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.

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

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

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…

AI and the Future of Restaurants: From Foot Traffic to Predictive Insight

As consumer behavior and privacy expectations evolve, restaurants need smarter ways to understand diners and drive growth. Gladys Kong of Azira and Isabelle…

Presented by Azira

The next generation of QSRs part 4: Building the restaurant of the future

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

The restaurant of the future will recognize that technology and hospitality are not competing priorities, and that innovation isn’t the destination — the guest…

Divine app opens to everyone, bans AI content, partners with Taco Bell

August 19, 2026

Divine, the 6-second looping video app with a mission to put creative power back in human hands, will launch Thursday, Aug. 20, according to a press release.

A&W launches 1st crispy chicken sandwich, offers BOGO deal

August 19, 2026

A&W Restaurants has entered the QSR chicken sandwich market with the launch of its first-ever Crispy Chicken Sandwich, offering a buy-one, get-one-free…

Whataburger launches More for $4 value menu

August 18, 2026

Whataburger is introducing a new value platform, More for $4, offering four of its popular menu items for $4 each starting Aug. 18, according to a press…

Jollibee opens 1st California franchise location in Roseville

August 18, 2026

Jollibee opened its first franchise location in California on Aug. 7, marking a significant milestone in the global restaurant brand's North American expansion…

Real talk, damn good biscuits and growing a national chain

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Lauren Coulter is co-Founder and chief biscuit eater of Biscuit Belly, the Louisville, Kentucky, brunch brand she built with her husband and co-Founder, Chad…

Papa Johns Canada launches Pan Pizza

August 17, 2026

Beginning today, Papa Johns Canada is introducing its highly anticipated Pan Pizza, the company said in a news release.

Dunkin' teams with pretzel brand Flipz

August 17, 2026

Dunkin' has partnered with pretzel brand Flipz to launch a limited-time fall snack, Flipz Pumpkin Spice Donut-Flavored Covered Pretzels, according to a press…

How Jollibee protects brand culture while expanding franchise operations

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Defying the industry's rapid-growth mentality, Jollibee is executing its North American franchise expansion through a highly selective, 90-day vetting process…