How to Calculate the Right Menu Price for Each Item
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
Jun 17, 2026
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
Jun 17, 2026
Explore best Areas in Chicago to open a restaurant by matching neighborhood demand, concept type, costs, traffic, and customer behavior.
Jun 17, 2026
BJ's Restaurants has appointed Monika Saxena as brand president, bringing over two decades of experience from LongHorn Steakhouse and Darden Restaurants, where she helped drive 20 consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales growth.
Jun 17, 2026
Blue Bottle Coffee has introduced Kyoto-Style Espresso, a slow-drip cold espresso made without machines, launching across its 152 global locations on June 16 with seven new cold drinks designed specifically for the way modern customers order coffee.
Jun 17, 2026
Hungry Howie's has appointed Jimmy Simonte as Executive Vice President of Marketing, bringing more than 25 years of Domino's experience to the Michigan-born pizza brand as it undergoes a major technology overhaul and prepares to launch a new loyalty programme.
Jun 17, 2026
Starbucks CFO Cathy Smith is transferring her principal accounting officer role to Val Bauduin, who will continue serving as SVP of corporate finance and development while reporting to Smith amid the chain's ongoing turnaround.
Jun 17, 2026
Yum Brands has agreed to sell Pizza Hut through two separate transactions totalling $2.7 billion, with Long Range Capital acquiring the global business for $1.5 billion and Yum China Holdings purchasing the China operations for $1.2 billion.
Jun 16, 2026
Scooter's Coffee is running a buy-one-get-one drink offer from June 19 to 21, available exclusively through its mobile app after 11 a.m.- giving customers three days to treat dad to a free drink this Father's Day weekend.
Jun 16, 2026
A group of Twin Peaks franchisees has been named strategic advisor to the chain's new owners following its sale out of bankruptcy, with a clear path to acquiring the brand outright within the next 12 to 16 months.
Jun 16, 2026
Denny's is launching The Clock's Off Menu on June 24, combining breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites available any time of day, alongside new Slammin' Meal Deals Under $10 and exciting rewards for new members.
Jun 16, 2026
Explore the inspiring journey of The Granola Bar founders from a homemade granola business to a thriving restaurant chain. Learn about their growth strategies and entrepreneurial lessons.


Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily, the founders of The Granola Bar, began their journey with a simple homemade granola business. What started as a casual meeting at a kid's birthday party led to the formation of a strong friendship and a shared passion for creating wholesome and delicious food. Their chance encounter, where their daughters sat next to each other, set the foundation for a successful entrepreneurial venture.
In 2013, The Granola Bar transitioned from a homemade granola business to a full-fledged restaurant concept. With a focus on serving breakfast and lunch in a modern diner setting, Mountain and Noorily brought their vision to life. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere of The Granola Bar quickly became a favorite spot for locals, attracting a loyal customer base.
Despite the challenges of the competitive restaurant industry, The Granola Bar successfully expanded its footprint to operate eight locations across Connecticut and New York. This strategic growth allowed the brand to reach a larger audience and cater to diverse communities, showcasing the founders' ability to scale their business effectively.

Recognizing the need for experienced leadership to navigate further expansion, Mountain and Noorily made the pivotal decision to hire Richard Zoob as the CEO of The Granola Bar. With Zoob's extensive background in leading renowned brands, such as Sweetgreen and Dinosaur BBQ, the founders aimed to leverage his expertise in steering the company towards sustained growth and development.

Mountain and Noorily's entrepreneurial journey with The Granola Bar is filled with valuable lessons. From taking calculated risks to adapting to market demands, the cofounders have learned to embrace challenges and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. Their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build a successful business with determination and resilience.