Wendy's U.S. president departs to lead supply chain co-op

by Valerie Gritton

August 20, 2026

Wendy's is restructuring its executive leadership to combat six consecutive quarters of declining U.S. same-store sales and a 12.5% drop in second-quarter…

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken scores multiyear partnership with Cincinnati Bengals

August 20, 2026

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken has entered a multiyear partnership with the Cincinnati Bengals, becoming an official chicken partner of the NFL franchise as the…