Taco Bell Foundation opens $13M Live Más scholarship program for 2027

November 5, 2026

The Taco Bell Foundation has opened applications for its 12th annual Live Más Scholarship program, making more than $13 million available to Taco Bell fans and…

KFC unveils next-generation restaurant concept in Dubai

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

KFC is unveiling KFC Muse, it's next-gen, two-story restaurant in Dubai. In partnership with Americana Restaurants, KFC Muse showcases the brand’s evolved…

7 Best AI Agents for Small Businesses to Automate Daily Operations in 2027

Small businesses run on repetitive daily tasks, from customer requests to team follow-ups. This guide compares 7 AI agent tools on four key criteria: handling…

Nominations open for Pizza Marketplace Top 100

October 21, 2026

The pizza industry is full of brands pushing boundaries, driving growth, embracing innovation and finding new ways to serve customers. Now, it's time to…

Bloomin’ leadership lessons with Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Outback Steakhouse co-Founder Tim Gannon shares how with only $37, a ripped-up $1 million check and two great partners, a legendary brand was built and the…

Life, leadership and restaurants: ‘Ted Lasso’ strikes again

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

* Please note, this post does contain spoilers for the Ted Lasso episode, "Mae Rides the Bus."

Beyond the paycheck: How Canary helps restaurant brands turn compassion into action

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

As financial emergencies put increasing pressure on frontline workers, emergency-relief provider Canary is demonstrating how employers can turn a people-first…

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 — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

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 — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

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 — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

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 — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

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