Pizza Hut’s $1.2B China Sale Shakes Up Market
Yum! Brands has finalized a $1.2B deal to transfer Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, signaling big strategic moves for both global franchisors and operators.
Aug 7, 2026
Yum! Brands has finalized a $1.2B deal to transfer Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, signaling big strategic moves for both global franchisors and operators.
Aug 7, 2026
Panera Bread appoints industry veteran Andy Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer, ushering in a new era of brand growth and consumer engagement.
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Portillo’s trims 18% of its corporate staff in a bid to refocus resources on restaurant excellence and navigate operational challenges. Discover what the changes mean for the chain’s future.
Aug 7, 2026
Scheduling software helps restaurants save time, control labor costs, improve communication, prevent conflicts, support compliance, and make smarter staffing decisions.
Aug 5, 2026
Portillo’s trims corporate and field roles by 18% in a strategic shake-up to support future growth after soft traffic and sales. Read what this means for multi-unit operators.
Aug 6, 2026
Dutch Bros invests $105 million to acquire Salad and Go’s closed locations, targeting rapid expansion in key southern markets. Learn what this means for multi-unit restaurant owners and operators.
Aug 6, 2026
Salad and Go's bankruptcy and closure offer key lessons on growth, risk management, and market dynamics for restaurant leaders. See what every operator can learn.
Aug 5, 2026
Learn how to calculate prime cost, track food and labor expenses, measure percentages, identify problems, and improve restaurant profitability consistently.
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Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
Aug 5, 2026
Skye Anderson will lead McDonald's USA as its new president, stepping in to accelerate growth and revive sales. Learn how her leadership could shape the future of the restaurant industry.
Aug 4, 2026
Explore how P.J. Whelihan’s Pub & Restaurant successfully manages its operations and growth strategy in the casual dining industry.
Photo by Taylor Davidson
P.J. Whelihan’s Pub & Restaurant has been strategically expanding its footprint in the greater Philadelphia area. Founded in 1983, the chain has shown consistent growth, typically opening two to three restaurants annually. While there was a pause in expansion in 2021, the company resumed its growth trajectory in 2022. The recent acquisition by Garnett Station Partners further signals the brand's commitment to growth and development.
Photo by Taylor Davidson
CEO Jessica Breslow emphasized the importance of focusing on the core P.J. Whelihan’s brand. By concentrating on enhancing operational training, efficient buildouts, and smooth operations, the chain has refined its approach to ensure consistency and quality across all its locations. This strategic focus has enabled P.J. Whelihan’s to enhance customer experience and brand loyalty.
Photo by Taylor Davidson
A key aspect of P.J. Whelihan’s success lies in its deep connection with the local community, particularly young sports teams and families. By providing a welcoming environment for these groups, the restaurant has created a loyal customer base that extends beyond casual dining to business lunches and special occasions. This connection underscores the importance of building relationships with customers for long-term success.
In response to changing consumer behaviors, P.J. Whelihan’s embraced off-premises sales, which accounted for a significant portion of total sales post-pandemic. CEO Jessica Breslow’s IT background played a crucial role in enabling the brand to pivot successfully to meet the growing demand for takeout and delivery services. This adaptability showcased the brand's agility in responding to market trends.
Photo by Taylor Davidson
While P.J. Whelihan’s has experienced steady growth, the brand remains focused on the greater Philadelphia market. The decision not to franchise or expand extensively beyond the region highlights the company's commitment to maintaining its roots and serving the local community. By prioritizing the market they know well, P.J. Whelihan’s can continue to strengthen its presence and impact in the area.