Wendy's opens 118 restaurants in first half of 2025

September 3, 2025

Wendy's opened 118 restaurants in the first half of 2025, according to a company statement.

Breaking boundaries: Derrick Hayes on purpose, power, building Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

In this episode of Founderology – Built to Breakthrough, Derrick Hayes opens up about the decisions, setbacks, and breakthroughs that shaped his path. He…

The Hidden Gold Mine in Your Restaurant Kitchen: Why Back-of-House Technology Is the New Competitive Advantage

Discover why real growth for multi-unit restaurants lies not in flashy front-of-house trends, but in back-of-house tech. AI-powered ops, real-time inventory…

Gong cha, Crust Pizza leaders talk franchising in today's modern restaurant world

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

A session at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will look at franchising dos and don'ts as well as the latest trends and innovations in franchising.

Frios Gourmet Pops hires former franchisee as VP of operations

August 27, 2025

Frios Gourmet Pops has appointed former franchisee Alison Groom to VP of operations, according to a press release.

Mooyah VP of operations talks quality of food, consistency and those milkshakes

Beth Stockmoe, VP of operations for Mooyah, discusses the brand's food and operations in our latest Restaurant Operator Podcast.

Wetzels Pretzels opens 1st bakery in Kentucky with Walmart partnership

August 22, 2025

Wetzel's Pretzels has opened Kentucky's first bakery in a Bowling Green Walmart, according to a press release.

Smalls Sliders signs deal for Georgia, South Carolina

August 19, 2025

Smalls Sliders has inked its latest development deal for Georgia and South Carolina. Led by franchisees Madison Tuten, Doug Puryear and Brian Smith, the deal…

From Maine to Milan: The global journey of Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

How do you take a Maine lobster roll and build a brand that stretches from the East Coast to the heart of Milan, Italy? That’s the kind of breakthrough story…

The QSR tightrope: balancing margins, compliance and employee happiness

by Justin Hall — HR Director, Salz Group

Modern restaurants can increase profit margins by prioritizing smart, strategic workforce management, which includes using technology to improve hiring…

Smalls SIiders to enter Oklahoma City

August 14, 2025

Smalls Sliders has signed a multi-unit agreement for Oklahoma City. The deal was inked with franchisees Michael Gamble and Paul Pogue, according to a press…

Bojangles to return to NYC with multi-unit agreement

August 14, 2025

Bojangles has inked a 20-unit agreement to bring Bojangles back to New York City. The brand had a presence in the city in the 1980s, according to a press…

Marco's Pizza opens more than 40 stores in first half of 2025

August 13, 2025

Marco's Pizza marked a strong first half of 2025 with 41 store openings. The brand said in a press release that it is poised for a 28% year-over-year increase…

How Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza pairs great food, service with mega pavilions

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza proves that gas station food can be great. Lead by brothers Todd and Curtis Saroki, the brand has 19 locations in mega gas…

Wetzel's Pretzels enters New Hampshire

August 12, 2025

Wetzel's Pretzels will open a bakery in the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua, New Hampshire, according to a press release.

Smalls Sliders to open in West Virginia, Ohio

August 11, 2025

Smalls Sliders has inked its first-ever development deal for West Virginia. The deal will bring three of the brand's signature "Cans" — its units — lead by…

Former Marine turns Wetzel's Pretzels into a mall powerhouse

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

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…

Fransmart launches platform for early-stage restaurant, franchise brands

August 7, 2025

Fransmart, a franchise development company, has launched an investment platform that allows individual accredited investors to co-invest alongside the firm in…

Taco Bell Joins 5610 Interstate Food Co. to Continue Growth in Austin

Taco Bell® franchisee Tacala Companies has officially joined 5610 Interstate Food Co., bringing Taco Bell to Austin residents through a new ghost kitchen…

What 35 years as a Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard franchisee taught this entrepreneur

August 4, 2025

Mitch Cove inked a deal with Rita's Italian Ice and Frozen Custard in 1989, never guessing his career move to frozen treats would span 35 years. Today, he runs…