Photo by Peter Pham
KFC Closures Test Franchise Resilience
Abrupt KFC closures under EYM Chicken Operations ignite questions about franchise stability, governance, and the path to a tech-forward restaurant future.
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Smoothie King Revamps Stores and Menu for Next Growth
Smoothie King launches store redesigns, broader menu, and franchise support to fuel 2026 growth amid GLP-1 trends and rising protein demand.
news
May 17, 2026
Burger Chains Balance LTO Heat With Core Menu Calm
Amid rising beef costs, burger chains use R&D, LTOs, and co-creation to drive growth while keeping core menus steady and guest loyalty nourished.
menu development
May 17, 2026
Mobile Ordering Rewrites the QSR Playbook
Inside 449 mystery shops: how mobile order-ahead reshapes QSR speed, satisfaction, and revenue—and where operations still stumble.
operations
May 17, 2026
California’s $15 Gift Card Rule Upends Retail Breakage
SB 22 lifts cash-out to $15, squeezing breakage and raising compliance stakes. What retailers must fix before April 1, 2026.
news
May 17, 2026
Starbucks Resets: Job Cuts, Nashville Hub, Path to Growth
Starbucks trims 300 corporate roles, opens a Nashville hub, and doubles down on service and efficiency as sales improve. Inside the Back to Starbucks reset.
news
May 17, 2026
Jack in the Box Shakes Up Leadership, Closes Stores
Interim CEO Mark King accelerates 'Jack on Track' with up to 200 closures, real estate sales, and a value-first menu amid sales declines.
news
May 17, 2026
Become A Member Of The Restaurant Association!
QSR 50 Opens Submissions for August 2025 Rankings
QSR 50 invites U.S. quick-service brands to submit 2024 sales by May 15 for its August 2025 rankings, with data validated by Datassential.
news
May 17, 2026
AI Playbook for Restaurant Owners
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
tech
May 15, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Coffee Shop in 2026?
Opening a coffee shop in 2026 requires careful cost planning across rent, equipment, labor, technology, menu strategy, marketing, and sustainability.
operations
May 15, 2026
Boddie-Noell to Open 31 Scooter’s Coffee in NC, VA
Hardee’s giant Boddie-Noell inks 31-unit Scooter’s Coffee deal for NC and VA, leveraging drive-thru growth and local roots with rollout over 12–18 months.
news
May 15, 2026
Wingstop’s House of Flavor Scores with World Cup Fans
Wingstop turns match weeks into a multi-sensory festival, aligning bold pop-ups with World Cup energy to build brand affinity and measurable momentum.
marketing ideas
May 15, 2026
How to Build a Restaurant Brand Identity That Customers Remember
Learn how to develop a memorable restaurant brand identity that stands out in a crowded market, attracts loyal customers, and drives repeat business with actionable strategies and affordable tools.
marketing
May 15, 2026