Latest Insights

View All →
Inside Kolache Factory: The Business Behind the Food

Inside Kolache Factory: The Business Behind the Food

How do you take a regional food concept and build a growing franchise? In this episode of CHOMP, Sebastian Kahn visits Kolache Factory in Tustin, California, to go behind the scenes with Ted, a franchisee and owner of the California locations. Ted shares what it took to introduce Kolache Factory to California, from choosing the right location and managing costs to building a loyal customer base and maintaining consistency across the franchise. The episode also explores the operation behind the counter, including fresh baking, kitchen preparation, menu consistency, employee retention, and the challenges of competing in the fast-service breakfast market. For restaurant owners and aspiring operators, this episode offers practical lessons on franchising, location strategy, operations, customer experience, and sustainable growth. Watch the full episode to learn how Ted built the business and what comes next for Kolache Factory in California. Restaurant Association is an independent global organization representing restaurant owners and focused on improving business outcomes. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any other national, state, provincial, or local restaurant association. Membership is completely free. Sign up on the official website to access valuable resources, including weekly restaurant hacks, tips, tutorials, strategies, and secrets. Members also gain access to exclusive shows, eLearning courses, webinars, and operations templates designed to elevate restaurant performance. About Restaurant Association Restaurant Association is an independent global organization representing restaurant owners and focused on improving business outcomes. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any other national, state, provincial, or local restaurant association. Membership is completely free. Just sign up on the official website to access valuable resources, including weekly restaurant hacks, tips, tutorials, strategies, and secrets. As a member, you'll also gain access to exclusive shows, eLearning courses, webinars, and operations templates designed to elevate your restaurant's performance. Restaurant Association Resources Website: https://restaurantassociation.com/ Free Membership: https://restaurantassociation.com/v2/unified/signup/ Shows: https://restaurantassociation.com/shows Resources: https://restaurantassociation.com/resources #kolachefactory #restaurantbusiness #franchisebusiness #restaurantoperations #restaurantgrowth #fastservice #foodbusiness #chomp #restaurantassociation

Instagram Marketing for Restaurants: How to Turn Content Into Customers

Instagram Marketing for Restaurants: How to Turn Content Into Customers

Great food deserves attention. But posting beautiful food photos alone isn't an Instagram strategy anymore. In this Restaurant Association Masterclass, we break down how restaurants can use Instagram to capture attention, build trust, reach more local customers, and ultimately turn content into business. You’ll learn: - Why Instagram has changed and what restaurants need to do differently - The Attention → Trust → Conversion Content System - Why the first few seconds of a Reel matter so much - How to create restaurant Reels people want to watch - How Stories can create urgency and drive action - How to use local content, customer tags, and creators to build visibility - The biggest Instagram mistakes restaurants should avoid You don't need every Reel to go viral. You need a content system that consistently keeps your restaurant in front of the people who matter. About Restaurant Association Restaurant Association is an independent global organization representing restaurant owners and focused on improving business outcomes. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any other national, state, provincial, or local restaurant association. Membership is completely free. Just sign up on the official website to access valuable resources, including weekly restaurant hacks, tips, tutorials, strategies, and secrets. As a member, you'll also gain access to exclusive shows, eLearning courses, webinars, and operations templates designed to elevate your restaurant's performance. Restaurant Association Resources Website: https://restaurantassociation.com/ Free Membership: https://restaurantassociation.com/v2/unified/signup/ TV Shows: https://restaurantassociation.com/shows Resources: https://restaurantassociation.com/resources/templates #restaurantmarketing #instagrammarketing #restaurantowners #restaurantgrowth #restaurantsocialmedia #restautantassociation

Restaurant Association Logo

Become A Member Of The Restaurant Association!

Angry-Chicken.png

Nashville Hot Chicken Comes to Midwest

Angry Chickz enters Illinois with its signature hot chicken concept and ambitious plans for Midwest expansion, setting the stage for new franchise opportunities and community engagement.

News

Sep 2, 2026

Chipotle-Asia.png

Chipotle Sets Sights on Asia Expansion

Chipotle makes its highly anticipated entry into Asia with a Seoul opening, partnering with Sangmidang Holdings and setting a template for future international growth.

News

Sep 2, 2026

Facebook Marketing for Restaurants: How to Reach More Local Customers

Facebook Marketing for Restaurants: How to Reach More Local Customers

Posting on Facebook is easy. Turning that attention into restaurant traffic takes a strategy. In this Restaurant Association Masterclass, we break down a practical Facebook marketing system restaurant operators can use to reach more local customers, create stronger offers, and turn engagement into action. You’ll learn: - Why simply posting on Facebook isn’t enough - How to reach customers in your local market - What makes an effective restaurant offer - How Facebook campaigns can support traffic and awareness - Why retargeting matters and how restaurants can use it - Common Facebook marketing mistakes to avoid Whether you operate one restaurant or multiple locations, this masterclass will help you think differently about Facebook, not as a place to collect likes, but as a tool to grow your business. About Restaurant Association Restaurant Association is an independent global organization representing restaurant owners and focused on improving business outcomes. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any other national, state, provincial, or local restaurant association. Membership is completely free. Just sign up on the official website to access valuable resources, including weekly restaurant hacks, tips, tutorials, strategies, and secrets. As a member, you'll also gain access to exclusive shows, eLearning courses, webinars, and operations templates designed to elevate your restaurant's performance. Restaurant Association Resources Website: https://restaurantassociation.com/ Free Membership: https://restaurantassociation.com/v2/unified/signup/ TV Shows: https://restaurantassociation.com/shows Resources: https://restaurantassociation.com/resources/templates #restaurantmarketing #facebookmarketing #restaurantowners #restaurantgrowth #restaurantbusiness #restaurantassociation

Restaurant Association Logo

Become A Member Of The Restaurant Association!

Unlock Exclusive Access To Webinars, Events, And The Latest News For Free!