Starbucks Restructures Workforce Amid Expansion Plan
Starbucks is making strategic staffing changes, laying off 200+ workers as it restructures operations and prepares for future growth in southern and eastern regions.
Aug 21, 2026
Starbucks is making strategic staffing changes, laying off 200+ workers as it restructures operations and prepares for future growth in southern and eastern regions.
Aug 21, 2026
Dog Haus appoints James Field as chief marketing officer and promotes CJ Ramirez to chief experience officer, setting the stage for innovative brand growth and franchisee success in the national restaurant scene.
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Panera Bread welcomes Andrew Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer, succeeding Mark Shambura. Learn about his background at CAVA, El Pollo Loco, and McDonald's.
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Taco Bell’s Taylor Montgomery has been appointed as President of Jack in the Box, positioning him to take over as CEO within a year - signaling major shifts for the QSR brand's future.
Aug 20, 2026
Payroll advances help restaurant owners give hourly employees earlier access to earned wages while maintaining accurate records, policies, and compliance.
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Aug 17, 2026
Explore the main types of ordering technology restaurants use to improve accuracy, speed, payments, customer convenience, and operational efficiency daily.
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Panera Bread welcomes Andrew Rebhun as its new CMO to spearhead strategic brand growth and transformation, bolstering its vision for 2028.
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Discover how restaurant SMS marketing works, from building subscriber lists and creating campaigns to improving engagement and measuring marketing performance.
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Discover the newest cocktail lineups, innovative beverages, and menu developments across popular restaurants.
Photo by Sandy Zebua
Restaurants like Maggiano’s Little Italy are setting the bar high with their new cocktail lineups, featuring dramatic presentations and premium ingredients. These innovative offerings not only enhance the drinking experience but also create a visual spectacle for patrons. The use of high-quality spirits, fresh fruits, and unique garnishes adds a touch of sophistication to traditional cocktails, appealing to customers looking for a luxurious dining experience.
Photo by Sandy Zebua
One cannot help but wonder if the introduction of new cocktail lineups, such as those at Maggiano’s Little Italy, signifies a shift in the popularity of smoked cocktails. While opinions may vary, the use of smoke in cocktails has been a growing trend in the mixology world. The aroma and depth of flavor imparted by smoking techniques add a unique twist to classic drinks, appealing to adventurous consumers seeking novel flavor experiences.
The beverage landscape is evolving with a diverse range of offerings beyond cocktails. Soft-drink specialist Fiiz's celebration of Shark Week with a special beverage showcases the creativity and adaptability of drink establishments. Additionally, restaurants like Tender Greens, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings, Farmer Boys, and Mooyah are introducing new aguas frescas and unique beverages to cater to varying preferences and trends in the market.
Photo by Sandy Zebua
Alongside the beverage innovations, restaurants are introducing unique menu items to entice diners. From loaded fries at Lion’s Choice and Walk-On’s to new burgers at Perkins, Next Level Burger, Hooters, and Tender Greens, there is a wave of culinary creativity sweeping across the industry. Chains like Fazoli’s, The Halal Guys, Dog Haus, and Roy Rogers are also introducing new dishes like manicotti, chicken wings, beefy hot dogs, and chicken & waffles, respectively, to diversify their offerings.
The trend of incorporating unexpected flavors into menu items is gaining traction among restaurants. Toppers Pizza's pies with pickles, Potbelly's salad-turned-sandwich, and Slutty Vegan's meatless brisket are examples of how establishments are pushing boundaries to offer unique dining experiences. By experimenting with flavors and ingredients, restaurants can cater to a wider audience and appeal to adventurous food enthusiasts looking for bold and unconventional options.
Photo by Sandy Zebua
Restaurants are leveraging seasonal ingredients and partnerships to introduce limited-time specials and collaborative creations. Newk’s Eatery and Dig are among those offering seasonal dishes to capture the essence of each season through their menus. Furthermore, collaborations like Velvet Taco’s Weekly Taco Feature developed with the assistance of ChatGPT exemplify the fusion of technology and culinary expertise to create innovative and exciting menu offerings.