National Restaurant Association launches 'Made in Restaurants' initiative

September 9, 2026

The National Restaurant Association has launched "Made in Restaurants," a national initiative designed to showcase the restaurant industry's role in shaping…

Me, Ted Lasso and something in common

by Valerie Gritton

Twenty years ago, I started my career in restaurant journalism. Now, I’m back where it all began as the editor of QSRWeb and Pizza Marketplace.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice adds Lisa McGill as VP of franchise development

September 1, 2026

Jeremiah's Italian Ice has appointed Lisa McGill as its first vice president of franchise development. In her role, McGill will lead the brand's national…

GLP-1s and the new consumer reality: What the data really says

by Valerie Gritton

A new research report reveals GLP-1 adoption isn't static, men are an overlooked demographic and usage varies dramatically by restaurant — challenging chains…

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…

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…

Wendy's names former McDonald's exec Tariq Hassan as CMO

August 24, 2026

Wendy's has appointed Tariq Hassan to the newly-created role of chief marketing and customer growth officer, effective immediately, according to a press…

Jack in the Box names Taco Bell's Taylor Montgomery as 1st ever president

August 20, 2026

Jack in the Box's board of directors has appointed Taylor Montgomery as president, effective Sept. 14.

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

by Valerie Gritton

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

The 7 Best WhatsApp Alternatives for Restaurant Teams

A ranked look at seven WhatsApp alternatives for restaurant teams, compared on work-life boundaries, organized group chats, admin control, mobile ease, and…

Miso Robotics' Zignyl Adds New Quick Service Restaurant Brands to Its Rapidly Growing Customer Base

Sbarro, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Jersey Mike’s operators join Jamba, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Cinnabon, Haagen-Dazs and Which Wich…

4 misses in Founder-led negotiations

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Although Founders know their businesses best, their deep emotional investment and daily operational pressures often compromise their negotiating leverage…

The next generation of QSRs part 3: Why operational excellence is the modern competitive advantage

by Valerie Gritton

As restaurants move beyond competing primarily on value and marketing, operational excellence is emerging as the next major battleground for growth. Major QSR…

HTeaO names former Freddy's executive Brian Wise as CEO

August 5, 2026

Iced tea franchise HTeaO has named Brian Wise as its chief executive officer as the company prepares for further national expansion.

McDonald's promotes Skye Anderson to president

August 4, 2026

McDonald's Corp. has named Skye Anderson, a 26-year company veteran, as its next president, according to a press release.

Checkers & Rally's taps Peter Busse as chief development officer

August 4, 2026

Checkers & Rally's has named Peter Busse as chief development officer to lead its franchise development strategy and support the brand's long-term…

Krispy Kreme names 2 to leadership team

August 3, 2026

Krispy Kreme has appointed Suk Nicholas as chief commercial officer and Lori Suess as chief people officer. Both appointments are effective immediately…

3 leaders every Founder must hire to scale

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

To successfully scale a company and transition from an overwhelmed operator to a confident CEO, founders must stop trying to manage everything themselves and…

Yum Brands COO Tracy Skeans retiring after 25 years; Nai De Leon named successor

July 30, 2026

Yum Brands COO and Chief People and Culture Officer Tracy Skeans is retiring, according to Chris Turner, CEO of Yum Brands, in the brand's earnings call this…

How to Make Sure Only the Right People Are in Your Team Chat

Wrong people in your team chat? Learn why it happens, what it costs, and how to keep every group chat organized so messages only reach the right people.