Chipotle Rewards on Repeat Relaunch
Chipotle reshapes loyalty with Rewards on Repeat, blending in-store promotions, staff incentives, and simpler redemption to boost traffic.
Apr 16, 2026
Chipotle reshapes loyalty with Rewards on Repeat, blending in-store promotions, staff incentives, and simpler redemption to boost traffic.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Salah Ait Mokhtar on Unsplash
A refined look at Papa Murphy’s strategy as MTY guides a cautious turnaround amid a crowded pizza landscape—digital play, local marketing, and a new Detroit-style offering.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Sergio Mena Ferreira on Unsplash
Mo’ Bettahs leaves Kansas City as it pivots to a PE-backed national expansion to Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Kate Trysh on Unsplash
Applebee’s O-M-Cheese Burger fuses spectacle with value, driving social buzz and foot traffic—a signal for the skillet-cheese moment in casual dining.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Diego Mattevi on Unsplash
GoTo Foods taps Misra and Lambert to harmonize digital momentum with disciplined development across seven brands, aiming for stronger guest experiences and franchisee economics.
Apr 16, 2026
Bojangles launches Bo’s Chicken Rippers in an eight-week pilot, turning bites into a hands-on, sauce-forward experience with interactive, tear-apart slabs.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Jim Sosengphet on Unsplash
Popeyes teams with One Piece for a limited menu and merch drop, blending bold flavors with anime fandom to boost traffic and loyalty.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by dedy kurniawan on Unsplash
A close look at Jersey Mike’s rapid expansion, leadership shift, and international push under Blackstone’s ownership.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Roberto Catarinicchia on Unsplash
CAVA launches Glazed Salmon with pomegranate glaze from Just Date, pairing seafood with chef-curated bowls and a new loyalty push to broaden Mediterranean flavors.
Apr 15, 2026
Photo by Carol Highsmith's America on Unsplash
Chains fuse Korean, Mexican, and botanical flavors into familiar favorites. Discover the artistry, risks, and strategy behind this culinary renaissance.
Apr 15, 2026
Learn about the entrepreneurial journey of Candace Nelson, founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes, and keynote speaker at the CREATE Event for Emerging Restaurateurs.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
Candace Nelson's entrepreneurial story took off with the founding of Sprinkles Cupcakes in 2005 in Los Angeles. Alongside her husband, Charles, Nelson created a cupcake empire that quickly gained popularity among celebrities and ignited the cupcake craze of the early 2000s. What set Sprinkles apart was not only its delicious treats but also its innovative approach, including introducing Sprinkles ATM vending machines for convenient cupcake purchase.
After the success of Sprinkles, Candace Nelson ventured into the world of Neapolitan pizza by launching Pizzana in 2017. This new restaurant concept combined her passion for artisanal food with a fresh take on traditional Italian cuisine. Today, Pizzana has expanded to seven locations across California and Texas, showcasing Nelson's versatility and vision in the culinary landscape.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
Beyond her ventures in the restaurant industry, Candace Nelson has made a mark in the media and literary world. As a judge on popular TV shows like 'Cupcake Wars,' 'Sugar Rush,' and a guest appearance on 'Shark Tank,' Nelson has shared her expertise and creativity with a wide audience. Additionally, her authored books, 'The Sprinkles Baking Book' and 'Sweet Success,' have provided insights and inspiration to aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs.
As a keynote speaker at the CREATE Event for Emerging Restaurateurs, Candace Nelson embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. Her journey from finance to founding successful restaurant chains serves as a motivating example for aspiring business owners. By sharing her experiences and insights, Nelson aims to empower the next generation of restaurant leaders to reach new heights of success in the competitive culinary world.
CREATE: The Event for Emerging Restaurateurs offers a unique platform for restaurant company leaders looking to expand their businesses. With a focus on education and inspiration, this event aims to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges of the industry. By bringing together visionaries like Candace Nelson, CREATE fosters a culture of innovation and growth among small and mid-sized restaurant chains.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the CREATE Event for Emerging Restaurateurs and gain valuable insights from industry experts like Candace Nelson. Register now to attend this transformative event, taking place from Oct. 9-11 in Nashville. Engage with like-minded professionals, learn from success stories, and fuel your entrepreneurial spirit at CREATE.