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…

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard welcomes fall with return of pumpkin, apple butter treats

August 24, 2026

Fall flavors have officially arrived and Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is putting a refreshingly cool twist on the season. Pumpkin and apple butter…

Sonic goes bananas with new drink lineup

August 24, 2026

Banana has been announced as the flavor of the year by the New York Times and Sonic is going all in with a new Banana Collection, the company said in a news…

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.

Subway brings back hot honey with Doritos Nachos, subs

August 20, 2026

Subway is returning its popular hot honey flavor to menus with the Hot Honey Signature Swicy Collection, featuring Doritos Hot Honey Nachos and two new…

Flippy Fry Robot Drives Thousands in New Monthly Profits for Restaurants

New data shows restaurant operators facing a tighter second half of 2026, with fry stations among the hardest positions to staff ahead of the holiday rush.

Australian QSR Zambrero launches country's 1st air-fried hot chips

August 19, 2026

Zambrero has become the first major fast-food chain in Australia to serve air-fried hot chips, 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…

Taco Bell launches 2016 Decades Menu with fan-favorite items

August 18, 2026

Taco Bell is taking customers back to 2016 with the return of four fan-favorite menu items and several retro brand collaborations, according to a press release.

Papa Murphy's launches Grandma's Pizza to celebrate return of Italian sausage

August 18, 2026

Papa Murphy's Take 'n' Bake Pizza has permanently brought back chunky Italian sausage to its menu, and is launching Grandma's Pizza, an LTO available through…

Sonic serves up iced dirty soda menu for early fall fans

August 17, 2026

Sonic Drive-In is launching a limited-time beverage lineup called Hotumn, offering iced, fall-flavored drinks for customers experiencing late-summer…

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…

YouTube creator The Fat Electrician inspires Taco John's burrito

August 17, 2026

Taco John's has partnered with YouTube creator Nic Flood, known online as "The Fat Electrician," to launch a limited-time menu item developed directly by the…

Hungry Howie's partners with Tajin for flavored crust

August 14, 2026

Hungry Howie's is celebrating its second annual National Flavored Crust Day with the introduction of a Tajin Flavored Crust.

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…

Krispy Kreme launches Pokémon doughnut collection

August 14, 2026

Krispy Kreme has teamed up with The Pokémon Company International to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with a new Pokémon Doughnut Collection, according to a news…

Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles are here for breakfast, lunch and dinner

August 12, 2026

Chick-fil-A is introducing a limited-time fall menu beginning Aug. 24, featuring Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches alongside a S'mores Milkshake and S'mores…

Taco Bell teams up with Tajín, Peso Pluma for new LTO lineup

August 12, 2026

Taco Bell is bringing Tajín's iconic chile lime flavor to its fan favorites, creating a limited-time lineup that kicks off August 13, according to a news…