Food & Beverage Features

Synergy in a slice: Inside the dual-concept model driving Hungry Howie’s Texas expansion

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Entrepreneur Jay Dhaliwal is leveraging a high-traffic "one-stop-shop" model in Fort Worth by operating a lean Hungry Howie’s franchise within a co-branded gas…

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The Pop's Beef legacy: How Frankie Radochonski joined the family grill

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

After sharpening his skills at another sandwich chain, Frankie Radochonski returned to his roots to evolve from a general manager into a successful multi-unit…

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1B served: Why Potato Olé is the side dish that built an empire

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Taco John’s corporate Chef Brad Bergaus explores the history, sensory science and enduring cult status of Potato Olés, a signature spiced-potato side dish that…

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Pan pizza returns to Papa Johns; brand says they got it right this time

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

After years of development, Papa Johns is relaunching its pan pizza with a refined recipe featuring a garlic-Parmesan crust and a six-cheese blend, supported…

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Why White Castle owns the night with late, 24/7 hours

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

White Castle turns to Night Castle late at night. With restaurants open until 1 a.m. or later, the brand has become an oasis for late-night Cravers.

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4th annual Pizza Leadership Virtual Summit to offer advice, tips to pizzeria operators

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The Pizza Leadership Virtual Summit will take place July 30 and will feature a keynote address with the president and CEO of Donatos Pizza and a variety of…

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QSRs face headwinds, but Taco John's finds its flavor formula

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Taco John's is innovating its menu under the leadership of corporate chef Brad Bergaus to attract new consumers while re-imagining classic dishes with a focus…

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From Florida favorite to franchise frontier: The rise of Cannoli Kitchen Pizza

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Cannoli Kitchen Pizza, a quick-service Italian restaurant that began as a beloved mom-and-pop pizzeria in Boca Raton, is now expanding nationwide through…

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Jollibee North America president says company is ready for next-level growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

At the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit in Myrtle Beach, Maribeth dela Cruz, president North America for QSR chicken brand Jollibee, said the brand…

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Krystal building on legacy with new prototype

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Krystal is building on its legacy by remodeling six restaurants in Georgia with the brand's new prototype designed to bring in new and returning customers.

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Wetzel’s Pretzels head of development: Snacking’s here to stay

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Wetzel's Pretzels is experiencing record growth outside of malls, emphasizing high-traffic spots and food trucks. The brand is focusing on both domestic and…

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Little Caesars aims to score big as NFL pizza sponsor

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Little Caesars has signed on as the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL. The partnership awards the Detroit-based pizza brand plenty of exposure and builds…

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Fast Casual Executive Summit session to delve into third-party delivery

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A panel of speakers will discuss third-party delivery at the Fast Casual Executive Summit next month in Denver, Colorado.

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