A Complete Guide to Restaurant SMS Marketing
Discover how restaurant SMS marketing works, from building subscriber lists and creating campaigns to improving engagement and measuring marketing performance.
Aug 14, 2026
Discover how restaurant SMS marketing works, from building subscriber lists and creating campaigns to improving engagement and measuring marketing performance.
Aug 14, 2026
The transition of Pizza Hut's CEO, Aaron Powell, marks a pivotal moment for the chain and offers valuable leadership lessons for restaurant owners. Here’s what this executive change could mean for your business.
Aug 17, 2026
Panera Bread welcomes Andrew Rebhun as its new CMO to spearhead strategic brand growth and transformation, bolstering its vision for 2028.
Aug 17, 2026
Learn how to manage cash flow in your restaurant by tracking finances, controlling costs, forecasting needs, and building cash reserves.
Aug 14, 2026
Increase online orders by simplifying checkout, optimizing menus, improving Google visibility, promoting ordering channels, and encouraging customers to order again.
Aug 12, 2026
Streamline restaurant back office operations by standardizing workflows, automating repetitive tasks, integrating systems, centralizing data, and improving accountability and efficiency.
Aug 12, 2026
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers promotes Rick Petralia to Executive Chef & VP of Training & Innovation, signaling a strategic focus on culinary excellence and franchisee support.
Aug 12, 2026
McDonald’s USA has appointed Patrick Gerber as chief restaurant officer, leveraging his decades of global experience to boost operations, food quality, and customer satisfaction in the U.S. market.
Aug 11, 2026
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes partners with Great USA Foods LLC to launch a master franchise in the UAE, accelerating international expansion into Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Learn the impact for restaurant owners and growth lessons.
Aug 12, 2026
Avoiding hiring mistakes helps restaurant owners reduce turnover, control labor costs, improve staffing decisions, and build stronger, more reliable teams.
Aug 10, 2026
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Explore the significant shifts in the restaurant industry during the latter half of 2024, from CEO shuffles to industry-changing outbreaks and acquisitions.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
The latter half of 2024 witnessed significant CEO transitions in the restaurant industry, with notable names such as Chipotle's Brian Niccol taking over as Starbucks CEO, showcasing the industry's dynamic leadership landscape. Other major executive appointments included Todd Penegor becoming Papa John's new leader and various brand leadership changes indicating a period of strategic realignment and fresh visions.
A critical event in the restaurant sector was the E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's, underscoring the industry's vulnerability to food safety incidents. The handling of such crises highlighted the importance of swift responses to protect consumer trust and brand reputation, as witnessed by McDonald's containment efforts amidst declining sales and the subsequent recovery process.

Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Bankruptcies and closures continued to impact prominent names in the industry, emphasizing the ongoing financial challenges faced by restaurant chains. Brands like Red Lobster and Pizza Hut franchisee EYM sought bankruptcy protection, while closures affected establishments like Hart House and Shari’s Café, signaling the need for strategic restructuring amid economic pressures.

Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Restaurant brands in 2024 saw a shift towards prioritizing merchandising efforts alongside menu offerings, with collaborations and product expansions becoming integral to marketing strategies. Notable initiatives included KFC, Shake Shack, and Chili’s enhancing their merchandising, while innovative marketing campaigns by Wendy's and Starbucks resonated with consumers, reflecting a holistic approach to brand promotion.
The industry's value proposition underwent transformations in the latter half of 2024, as brands adapted to changing consumer behaviors and preferences. From McDonald's reinvigorated $5 Meal Deal to Olive Garden’s nostalgic offerings, the landscape of value promotions evolved to attract and retain customers amidst competitive pricing strategies implemented by various chains.

Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Restaurant chains explored innovative prototypes and design concepts to optimize operations and enhance customer experiences. Brands like Chick-fil-A, Pizza Hut, and KFC experimented with drive-thru enhancements and digital integration, aiming to streamline services and cater to evolving consumer demands in a post-pandemic environment.
Amidst the industry dynamics of 2024, a wave of nostalgia swept through as brands announced their comebacks, evoking sentimental connections with consumers. Steak and Ale, The Ground Round, and Chi-Chi’s reviving plans symbolized a resurgence of familiar favorites, hinting at a hopeful and nostalgic narrative for the restaurant sector's future.