Why Taco Cabana is expanding its franchise beyond the Lone Star State

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler chats with Taco Cabana's director of franchise sales and development, John Ramsay…

Krispy Kreme launches Latin American dessert doughnuts

July 28, 2026

Krispy Kreme is launching a new line of Latin American-inspired doughnuts for a limited time, according to a press release.

CDC expands scope of Cyclospora outbreak, adds 4 new states

by Valerie Gritton

July 27, 2026

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention announced July 24 that is has expanded its investigation of the five-state Cyclospora outbreak to now include…

Whataburger celebrates anniversary with deals

July 27, 2026

Whataburger is celebrating its 76th anniversary throughout August with weekly app-exclusive deals for its rewards members, including 76-cent specials and a…

Before Zaxby’s and Cane’s, there was Guthrie’s: Now, the pioneer is scaling.

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Guthrie’s, the pioneering 1965 brand that originated the quick-service chicken finger category, is leveraging its streamlined menu, highly guarded proprietary…

Krispy Kreme celebrates summer with original glazed blueberry-flavored doughnut

July 23, 2026

Krispy Kreme is celebrating peak blueberry season with its new, limited-time Original Glazed Blueberry Flavored Doughnut, the company said in a news release.

Jack in the Box confirms shipment of potential Cyclospora-contaminated lettuce

by Valerie Gritton

July 22, 2026

As the investigation into the Cyclospora outbreak continues and more details emerge about potential contaminated shipments of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce…

Del Taco ranks No. 1 in USA Today's 2026 10Best

July 22, 2026

Del Taco has received top honors in USA Today's 2026 10Best Reader's Choice Awards, earning a spot as the No. 1 Fast Food Restaurant and No. 1 Fast Food Fries…

Popeyes brings viral Hamptons chicken tender tower nationwide

July 22, 2026

Popeyes is celebrating its chicken tenders with a national meal deal and a partnership with The Surf Lodge in the Hamptons, according to a press release.

What the data says about restaurant catering today

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

As corporate catering transforms into a critical growth engine for the restaurant industry, top brands will share their battle-tested, data-driven playbooks…

Leeann Chin launches Honey Mango Chili Chicken

July 21, 2026

Leeann Chin, the Minnesota-founded restaurant brand, has launched Honey Mango Chili Chicken. The menu item will be available starting July 22, also known as…

Rita's Italian Ice teams up with TBS for comedy-themed summer menu

July 21, 2026

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has partnered with television network TBS to launch "A Shirley Good Time," a limited-time summer promotion featuring…

5-state Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell shredded lettuce

by Valerie Gritton

The Cyclospora illness is being linked to Taco Bell locations in the Midwest. The brand is taking precautions and removing the affected producer's products…

Taco Bell responds to Cyclospora outbreak, becomes first major chain to pull at-risk ingredients

by Valerie Gritton

A Cyclospora outbreak has restaurant leaders on alert.

The Summer Reckoning: What Peak Season Reveals About QSR Labor Strategy

Summer traffic is up, but the labor pool isn't keeping pace. New data shows seasonal hiring down for a third straight year while travel spending climbs. Back…

Krispy Kreme turns 89, rolls out 89-cent dozen

July 15, 2026

Krispy Kreme will celebrate the brand's 89th birthday Friday, July 17, by offering 89-cent Original Glazed doughnuts by the dozen, the company announced in a…

Dodo Pizza’s playbook for international success

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In this Pizza Marketplace podcast, executives from Dodo Brands discuss how the company uses its proprietary technology platform and a balance of global…

Papa Johns brings back Epic Pepperoni-Stuffed Crust Pizza

July 14, 2026

The Epic Pepperoni-Stuffed Crust Pizza is back at Papa Johns for a limited time, according to a press release.

Hot Dog on a Stick celebrates 80 years with 80-cent promo

July 14, 2026

Hot Dog on a Stick is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a one-day-only National Hot Dog Day promotion, according to a press release.

Backed by social media demand, Panda Express returns hot orange chicken

July 10, 2026

Panda Express has relaunched the chain's Hot Orange Chicken. The limited-time sandwich will be available July 11, just ahead of National Chicken Day, July 15…