Best Areas in Chicago to Open a Restaurant in 2026
Explore best Areas in Chicago to open a restaurant by matching neighborhood demand, concept type, costs, traffic, and customer behavior.
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
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
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
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
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
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
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
Discover Zaxbys' new Zax Packz, the redesigned family pack meals now available for catering, along with popular menu additions like Asian Zensation Zalad and Fried Cheesecake Bites.
Photo by Sai De Silva
Photo by Sai De Silva
Zaxbys, the fast-casual restaurant brand known for its unique flavor profiles and quality ingredients, has taken a significant step in reimagining its family meal offerings by introducing Zax Packz. This innovative new concept aims to provide customers with a convenient and satisfying dining experience, whether it's for a small group or catering for a larger event.
The all-new Zax Packz feature a selection of Zaxbys' classic items that customers have come to love, including Chicken Fingerz or boneless wings, crinkle fries, Texas toast, and a variety of Zaxbys signature sauces. Each component is neatly packed in compartments, ensuring that every item retains its freshness and flavor until it reaches the customer's table.
Photo by Sai De Silva
In response to the growing demand for convenient catering options, Zaxbys has extended its Zax Packz to the catering menu. This move allows customers to enjoy the same delicious Zaxbys meals at events, gatherings, or meetings without compromising on taste or quality. The addition of Zax Packz to the catering lineup enhances the brand's commitment to providing versatile dining solutions for various occasions.
Beyond the introduction of Zax Packz, Zaxbys has also decided to make some popular limited-time offers a permanent fixture on their menu. Dishes like the Asian Zensation Zalad, Blue Zalad, Veggie Egg Rolls, and Fried Cheesecake Bites have garnered such a positive response from customers that they are now part of the core menu. This strategic decision showcases Zaxbys' dedication to meeting customer preferences and evolving with changing tastes.