National Restaurant Association seeks solutions to penny shortage

December 11, 2025

The National Restaurant Association is seeking solutions to the national penny shortage. The shortage means operators can't order pennies from their local…

Pizza Marketplace’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers nominations now open

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The deadline is January 11, 2026.

Pizza Across America to bring together pizzerias across the country for good cause

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Host Mandy Detwiler talks to Director Scott Wiener about the week-long event that draws pizzerias together across the country.

Menu strategy: Combating inflation and ‘protein fatigue’ with pork

In this episode of the "Restaurant Operator Podcast," host Cherryh Cansler sits down with Dr. Kristin Hicks-Roof of the National Pork Board and Eddie Flores…

Presented by National Pork Board

Silverlake Ramen and CloudKitchens Launch New Partnership - Launching in Anaheim

As of November 17th, Silverlake Ramen is serving their signature ramen in a ghost kitchen in Anaheim, CA.

Emerging Sports, Emerging Restaurant Opportunities

Sports that may have been overlooked in the past are capturing the public’s imagination and creating fresh opportunities for restaurant operators. These new…

How to surpass customer expectations, build brand advocates

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Businesses can transform satisfied customers into passionate brand advocates by consistently exceeding expectations through a strategy focused on delivering…

Beyond the slider: White Castle maps out future with tech-forward 'Castle of Tomorrow' prototype

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

White Castle has a sleek new prototype called the 'Castle of Tomorrow.' With a focus on tech, the prototype is set to bring White Castle into the future with a…

Topsail Steamer founder sharing tips, advice at Founderology Growth Summit

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

The Founderology Growth Summit session, “Beyond the Tank: What Appearing on Shark Tank Taught Me About Business, Branding & Bold Moves,” features Danielle…

Chick-fil-A to lean on owner/operator model in non-traditional units

December 4, 2025

Chick-fil-A is moving its non-traditional locations in campuses, hospitals and theme parks to owner/operator models, according to a company report.

100-plus Häagen-Dazs stores join GiftAMeal to fight hunger

December 2, 2025

More than 100 Häagen-Dazs shops across 22 states have joined forces with GiftAMeal, a platform that provides meal donations when customers take photos of their…

From Shark Tank to Goldbelly: The strategic expansion of Topsail Steamer

As the visionary behind Topsail Steamer, Danielle stepped into entrepreneurship with a clear purpose: connection creates meaning and growth. Her leadership…

KFC opens flagship store in Rome

December 1, 2025

KFC Europe has opened a flagship restaurant in the heart of historical Rome near the Trevi Fountain, according to a press release.

The future of experience management: 10 trends shaping 2026

Explore the top 10 experience management trends shaping 2026. From practical AI to personalization, each has the potential to help brands build stronger…

50 Funny Work Chat Names for Restaurant Teams

Boost morale with a unique work group chat name! Discover 50+ funny and creative work chat names for your restaurant's kitchen, servers, bar staff, and…

Exploring link between employee engagement, exceptional customer experiences

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Here's a leadership truth that transcends industries: you can't expect world-class customer experiences from a disengaged team. The energy your people bring to…

Dirty Dough owner succeeds on transparency, great cookies

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Restaurant Operator Podcast host Mandy Detwiler talks to Bennet Maxwell, owner of Dirty Dough, about the cookie brand's launch and what keeps it successful.

Krystal's new loyalty program focuses on gamification, exclusive perks, seamless experience

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Slider chain Krystal partnered with PAR Punchh to launch its new loyalty program, Club Krystal, which offers personalized, gamified rewards, seamless…

Make your guests count to increase your guest counts

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

The economy is shifting, guests spending is changing, and the marketplace continues to be dynamic. One metric that matters the most in this environment is…

You're Not a Bad Restaurant Manager. You're Just Stuck in the Nagging Cycle.

Great leaders don't chase down tasks; they build systems. Instead of chasing after people in the work chat, it's time to use a work chat app that has built-in…