State of the Industry: Fast Casual 2026 and Beyond

Explore growth forecasts, operator profitability and pricing pressures, leading brands, menu and LTO trends, and consumer demand for value and innovation—all…

Presented by Datassential, Inc.

Cyclospora outbreak nears end

September 11, 2026

Federal health officials are preparing to declare an end to the major Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce that sickened at least 11,458 people across…

Iconex Introduces Patent-Pending RFID Linerless Label Technology

Iconex, an M2S Group Company, and global leader in innovative labeling solutions and linerless technology, today announced the launch of its patent-pending…

Wendy's U.S. president departs to lead supply chain co-op

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

August 20, 2026

Wendy's is restructuring its executive leadership to combat six consecutive quarters of declining U.S. same-store sales and a 12.5% drop in second-quarter…

Flippy Fry Robot Drives Thousands in New Monthly Profits for Restaurants

New data shows restaurant operators facing a tighter second half of 2026, with fry stations among the hardest positions to staff ahead of the holiday rush.

Iconex Acquires Heartland Label Printers

M2S Group Strengthens Iconex Market Position and Footprint Through Acquisition of Heartland Label Printers

Traffic counts show signs of recovery post Cyclospora

August 3, 2026

Restaurant chains that experienced sharp declines in foot traffic following the recent Cyclospora outbreak are beginning to recover, although some brands…

Can Your Business Survive Without Labels? Why Label Performance Matters

Labels are small but critical to keeping product information connected throughout the supply chain. Iconex lined labels are engineered and lab-tested to…

Cyclospora not an easy trace, says supply chain expert

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

As the largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history continues to unfold, restaurant operators are once again facing the reputational fallout of a food safety…

CDC expands scope of Cyclospora outbreak, adds 4 new states

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

July 27, 2026

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention announced July 24 that is has expanded its investigation of the five-state Cyclospora outbreak to now include…

Jack in the Box confirms shipment of potential Cyclospora-contaminated lettuce

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

July 22, 2026

As the investigation into the Cyclospora outbreak continues and more details emerge about potential contaminated shipments of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce…

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

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

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

5-state Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell shredded lettuce

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

The Cyclospora illness is being linked to Taco Bell locations in the Midwest. The brand is taking precautions and removing the affected producer's products…

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

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

A Cyclospora outbreak has restaurant leaders on alert.

SynergySuite & Sightline OS Announce Integrative Partnership

SynergySuite and Sightline OS announced a new AI-powered integration connecting restaurant sales, operations, and supply chain intelligence in real time. The…

Kitchens are not ready for Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday exposes how QSR kitchens break under extreme demand, with fry stations becoming bottlenecks as orders surge. The article argues automation…

What 35 years as a Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard franchisee taught this entrepreneur

August 4, 2025

Mitch Cove inked a deal with Rita's Italian Ice and Frozen Custard in 1989, never guessing his career move to frozen treats would span 35 years. Today, he runs…

Kraft Heinz honored for innovation

April 30, 2025

Kraft Heinz has been named to Fast Company's annual list of the world's most innovative companies.

McDonald's largest fry producer stops production, lays off 4% of workforce

October 15, 2024

McDonald's largest French fry supplier has closed production and cut costs, according to the company's CEO in a Today report.

Leasecake Named to Entrepreneur’s 2024 Top Franchise Technology Suppliers List

Leasecake is thrilled to announce that we’ve been named to Entrepreneur’s prestigious 2024 list of Top Franchise Suppliers, earning the #6 spot in the Other…