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.
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
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
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
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
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
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
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
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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The recent updates in the restaurant industry, including Starbucks China's strategic move, SPB Hospitality's brewery concept sale, Chili's and Applebee's meal deal battle, and 7 Brew's new Chief Marketing Officer.
Photo by Shaolong Duan
Photo by Shaolong Duan
Starbucks China has recently appointed Tony Yang as its first chief growth officer, signaling a strategic shift to enhance performance in the intensely competitive market. With Starbucks China being the second-largest market for the coffee giant, the move highlights the company's focus on driving growth and innovation amidst stiff competition, particularly from brands like Luckin Coffee.

Photo by Shaolong Duan
In a significant business move, SPB Hospitality, the owner of various restaurant brands, has sold a group of brewery concepts acquired in 2020 to Kelly Companies of Southern California. This sale includes popular breweries like Rock Bottom and Gordon Biersch, comprising a total of 16 locations. The transaction showcases SPB Hospitality's strategic realignment and focus on core operations within the evolving restaurant landscape.

Photo by Shaolong Duan
A fierce meal deal competition has emerged between Chili's and Applebee's, with each offering enticing deals to attract customers. Chili's $10.99 3 for Me meal deal has been instrumental in its recent success, leading to a shift in market share from Applebee's. In response, Applebee's has launched its own competitive deal, the Really Big Meal Deal priced at $9.99, setting the stage for an exciting battle between the two restaurant giants.
7 Brew has taken a significant step by appointing Nick Chavez, a former KFC executive, as its first-ever chief marketing officer. With a wealth of experience from KFC, Nintendo, and Yahoo, Chavez brings a strong marketing background to drive 7 Brew's branding and growth strategies. This strategic appointment underlines 7 Brew's commitment to innovation and expansion in an increasingly competitive market.