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
Explore Shake Shack's expansion plans, licensing strategy, and global growth in the fast-food industry.

Shake Shack, known for its premium burgers and shakes, has set its sights on a bold expansion strategy to solidify its presence globally. With a vision to operate 1,500 company-owned locations, the company is not just focusing on traditional outlets but also on exploring innovative avenues for growth.

The company's president of global licensing, Michael Kark, highlighted the importance of flexible formats in penetrating new regions in the U.S. Shake Shack's move towards small-format locations and drive-thrus in suburban areas demonstrates its adaptability to diverse consumer preferences.

Shake Shack's recent licensed locations in North America and EMEA have showcased robust sales performances, indicating a positive reception from customers in these markets. This success is a testament to the brand's ability to resonate with a diverse global audience.

Aside from traditional outlets, Shake Shack has also ventured into unconventional partnerships to expand its reach. The collaboration with Delta to offer meals to first-class passengers on domestic flights is a prime example of this innovative approach. By providing a gourmet dining experience at 30,000 feet, Shake Shack is redefining in-flight food offerings.

The strategic licensing deals and expansion into new markets have proven fruitful for Shake Shack, with 256 licensed locations across 20 markets generating a significant $179.6 million in sales as of Q1 2025. This revenue growth is a clear indicator of the success of the brand's global expansion strategy.