HTeaO opens 10 locations in Texas, Oklahoma in Q2 2026

July 23, 2026

Iced tea franchise HTeaO opened 10 new locations in the second quarter of 2026, expanding its footprint primarily within Texas, according to a press release.

Hungry Howie’s partners with DoorDash for massive digital overhaul

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Hungry Howie’s has partnered with the DoorDash Commerce Platform to completely overhaul its digital ecosystem — including a rebuilt app, unified customer…

Yum Brands appoints Nai De Leon as chief people officer

July 22, 2026

Yum Brands Inc. has appointed Nai De Leon as chief people and culture officer, effective Nov. 1, according to a press release.

Popeyes brings viral Hamptons chicken tender tower nationwide

July 22, 2026

Popeyes is celebrating its chicken tenders with a national meal deal and a partnership with The Surf Lodge in the Hamptons, according to a press release.

Layne's Chicken Fingers celebrates 50 restaurants; rapid Q2 growth

July 22, 2026

Layne's Chicken Fingers awarded two dozen new franchise deals in the first half of 2026, expanding its operating footprint to more than 50 restaurants through…

What the data says about restaurant catering today

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

As corporate catering transforms into a critical growth engine for the restaurant industry, top brands will share their battle-tested, data-driven playbooks…

Wendy's launches Sonic the Hedgehog kids' meals with trading cards

July 21, 2026

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog, Wendy's is offering a collectible Kids' Meal experience this summer featuring one of seven character…

Rita's Italian Ice teams up with TBS for comedy-themed summer menu

July 21, 2026

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has partnered with television network TBS to launch "A Shirley Good Time," a limited-time summer promotion featuring…

Toastique Founder Brianna Keefe details growth from single toast bar to national franchise

Toastique founder Brianna Keefe opened her first location at 24 with no investors, a personal guarantee, and a vision for a concept that didn't yet exist. In…

Burger King introduces new manager role, Whopper guarantee policy

July 20, 2026

Burger King is launching two customer service initiatives based on feedback received during a recent listening initiative led by the company's leadership. The…

FDA says Taylor Farms Cyclospora test a false positive as outbreak weighs on restaurant traffic

by Valerie Gritton

Taylor Farms is reporting the CDC has found a fast-positive for the cyclospora outbreak linked to its products.

Jollibee expands US franchise growth strategy toward 330-unit target

July 20, 2026

Jollibee has added three multi-unit franchise developers to its existing four during the first half of 2026, putting the restaurant brand on a path toward 33…

Case Study: Kiosk Upgrades Fast-Forward the Fun at Dave & Buster’s

Dave & Buster’s set out to modernize its self-service environment to better align with the fast-paced high-energy experiences guests expect. By partnering with…

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KFC expands in Arizona with restaurant opening in Sun City

July 17, 2026

KFC has expanded its presence in Arizona with the opening of a restaurant in Sun City, according to a press release.

Irv's Burgers to host 'I-Scream Carnival' ahead of Eli Roth horror film release

July 17, 2026

Irv's Burgers is partnering with filmmaker Eli Roth for a limited-time promotional collaboration ahead of the theatrical release of his upcoming horror movie…

Build your leadership team: The team that reports directly to you

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

True organizational growth and scalability require distinguishing between mere managers and genuine leaders.

How Golden Chick is taking on QSR giants with new ‘Gimme That Golden’ campaign

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Golden Chick CMO Howard Terry discusses how the brand's energetic new "Gimme That Golden" campaign modernizes the legacy concept to compete with major QSR…

Smalls Sliders celebrates first Ohio opening

July 17, 2026

Smalls Sliders is opening its first location in Ohio. The location, in South Point, Ohio, will be led by local operators and brothers Beckett and Sam Gue and…

Taco Bell responds to Cyclospora outbreak, becomes first major chain to pull at-risk ingredients

by Valerie Gritton

A Cyclospora outbreak has restaurant leaders on alert.

TCBY marks 45th anniversary with summer promotions, throwback theme

July 16, 2026

Frozen yogurt chain TCBY is celebrating its 45th anniversary this summer with throwback branding, limited-time promotions and a special birthday discount…