AI Playbook for Restaurant Owners
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
May 15, 2026
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
May 15, 2026
Opening a coffee shop in 2026 requires careful cost planning across rent, equipment, labor, technology, menu strategy, marketing, and sustainability.
May 15, 2026
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.
May 15, 2026
Wingstop turns match weeks into a multi-sensory festival, aligning bold pop-ups with World Cup energy to build brand affinity and measurable momentum.
May 15, 2026
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.
May 15, 2026
The parent company behind Dunkin', Buffalo Wild Wings, and Arby's has filed for an IPO a move that could reshape how Wall Street views the restaurant sector.
May 15, 2026
Papa Johns has teamed up with Alphabet's Wing for drone delivery of its new sandwich lineup in parts of Charlotte marking the first partnership of its kind between Wing and a national QSR brand.
May 15, 2026
Dirty soda chain Swig is expanding into Colorado through a 10-unit franchise deal, riding a consumer beverage trend that's catching the attention of major QSR players nationwide.
May 15, 2026
A warm, expert-led look at McDonald’s Q1 results, menu makeover, and the refranchise question shaping its growth.
May 14, 2026
A reflective look at Habit Ranch, its immersive desert activation, and what it signals for brand loyalty and mindful, experiential dining.
May 14, 2026
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Explore how Applebee’s is driving consistency, accelerating growth, and integrating new menu items under new leadership to elevate restaurant performance.
Photo by Naoki Suzuki
With the recent leadership changes at Applebee’s, the focus has shifted towards optimizing operations to ensure restaurant success. The appointment of Wong, with his extensive operations experience from the hotel industry, signals a strategic move by the brand to scale global teams, drive consistency, and lead transformations.
Photo by Naoki Suzuki
To extend its sales growth, Applebee’s is incorporating new premium and value-oriented menu items like the Two-for-$25 offer, Bourbon Street pasta, and Sizzlin’ Skillets and Steak. While these additions can introduce complexities by adding new SKUs and processes, the brand ensures a rigorous process under Wong’s oversight. Testing new dishes in the corporate kitchen and with franchisees before broad rollout highlights a commitment to seamless menu integration.
Photo by Naoki Suzuki
Under Chin's leadership, Applebee’s is poised to leverage value-based marketing as a key strategy moving forward. With a background in consumer brands like Starbucks, Godiva, and Unilever, Chin brings valuable insights to enhance the brand's marketing efforts. Strengthening the in-house marketing team and expanding reach on social media have already shown significant results, with notable increases in engagement across various platforms.
Photo by Naoki Suzuki
The goal of Applebee’s under its new leadership is to elevate restaurant performance by fostering agility and operational excellence. By working closely with teams and franchisees, there is a strong emphasis on driving consistency and accelerating growth. The brand's commitment to a meticulous process in integrating new menu items and its value-based marketing approach positions Applebee’s for continued success in the competitive casual dining market.