Best Restaurant Marketing Ideas for 2026
This guide outlines restaurant marketing ideas that help operators attract nearby customers, convert demand faster, and strengthen long-term retention.
Apr 16, 2026
This guide outlines restaurant marketing ideas that help operators attract nearby customers, convert demand faster, and strengthen long-term retention.
Apr 16, 2026
A clear host training process helps restaurants manage greetings, waitlists, reservations, seating decisions, and guest communication more consistently.
Apr 15, 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
Explore the appointment of John Dillon as the new president of La Madeleine and the strategic vision for the brand's expansion in the restaurant industry.
Photo by Lucie Douezi on Unsplash
Photo by Lucie Douezi on Unsplash
With a robust background in the restaurant industry, John Dillon brings a wealth of experience to his new role as the president of La Madeleine. His previous roles at Spartanburg-based Denny's Corp., where he served as chief marketing officer, chief brand officer, and president, highlight his multifaceted expertise in driving brand growth and customer engagement.
John Dillon's strategic vision for La Madeleine's expansion focuses on driving sales, increasing the number of franchise partners, expanding the brand's market presence, and enhancing various aspects of the business. This includes developing strategies for store-level profitability, operational efficiency, restaurant design, guest experience, marketing initiatives, and menu innovation.
La Madeleine's allure lies in its unique 'joie de vivre' French café experience and its reputation for quality French-inspired menu items. John Dillon aims to leverage these inherent strengths to further differentiate La Madeleine in the competitive restaurant landscape and capitalize on the brand's passionate and loyal customer base.
Photo by Lucie Douezi on Unsplash
Founded in 1983, La Madeleine has established a strong presence with nearly 100 corporate and franchise locations in the United States and an international cafe in Bengaluru, India. With John Dillon at the helm, the brand is poised for further growth and expansion both domestically and internationally, solidifying its position in the fast-casual dining market.
As part of Groupe Le Duff, La Madeleine joins a prestigious portfolio of restaurant chains, including Brioche Dorée, Del Arte, Le Fournil de Pierre, and Kamps (Germany), among others. The company's established presence in the global restaurant industry provides a strong foundation for La Madeleine's future endeavors under John Dillon's leadership.