Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash
Franchise Frenzy: Cross-Border Growth
A look at how U.S. brands expand through multi-unit deals, cross-border partnerships, and seasoned operators in 2026.
Apr 29, 2026
Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash
A look at how U.S. brands expand through multi-unit deals, cross-border partnerships, and seasoned operators in 2026.
Apr 29, 2026
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
McDonald’s unveils six beverages across 14,000 restaurants on May 6, expanding McCafé with Refresher and crafted sodas and a new store-level beverage specialist role.
Apr 29, 2026
Learn how to write a coffee shop business plan that covers concept, location, menu, finances, branding, marketing, and risk planning.
Apr 27, 2026
Explore marketing strategies for food businesses using reviews, professional photos, SEO, social media, partnerships, events, and catering.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by shen wenjie on Unsplash
Holiday-driven menu drops fuse nostalgia with wellness, turning menus into living calendars for fast-casual brands.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Abdul Raheem Kannath on Unsplash
Susannah Frost named Chick-fil-A President, joining Cliff Robinson as COO to guide domestic expansion and international growth.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Moon Bhuyan on Unsplash
Ghost pepper-led promotions redefine autumn menus as chains blend heat, storytelling, and seasonal collaborations to drive foot traffic.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Noah Martinez on Unsplash
CAVA rolls out Garlic Ranch Pita Chips with a Steak + Harissa Bowl and a refreshed Rewards program, tying flavor innovation to personalized guest experiences.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Kate Trysh on Unsplash
Applebee’s launches Pick 6 Mondays, offering free wings with a $10 purchase when a Pick 6 occurs on Sundays, driving game-day momentum across dine-in and To Go.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Stu Moffat on Unsplash
Beatrice Nguyen explores how leadership blends speed, loyalty, and standardized operations to grow Shake Shack while preserving its signature experience.
Apr 28, 2026
Explore how 7 Brew leverages modular construction and loyalty programs to enhance brand awareness, and how retail partnerships with Walmart are reshaping the non-traditional presence of various chains.
Photo by Dan Tuykavin on Unsplash
Photo by Dan Tuykavin on Unsplash
7 Brew's innovative use of modular construction in its drive-thru-only restaurants has been a key driver of its rapid growth and brand awareness. By utilizing modular construction, the company can efficiently bulk-order materials, fabricate buildings off-site, and have a backlog of structures ready to be installed at any location. This approach significantly reduces construction time, with modular builds typically being completed in just eight to 10 weeks.
Photo by Dan Tuykavin on Unsplash
One of the core strengths of 7 Brew lies in its strong loyalty base, with over 95% of transactions coming from rewards members, as reported by AdAge. The chain's customer-centric approach includes face-to-face interactions at the drive-thru or walk-up window, where baristas have the ability to access preferred drinks saved under a customer's rewards profile. This personalized touch not only enhances the customer experience but also streamlines the beverage preparation process, fostering repeat visits and customer retention.
Face-to-face interactions at the drive-thru or walk-up window are fundamental to 7 Brew's overall strategy. By prioritizing personalized customer service and quick service deliveries, the chain differentiates itself in a competitive market. Baristas having access to customer preferences through the rewards program further exemplify 7 Brew's commitment to a seamless and efficient customer experience. This focus on convenience and customization has been pivotal in attracting and retaining a loyal customer base.
In addition to its internal strategies, 7 Brew's entry into the retail space marks a significant step towards enhancing its brand awareness and expanding its reach. Notably, various chains, including Nozzleman Pizza, Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, Richtech Robotics, and Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, have capitalized on partnerships with Walmart to grow their non-traditional presence. These collaborations not only introduce these chains to a wider audience but also provide Walmart with an expanded range of offerings, addressing the decline in traffic experienced during Q1 2024.