Krispy Kreme doling out donuts for blood donations

January 24, 2022

With the nation facing a blood shortage crisis, Krispy Kreme is offering a free original glazed dozen donuts to those who donate blood. January is National…

Popeyes to open in Halfmoon, NY

January 24, 2022

The Popeyes in Halfmoon, New York will open Jan. 28, according to a report in The Saratogian. The restaurant, at 483 Route 146 in Halfmoon, is in a newly…

Foodservice industry to hit $4.1T by 2026

January 24, 2022

The global food service industry is projected to reach a size of $4.1 trillion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%, according to a press…

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard CEO appearing on "Undercover Boss"

January 21, 2022

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard CEO and President Linda L. Chadwick will be featured on the CBS show "Undercover Boss" airing Friday, Jan. 28…

Is there an end in sight for The Great Resignation?

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Employees are leaving their positions in droves. What can operators do to keep their businesses fully manned?

Del Taco opens Fresh Flex prototype in Orlando

January 20, 2022

Del Taco has opened its Fresh Flex prototype at 5260 US Hwy. 192 in Orlando, Florida. The move is part of the brand's "Menu of Venues" strategies, which allows…

Pandemic causes PizzaLeah to pivot

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Leah Scurto opened her pizzeria, PizzaLeah, in Sonoma County, California just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown hit the state. That caused Scurto to…

Taco Bell launches Taco Bell Business School

January 19, 2022

Taco Bell has launched the Taco Bell Business School in conjunction with the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence in partnership with the University of…

Chick-Fil-A offering free food to heroes at store opening

January 19, 2022

The latest Chick-fil-A in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is forgoing the traditional free food promotion for the first 100 customers.

Rascal House adds 6th unit

January 14, 2022

Cleveland-based Rascal House has opened its sixth restaurant. The store is located at 7593 Mentor Avenue in Mentor, Ohio, according to a press release.

Cinnaholic caps 2021 with 13 new locations, 62 franchise deals

January 14, 2022

Gourmet plant-based cinnamon roll brand Cinnaholic closed out 2021 with 13 new locations. The company plans to open 18 in early 2022 with a projected 25 slated…

How Chick’nCone’s Instagrammable product wows franchisees

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Chick'nCone combines the best of both worlds: sweet and salty. The concept thrives on social media and has gained an instant following, making it an attractive…

REEF partners with Americana Group for cloud kitchens in Middle East

January 7, 2022

REEF is partnering with Americana Group to open cloud kitchens that will operate Reef, Americana and third-party brands in the Middle East, according to a…

Chester's Chicken undergoes redesign, focuses on fresh

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Chester's Chicken has a bold new look that corresponds with the company's fresh, never frozen focus on fried chicken.

Survey: Pandemic permanently altered consumer-restaurant relationship

January 6, 2022

The pandemic has permanently altered the consumer-restaurant relationship with operators investing in technology — such as POS digital signage — and real…

White Spot Hospitality Selects Jolt for Operation Management

White Spot Hospitality has selected Jolt Software, the leader in digital food safety and operations execution software, for checklists, labels, and temperature…

Wow Bao, Zoup, Smokey Bones leaders share tips on virtual kitchen strategy

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

Fast casual leaders share insight on how and why their brands got into virtual business operations and tips on how to make it a successful strategy.

McDonald's can't build near ancient Roman site

January 3, 2022

McDonald's is blocked from opening a franchise next to the ancient Baths of Caracalla in Rome, according to a report in The Art Newspaper.

Technology at the forefront for restaurants in 2022

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The restaurant industry is staring down challenges like never before, but technology is paving the way to a smoother 2022.

Wendy's offer free chicken nuggets

December 28, 2021

Wendy's is giving away free chicken nuggets through Jan. 2, 2022 with a purchase from the app, according to a Thrillist report.