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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Explore how advances in technology and strategic leadership can drive growth and ensure stability in the restaurant industry in 2025.
Photo by Louis Hansel
Photo by Louis Hansel
Effective leadership plays a crucial role in the growth and stability of restaurant chains. The appointment of a new CEO, like in the case of Morrison at Jersey Mike’s, can signal a pivotal moment for a brand. Leaders set the tone for the organization, define strategic priorities, and drive innovation. Morrison's focus on accelerating growth across markets and investing in technological advancements underscores the importance of forward-thinking leadership.
Technology continues to revolutionize the restaurant industry, offering new opportunities for efficiency and customer engagement. Jersey Mike’s partnership with SoundHound to pilot automated phone ordering technology exemplifies leveraging innovation to enhance operations. Automation not only streamlines processes but also allows staff to concentrate on enhancing the customer experience, a crucial component for sustained success.
Photo by Louis Hansel
Strong unit economics, as evidenced by Jersey Mike’s impressive average unit volume, are key drivers of sustainable growth. By focusing on increasing consumer spending and expanding store counts, successful chains like Jersey Mike’s create a solid foundation for continued expansion. These financial metrics not only attract investors, like Blackstone, but also position the brand to outperform competitors like Subway, especially in challenging economic environments.
Photo by Louis Hansel
Restaurant chains face a range of economic challenges, from high interest rates impacting franchisee expansion to tariffs driving up costs of essential resources. Success in 2025 demands strategic financial management to navigate these obstacles. Chains that prioritize stability over rapid growth and adapt their strategies to the evolving economic landscape are more likely to thrive amid uncertainty.