Savvy Sliders' heavy growth potential makes it a QSR standout

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Savvy Sliders is making a name for itself with fresh, never frozen all-beef sliders, hand-breaded chicken strips and hand-spun milkshakes. Company officials…

Smalls Sliders takes the stage as up-and-coming burger brand

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Smalls Sliders offers less than 12 SKUs, but the brand is scaling in a big way.

ICXA to honor Elevate winners at 7th annual summit

by Alicia Lavay — Executive Director, ICX Association

The ICX Association will honor five companies as winners of the 2023 Elevate Awards during a ceremony at its upcoming annual conference, the Interactive…

Inflation exposes gaps in restaurant loyalty, physical experience

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Hope Neiman, CMO for Tillster, explains how restaurants can create more meaningful interactions with the guest and leverage technology for a best-in-class…

2nd annual Pizza Leadership Virtual Summit to aid pizzeria operators with busy schedules

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The Pizza Leadership Virtual Summit, hosted by Pizza Marketplace and PDQ Signature Systems, offers pizzeria owners and operators learning opportunities from…

'We're all in it together': White Castle a family affair

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

White Castle is a 350-unit family owned company. The brand best known for its sliders now has third-, fourth- and fifth-generation family members at the helm.

Marco's Pizza's chief development officer offers unique perspective with real estate background

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Gerardo Flores is chief development officer for Marco's Pizza. With a background in real estate, Flores brings a unique perspective to the quickly growing…

It’s a sister affair for a California Wetzel’s Pretzels food truck

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Peyton and Paige Geyser, sisters in Orange County, California, are owners and operators of a Wetzel’s Pretzels food truck and were longtime fans of the brand…

Taco John's a growing QSR player in Mexican segment

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Taco John's has 375 units, of which seven are corporate owned. With a new store design, savvy multi-unit franchisees and a winning corporate team, the brand…

Papa Johns franchisee becomes mogul in his own franchise

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Nadeem Bajwa began his Papa Johns career as a delivery driver. Today, he owns 192 franchises and has his sights set on 500.

Dave's Hot Chicken named FastCasual's Top 100 Mover & Shaker

2023 is the year of the chicken chain.

Cinnaholic on a roll to bring joy of signature sweets to the world

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Cinnaholic has more than 87 units. The signature roll brand is far from the typical sweet snack. It offers a completely customizable menu of rolls and desserts…

WOWorks, Shipley Do-Nuts, Noodles & Company execs say loyalty programs a must-have

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Panelists Blake Johnson, VP of marketing for Craveworthy Brands, Donna Josephson, CMO of Shiply Do-Nuts, Mark Kreiner, VP of marketing for WOWorks and Stacy…

Dog Haus, Big Chicken execs talk convenience, consistency, connection

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In a session at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit hosted by Networld Media Group, Zach Oates, founder and CEO of Ovation, C.J. Ramirez, EVP and…

Ghost kitchens feeding revenue stream for virtual food brands

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The ghost kitchen offers an opportunity for companies already operating a kitchen to expand delivery sales to include 'virtual' food brands. Sisto Perez, of…

Garces Group, Ballad Brands, Ideation Hospitality make Buena Onda winner

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In a keynote address at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit, three restaurant execs discuss launching Buena Onda, which now has five locations.

Food Truck Operator names 'Food Trucks to Watch’ in 2023

The first-ever edition of Food Truck Operator’s free ‘Food Trucks to Watch in 2023’ report offers an insider look at two dozen food truck operations across the…

Largest Black-owned Ben & Jerry's franchise company looks to motivate, lead

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Primo Partners owns and operates 14 Ben & Jerry's locations. The company is led by Antonio McBroom, Eric Taylor and Phillip Scott, three Black entrepreneurs…

'Epic' redesign livens up Papa Johns' legacy

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Papa Johns Epic Dough redesign includes modern finishes and colors. With a refreshed logo and look, the legacy brand is entering a new era.

Older workers bring plenty of reasons to hire for QSRs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Recruitment and retention remains a problem in the restaurant industry, but one restaurant consultant says older workers may be a cure for staffing issues.