The Pop's Beef legacy: How Frankie Radochonski joined the family grill

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

After sharpening his skills at another sandwich chain, Frankie Radochonski returned to his roots to evolve from a general manager into a successful multi-unit…

6 Signs Your Team Communication Isn't Secure Enough

Here are six signs your team communication isn't as secure as you think. If any of these sound familiar, it's time to rethink how your team communicates at…

Building unity through community

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

By fostering shared experiences and intentional connections, the restaurant industry serves as a vital "community connector" that accelerates growth for…

Wendy's offers free small chili with $5 purchase

February 20, 2026

Wendy's is offering guests a free small Chili with any $5 purchase for National Chili Day on Feb. 26. Chili has been a staple for the brand since 1969…

Panda Express rings in Lunar New Year by partnering with Nashville area schools

February 20, 2026

Panda Express has partnered with Nashville aria schools to ring in the Lunar New Year, according to a press release.

Speaker Spotlight: Liz Williams, CEO, El Pollo Loco

Liz Williams, CEO of El Pollo Loco, shares a look at her career, her achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at the Restaurant Franchising …

Family owned Mickey’s Deli opening 2nd location after 70 years

February 19, 2026

Mickey's Deli, a 70-year-old brand in California, has opened a second location North Redondo Beach.

Burger King gives guests access to its president to share feedback

February 18, 2026

Burger King is putting its president, Tom Curtis, on the line by giving customers direct access to him via phone to share thoughts on their BK experience…

Jeff's Bagel Run: From garage bagels to 30 and growing

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

On this episode of the Founderology — Built to Breakthrough podcast, I talk with Jeff Perera, co-Founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run and a member of the inaugural…

Chick-fil-A offers free chicken biscuit to rewards program members

February 17, 2026

Chick-fil-A is offering a free Chick-Fil-A Chicken Biscuit through its app for Chick-fil-A One rewards program members from today through Feb. 28, according to…

Beyond the balance sheet: why the future of franchising is proactive, not passive

At the upcoming Restaurant Innovation and Franchising Summit, industry experts will share strategies for moving beyond passive bookkeeping to maximize…

Reigniting passion in your team: a blueprint for peak performance

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Cultivating employee passion through purpose, recognition and autonomy is the key to driving superior business performance, innovation and long-term retention…

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard heats up 2026 with $60K drive-thru incentive program

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is launching an aggressive 2026 incentive program offering up to $60,000 in direct cash support to franchisees who open…

McDonald's sales rise as value meals take precedence

February 13, 2026

McDonald's has doubled-down on its value meals and Americans are returning to the brand, according to a press release.

Sales continue to fall as Wendy's struggles in 4th quarter

February 13, 2026

Wendy's continues to struggle in its fourth quarter as same-store sales fell 10.1% compared with the 8.5% decline expected by analysts. The decline hailed from…

Operators are in Love with Automation this Valentine's Day

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with kitchen consistency. Learn how automated fry stations improve safety, cut food waste, reduce labor strain, and deliver reliable…

2026 State of the Industry: 10 trends redefining the restaurant landscape

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The 2026 restaurant landscape is more data-rich than ever, but it remains a people-first business. By leveraging technology to remove friction, operators can…

Chick-fil-A to award $6M in grants

February 12, 2026

Chick-fil-A will award $6 million in grants to 56 nonprofit organizations as part of its True Inspiration Awards program this year, according to a press…

Peter Piper Pizza truly engrained in the communities it serves

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In this podcast episode, Peter Piper Pizza CMO Genaro Perez discusses how the 50-year-old legacy brand drives growth through affordable lunch buffets and a…

Successful and struggling: The Founder paradox no one talks about

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

We explore the "founder's paradox" of being both successful and isolated, ultimately arguing that connecting with a community of peers is the essential…