Team Communication Tools for Restaurants: What to Look for in 2026

There are a lot of team chat apps out there, but how do you know which one fits how your team works and will get used? Here's what to look for before choosing.

The Summer Reckoning: What Peak Season Reveals About QSR Labor Strategy

Summer traffic is up, but the labor pool isn't keeping pace. New data shows seasonal hiring down for a third straight year while travel spending climbs. Back…

The next generation of QSR, Part 1: The new economics of value

by Valerie Gritton

This four-part series explores the forces reshaping the next generation of quick-service restaurants, examining how shifting consumer behaviors, economic…

HTeaO to expand Oklahoma footprint

July 15, 2026

Iced tea franchise HTeaO will celebrate the grand opening of its new Altus, Oklahoma, location on July 18, according to a press release.

Los Angeles suburb Culver City weighs permanent drive-thru ban, threatening proposed In-N-Out Burger

July 15, 2026

Culver City, California officials are considering a permanent ban on new drive-through businesses, a decision that could halt plans for a new In-N-Out Burger…

Pizza Hut launches limited-time 'Throwback Value Menu' with items starting at $3

July 15, 2026

Pizza Hut has launched a limited-time Throwback Value Menu nationwide, featuring a selection of classic and new items with prices starting at $3, according to…

Dodo Pizza’s playbook for international success

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In this Pizza Marketplace podcast, executives from Dodo Brands discuss how the company uses its proprietary technology platform and a balance of global…

Hungry Howie's partners with DoorDash to overhaul digital ordering, loyalty program

July 14, 2026

Hungry Howie's and DoorDash have partnered to overhaul the pizza chain's digital ordering system, website, mobile app and loyalty program, according to a press…

Papa Johns brings back Epic Pepperoni-Stuffed Crust Pizza

July 14, 2026

The Epic Pepperoni-Stuffed Crust Pizza is back at Papa Johns for a limited time, according to a press release.

Hot Dog on a Stick celebrates 80 years with 80-cent promo

July 14, 2026

Hot Dog on a Stick is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a one-day-only National Hot Dog Day promotion, according to a press release.

Charleys Cheesesteaks & Wings opens Maryland restaurant

July 13, 2026

Charleys Cheesesteaks & Wings has opened a location at Olde Forte Village, located at 970 E. Swan Creek Road, in Fort Washington, Maryland, providing a new…

Savory CEO to detail ‘Savory System’ growth strategy at Fast Casual Executive Summit

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

Shauna Smith, Savory co-founder, and CEO Clay Dover, will share insight on the company’s “Savory System,” which is a roadmap on building a management…

Marble Slab Creamery offers small ice cream for National Ice Cream Day

July 10, 2026

Marble Slab Creamery is offering loyalty members a free small ice cream on July 19 for National Ice Cream Day, according to a press release.

A masterclass in munchies: Why Kahala Brands is betting big on twist and scoop

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Kahala Brands is pairing Cold Stone Creamery and Wetzel’s Pretzels under one roof as a strategic co-branding initiative designed to reduce franchisee overhead…

Häagen-Dazs Shops debuts Sundae Series with Sunday rewards club

July 9, 2026

Häagen-Dazs Shops is introducing a new Sundae Series nationwide, featuring a collection of three classic ice cream sundaes available through Nov. 4, according…

Irv’s Burgers continues Nevada growth

July 9, 2026

Irv's Burgers is continuing its expansion across Southern Nevada with the opening of a new restaurant inside Green Valley Ranch Resort & Casino & Spa…

Pinkbox owner acquires Hot Dog on a Stick

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Stephen Siegel, the founder of Amazing Brands, said the acquisition of the 80-year-old brand will launch a new phase of national and international expansion…

HTeaO to host grand opening celebration in Lowell, Arkansas

July 8, 2026

Iced tea franchise HTeaO will host the grand opening of its first Lowell, Arkansas, location on Saturday, July 11, according to a press release.

The World Pizza champion who 'Let go to grow'

13-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani spent 17 years honing his craft before betting on himself. In this episode of Founderology - Built to Breakthrough…

The 6 Best Team Chat Apps for Restaurant Teams

Restaurant teams all work a little differently, but they all need organized team communication. Here's what to look for, plus the 6 best team chat apps for…