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
Unlock Exclusive Access To Webinars, Events, And The Latest News For Free!
How &pizza revolutionized its operations through franchising, operational adjustments, and marketing strategy in the fast casual pizza industry.
_1400x797.jpg)

Embracing a franchising program marked a pivotal shift for &pizza's growth strategy. By opening opportunities for franchisees, the chain aims to extend its reach beyond the East Coast and achieve a milestone of 300 units by 2030. CEO Mike Burns emphasized the importance of selling corporate locations to franchisees, ensuring a diverse store base with 10% company-operated units to maintain operational insight.

Restructuring post-COVID became imperative for &pizza as off-premise dining dominated its consumer base. The chain revamped its packaging, altered its dough preparation methods, and increased topping portions to retain heat and enhance value. By optimizing the off-premise experience, &pizza adapted to the evolving market demands.
Moving away from conventional discounting, &pizza shifted towards a food-forward, value-oriented marketing approach. By embracing edgier campaigns and limited discounts tied to unique occasions like Pi Day and April 20, the brand renewed its identity and customer engagement. The focus on impactful marketing endeavors sets &pizza apart in an increasingly competitive market.
_1400x797.jpg)
Anticipating future trends, &pizza aims to pioneer drive-thru operations in the fast casual pizza segment. The implementation of a drive-thru model, featuring shortened cook times and efficient order processing, signifies the chain's commitment to convenience-centric dining experiences. By 2027, &pizza plans to integrate drive-thrus, revolutionizing traditional fast casual service methods.