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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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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Explore the influence of technology in hospitality through the experiences of Brian Wallunas, Chief Technology Officer at Ascent Hospitality Management, as he drives digital transformation and brand growth.
Photo by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
Brian Wallunas, with over two decades of experience in the intersection of hospitality and technology, has been a pivotal figure in driving digital transformation in the hospitality industry. Through his role as Chief Technology Officer at Ascent Hospitality Management, Wallunas has demonstrated a profound understanding of leveraging digital innovation to propel brand performance and enhance guest loyalty. His track record at leading brands such as Smokey Bones, Fat Brands, Domino’s, Arby’s, and Coca-Cola showcases his expertise in implementing transformative technology strategies.
One of the key areas where Brian Wallunas has made a significant impact is in enhancing guest experiences through technology. During his tenure at Smokey Bones, Wallunas spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the chain’s technology infrastructure and e-commerce platform, resulting in a tripling of online sales and improved guest engagement capabilities. His ability to align technology investments with brand goals has not only strengthened the digital foundation of the brands he has worked with but has also contributed to their long-term success.
Photo by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
Wallunas' strategic vision for brand growth is evident in his approach to creating brand-specific technology strategies at Ascent’s Perkins and Huddle House concepts. By implementing scalable digital solutions tailored to each concept, Wallunas aims to not only improve guest engagement but also streamline operations and drive franchisee growth. This focus on aligning technology with business objectives underscores his commitment to ensuring the sustainable development and expansion of the restaurant systems under his purview.
Photo by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
Brian Wallunas' arrival at Ascent Hospitality Management comes at a crucial juncture of growth and transformation for the company. His expertise and leadership have already borne fruit, with Perkins undergoing a successful rebrand, introducing new store formats, and launching a fast-casual concept that has garnered significant interest. The multi-unit franchise agreements signed by Perkins and the substantial deal secured by Huddle House in Houston reflect the positive trajectory set in motion by Wallunas' technology-driven strategies.