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.
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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.
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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.
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Fresh Kitchen names Bill Knopf and Matt Livingston to lead operations and development as the clean-label bowl brand targets growth beyond 100 locations.
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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.
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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.
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Explore how Famous Dave’s Barbecue is transforming its store operations to adapt to changing consumer demands and drive business growth.


Famous Dave’s Barbecue, a renowned name in the culinary industry, is embarking on a transformation journey to cater to the shifting demands of consumers favoring off-premise dining and faster service. With consumer behavior evolving significantly, the brand has taken a strategic approach to redesign its store prototype, focusing on streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.

The new store prototype by Famous Dave’s marks a departure from the traditional full-service model, opting for a smaller footprint that eliminates the full bar and emphasizes counter service. Through a meticulous design process that commenced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand has iterated on various concepts to refine the model and ensure competitive unit economics in today's dynamic landscape.

By reducing the seating area, removing the full-service bar, and refining the menu offerings to focus on core items like ribs, brisket, and chicken, Famous Dave’s prototype not only enhances customer experience but also significantly reduces operational costs. Leveraging advancements in equipment technology and optimizing kitchen layouts have further contributed to cost savings, making the new model economically attractive.

The streamlined prototype opens up opportunities in diverse real estate categories, particularly endcap locations in multi-tenant spaces. With flexibility in site selection and reduced operating costs in such settings, Famous Dave’s can target new markets and attract external franchisees, thereby accelerating its growth trajectory.
While the new prototype is gaining traction among franchisees and driving growth in targeted regions, Famous Dave’s remains open to embracing a variety of development models based on market demands. Balancing the need for smaller, more adaptable stores with the legacy of full-service restaurants, the brand aims to strategically expand its footprint, with an annual target of opening two to ten units over the next few years.