Why 2026 is the year of the AI-driven restaurant

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

By 2026, AI is expected to transition from an experimental novelty to an operational necessity in the restaurant industry, utilizing "invisible" back-of-house…

Pizza Marketplace’s 'Brands to Watch 2026' released

December 19, 2025

The report lists 25 pizzerias doing great things as we go into the new year.

QSR is losing its lunch to monofoods – here's what they can do about it

by George Gottl — Chief Creative Officer, Spatial Design, FutureBrand

Traditional QSRs are losing market share to specialized "monofood outlets" that excel in unique flavor, simplicity and customer experience, and must therefore…

Your frontline is your superpower. Here’s how to unlock it.

Frontline employees carry your brand every day, yet many feel overlooked and unheard. Learn how empowering them with trust, training, and meaningful feedback…

Pizza Brands to Watch in 2026

Dominating the landscape is a shift toward “experiential” and “fusion” dining, where classic pepperoni is being challenged by global flavors like…

Presented by PizzaMarketplace.com

Kraft Heinz hires Steve Cahillane as CEO

December 16, 2025

Kraft Heinz has chosen Steve Cahillane, former Kellanoa chief, as CEO come Jan. 1, 2026.

The power of why: no budget needed

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Founders are encouraged to anchor their leadership, decision-making and momentum to their "why," which is presented as their most powerful, zero-cost asset for…

Inside the Founder shift: What 2025 sparked and why 2026 is ready to ignite

In our final Founderology podcast episode of the year, Cherryh and I sat down to reflect on the moments that mattered, the shifts that shaped us and the…

How a Mooyah franchisee moved into chicken with Layne's Chicken Fingers

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

After tapping out the Madison, Wisconsin area with a burger concept, Lucas Bergeson, along with his family and a partner, brought Layne's Chicken Fingers to…

Top 10 Trends in Restaurant Technology

As the restaurant landscape evolves, operators increasingly rely on technology to remain profitable and deliver an outstanding guest experience.

Presented by Oracle

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, Networld Media Group

The deadline is January 11, 2026.

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

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

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, Networld Media Group

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

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.