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 how Joe Christina's operational expertise and menu innovation strategies transformed Noodles & Company and drove revenue growth.


Joe Christina, with a rich history in leading restaurant chains, brought a wealth of experience to Noodles & Company. His previous roles as CEO at Tijuana Flats and Church's Chicken equipped him with a deep understanding of quick-service restaurant (QSR) operations and strategic leadership. Christina's expertise spans various crucial aspects of restaurant management, including financial acumen, market development, marketing strategies, human resources, and franchise operations.
Upon assuming the role of President and COO at Noodles & Company, Joe Christina outlined a clear vision for the brand's future. He emphasized the restaurant's exceptional concept, highly differentiated menu offerings, and untapped growth opportunities. By focusing on operational excellence, continuous menu innovation, and expanding catering services, Christina aimed to position Noodles & Company for sustainable, long-term success in the competitive food industry.
One of Joe Christina's pivotal strategies at Noodles & Company was menu innovation to drive revenue growth. Facing challenges of shrinking sales, he introduced three new enticing dishes - Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Chipotle Chicken Cavatappi, and Crispy Chicken Bacon Alfredo. Coupled with a promotional offer, these additions not only boosted immediate sales but also sustained the positive growth trajectory, leading to a substantial increase in same-store sales by 0.8% in the fourth quarter.
Joe Christina's operational initiatives played a significant role in the turnaround of Noodles & Company's performance. By implementing efficient operational practices and focusing on customer-centric menu enhancements, he successfully steered the brand towards positive sales figures, thereby improving the stock performance. The company's stock price rebounded, surpassing the precarious $1 mark following the announcement of improved financial results under Christina's leadership.