Closing the gap between order ready and order in hand

Why the last mile costs operators more than they think. The gap between order ready and order in hand is part of the operation that affects labor efficiency…

Presented by Apex Order Pickup Solutions

Voice AI has rewritten the drive-thru, the future of QSR

Voice AI is transforming the QSR drive-thru. With deployments at brands such as Taco Bell, the technology is helping franchisees streamline operations, reduce…

Wienerschnitzel enters West Virginia through GoMart partnership

September 22, 2026

Wienerschnitzel is expanding its nontraditional footprint through a new franchise agreement with travel plaza and convenience store operator GoMart, the…

Carl’s Jr. challenges Burger King with free Angus Maximus promotion

September 22, 2026

Carl's Jr. is taking aim at Burger King with its limited-time "Stealing the Crown" promotion, the company has announced in a news release. The promotion…

What is driving Kona Ice’s success?

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Tony Lamb is the Founder and visionary behind Kona Ice, the tropical shaved-ice brand that turned an ice cream truck nightmare into experiences that customers…

Dunkin’, L.L.Bean team up for fall merchandise, free coffee

September 21, 2026

Dunkin' and L.L.Bean are joining forces for their first-ever collaboration, bringing together two New England brands for a week of limited-edition…

Webinar: Order accuracy as the next loyalty battleground

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

In this “Accuracy is the New Loyalty” webinar, Star Micronics’ Craig Kaliebe discusses how labeling, smart scales and other verification tools help operators…

Restaurant Owners Want the Future, Not Yesterday’s Equipment

New industry data shows restaurant and foodservice operators using AI are driving added profits. Miso Robotics' new partnership with 50-year-old The Ferri…

Rally’s opens first ghost kitchen in San Francisco

September 18, 2026

Checkers & Rally's has opened its first ghost kitchen in San Francisco at Mid-Market Eats, expanding the burger brand's use of nontraditional restaurant…

The restaurant of tomorrow takes center stage at #QSRNext 2026

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

#QSRNext 2026 will bring together restaurant executives and industry leaders to explore the forces reshaping quick service, including AI, drive-thru…

Wendy’s teams with ‘Real Housewives’ star Lisa Barlow on Baby Gorgeous Meal

September 17, 2026

Wendy's has partnered with The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Lisa Barlow to launch Lisa Barlow's Baby Gorgeous Meal, inspired by the reality star's…

Accuracy is the New Loyalty

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

Presented by Star Micronics America

Qvinci launches RoyaltyHub to automate franchise royalty management

September 16, 2026

Qvinci Software has launched Qvinci RoyaltyHub, a new platform designed to automate the royalty management process for franchise brands, the company has…

TCBY, Mrs. Fields franchisee plans 15 new Southeast locations

September 16, 2026

Famous Brands International is expanding the footprint of TCBY and Mrs. Fields across the Southeast through an expanded development agreement with longtime…

New SNAP bill puts restaurant meals program in spotlight

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

A new House bill would eliminate the ability of certain SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals at restaurants, putting a relatively…

Top 30 Movers & Shakers in Catering 2026

This annual initiative shines a spotlight on the visionary leaders, innovators, and brands redefining off-premises dining. From pioneering game-changing…

Presented by MONKEY Catering Platform

Rising energy costs could add more pressure on restaurants

September 10, 2026

Rising energy costs are adding another layer of pressure for restaurant operators, with producer prices increasing 0.4% in August, according to the latest…

QSR's bet big on beverages

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

Beverages have moved from being a supporting menu category to a traffic-driving battleground, and the past three months show how quick service restaurants are…

National Restaurant Association launches 'Made in Restaurants' initiative

September 9, 2026

The National Restaurant Association has launched "Made in Restaurants," a national initiative designed to showcase the restaurant industry's role in shaping…

Why QSRs are betting on the Sun Belt

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

Restaurant growth continues to concentrate across the Sun Belt, where population growth, development and shifting consumer demographics are creating new…