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
The recent updates in the restaurant industry, including Starbucks China's strategic move, SPB Hospitality's brewery concept sale, Chili's and Applebee's meal deal battle, and 7 Brew's new Chief Marketing Officer.
Photo by Shaolong Duan on Unsplash
Photo by Shaolong Duan on Unsplash
Starbucks China has recently appointed Tony Yang as its first chief growth officer, signaling a strategic shift to enhance performance in the intensely competitive market. With Starbucks China being the second-largest market for the coffee giant, the move highlights the company's focus on driving growth and innovation amidst stiff competition, particularly from brands like Luckin Coffee.

Photo by Shaolong Duan on Unsplash
In a significant business move, SPB Hospitality, the owner of various restaurant brands, has sold a group of brewery concepts acquired in 2020 to Kelly Companies of Southern California. This sale includes popular breweries like Rock Bottom and Gordon Biersch, comprising a total of 16 locations. The transaction showcases SPB Hospitality's strategic realignment and focus on core operations within the evolving restaurant landscape.

Photo by Shaolong Duan on Unsplash
A fierce meal deal competition has emerged between Chili's and Applebee's, with each offering enticing deals to attract customers. Chili's $10.99 3 for Me meal deal has been instrumental in its recent success, leading to a shift in market share from Applebee's. In response, Applebee's has launched its own competitive deal, the Really Big Meal Deal priced at $9.99, setting the stage for an exciting battle between the two restaurant giants.
7 Brew has taken a significant step by appointing Nick Chavez, a former KFC executive, as its first-ever chief marketing officer. With a wealth of experience from KFC, Nintendo, and Yahoo, Chavez brings a strong marketing background to drive 7 Brew's branding and growth strategies. This strategic appointment underlines 7 Brew's commitment to innovation and expansion in an increasingly competitive market.