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.
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Opening a coffee shop in 2026 requires careful cost planning across rent, equipment, labor, technology, menu strategy, marketing, and sustainability.
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Wingstop turns match weeks into a multi-sensory festival, aligning bold pop-ups with World Cup energy to build brand affinity and measurable momentum.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A warm, expert-led look at McDonald’s Q1 results, menu makeover, and the refranchise question shaping its growth.
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A reflective look at Habit Ranch, its immersive desert activation, and what it signals for brand loyalty and mindful, experiential dining.
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Discover how AI and automation are revolutionizing the restaurant industry, enhancing guest and employee experiences
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
The restaurant industry has faced challenges due to changing consumer spending patterns and potential trade policy shifts. In response to these obstacles, major restaurant chains like BJ’s Restaurants, Cracker Barrel, and Bloomin’ Brands are turning to automation and AI technologies to improve operational efficiency and drive growth.
Cracker Barrel's CEO and President, Julie Felss Masino, highlighted the success of AI-powered personalization capabilities within their rewards program. This implementation led to a notable increase in average revenue per member. Moreover, the Tennessee-based chain utilized AI for traffic forecasting, enhancing accuracy and optimizing labor management. Guest relations also benefited from AI, reducing resolution times and improving accessibility to live customer support.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
With a focus on enhancing guest experiences, BJ’s Restaurants are expanding their AI deployment for forecasting and optimizing workforce planning. By leveraging AI, the company aims to ensure team members are strategically placed to provide exceptional service to customers. This move has resulted in improved labor scheduling and heightened guest sentiment across their establishments.
Bloomin’ Brands, with its diverse portfolio of restaurants, emphasizes the importance of technology in simplifying employee tasks and enhancing guest experiences. The company's CEO, Michael Spanos, underscores the continuous evaluation of technology to streamline operations and elevate the overall dining experience. The appointment of Gagan Sinha as CIO signifies the company's commitment to optimizing technological advancements within its establishments.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Bloomin’ Brands' implementation of a new point of sale system, combined with AI tools, aims to accelerate customer feedback processes and facilitate better communication among managing partners. Through real-time data analysis, the company can identify trends and areas for improvement promptly, leading to more efficient and effective responses to customer needs.