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.
Aug 7, 2026
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.
Aug 5, 2026
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 Culver's achieved substantial growth through innovative marketing strategies and franchise development.
Photo by Vladislav Glukhotko
Culver's, a prominent player in the Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) burger segment, has demonstrated exceptional growth supported by robust unit economics. With franchised restaurants boasting an average unit volume of around $3.8 million, Culver's has been able to rival even industry giants like McDonald's. Central to this success story is the strategic marketing leadership provided by seasoned professionals like Fussner.
Since 2017, Fussner has played a pivotal role in various marketing positions at Culver's, coinciding with a period of significant growth for the brand. Her ability to transform unique insights into actionable marketing strategies led to her appointment as Culver's first-ever chief marketing officer. Drawing from her diverse marketing background, including experience at Kraft Foods, Fussner brought a fresh perspective that propelled Culver's marketing initiatives to new heights.
To bolster sales and generate excitement among customers, Culver's has introduced innovative Limited-Time Offers (LTOs) like the Hot Honey Curdburger. These strategic menu additions not only drive foot traffic but also showcase Culver's commitment to culinary creativity and customer satisfaction. Such initiatives have proven to be instrumental in maintaining the brand's competitive edge.
Photo by Vladislav Glukhotko
In a move to further enhance its brand visibility and customer engagement, Culver's launched the J.J. Watt meal, endorsed by the renowned defensive end. By featuring Watt's favorite items as a special meal, Culver's not only tapped into the power of celebrity influence but also personalized the dining experience for fans. This celebrity-endorsed offering not only drove sales but also solidified Culver's connection with its audience.