Wingstop’s Expansion Runs Hot as Comps Cool
Wingstop adds 382 U.S. units to 3,056 total as comps dip; 2026 outlook hinges on loyalty, Smart Kitchen, and category tailwinds.
Jul 20, 2026
Wingstop adds 382 U.S. units to 3,056 total as comps dip; 2026 outlook hinges on loyalty, Smart Kitchen, and category tailwinds.
Jul 20, 2026
Topgolf Media Networks turns 100+ venues into an ad platform with 42M visits and 28,000 screens, tapping retail media tactics for measurable brand activations.
Jul 20, 2026
Domino’s leverages rising order volumes to boost revenue and market share despite industry challenges in Q2 2026, offering key lessons for restaurant owners.
Jul 20, 2026
Discover how Fresh off the Boat in Santa Ana has built a thriving, health-focused Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant. Explore operational insights, business strategies, and the customer experience that set this unique concept apart.
Jul 20, 2026
If your restaurant is busy but profits feel thin, food cost is usually the first place to look. Not because it is always the problem, but because it is the most controllable variable in your P&L.
Jul 20, 2026
Burger King launches its “Your Way Champion” managerial role, focusing on guest experience, order customization, and staff engagement. Restaurant operators can glean insights for elevating hospitality in their own venues.
Jul 20, 2026
Thomas Keller Restaurant Group will pay $2M to settle an EEOC harassment and retaliation case tied to Bouchon Las Vegas, closing a long-running action from 2018.
Jul 19, 2026
Fresh Kitchen names Bill Knopf and Matt Livingston to lead operations and development as the clean-label bowl brand targets growth beyond 100 locations.
Jul 18, 2026
Hardee’s franchisee Superior Star filed Chapter 11 after a 2023 deal revealed unpaid taxes, costly repairs, and lease burdens; plans to reject leases and refocus.
Jul 18, 2026
Cinnabon posted a net gain of 308 U.S. units in 2025 and launched Seattle’s Best Coffee in 2026 to boost beverage mix, margins, and franchise-driven expansion.
Jul 18, 2026
How &pizza revolutionized its operations through franchising, operational adjustments, and marketing strategy in the fast casual pizza industry.
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Embracing a franchising program marked a pivotal shift for &pizza's growth strategy. By opening opportunities for franchisees, the chain aims to extend its reach beyond the East Coast and achieve a milestone of 300 units by 2030. CEO Mike Burns emphasized the importance of selling corporate locations to franchisees, ensuring a diverse store base with 10% company-operated units to maintain operational insight.

Restructuring post-COVID became imperative for &pizza as off-premise dining dominated its consumer base. The chain revamped its packaging, altered its dough preparation methods, and increased topping portions to retain heat and enhance value. By optimizing the off-premise experience, &pizza adapted to the evolving market demands.
Moving away from conventional discounting, &pizza shifted towards a food-forward, value-oriented marketing approach. By embracing edgier campaigns and limited discounts tied to unique occasions like Pi Day and April 20, the brand renewed its identity and customer engagement. The focus on impactful marketing endeavors sets &pizza apart in an increasingly competitive market.
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Anticipating future trends, &pizza aims to pioneer drive-thru operations in the fast casual pizza segment. The implementation of a drive-thru model, featuring shortened cook times and efficient order processing, signifies the chain's commitment to convenience-centric dining experiences. By 2027, &pizza plans to integrate drive-thrus, revolutionizing traditional fast casual service methods.