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
Explore how Smalls Sliders is enhancing its operations through efficiency, culture, and training processes to meet the demands of rapid growth.
Photo by Coppa Cover on Unsplash
Photo by Coppa Cover on Unsplash
Julie Hauser-Blanner, the Chief Operations Officer at Smalls Sliders, has brought a wealth of experience from her tenure at prominent brands like European Wax Center, Front Burner Restaurants, Bonefish Grill, and Outback Steakhouse. Her transition to Smalls Sliders marked a shift as she ventured into the quick-service restaurant industry, driven by the brand's unique vision and disruptive approach.
With over 300 units in development, the pressure on restaurant operations at Smalls Sliders is immense. Hauser-Blanner emphasizes the importance of efficiency in the compact kitchen spaces, where every square foot counts. The small footprint of the 'cans,' as the company refers to its modular restaurants, necessitates a meticulous focus on streamlining processes and optimizing space utilization.
Photo by Coppa Cover on Unsplash
Hauser-Blanner recognizes the critical role of culture in maintaining operational coherence within the restaurants. Despite the limited menu offerings comprising cheeseburger sliders, fries, shakes, and drinks, the expectations for consistency and speed are exceptionally high. The Chief Operations Officer prioritizes fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork within the compact restaurant setups.
To meet the demands of speed and consistency, Smalls Sliders is investing in robust training processes. The establishment of a new training center near headquarters indicates a commitment to enhancing employee skills, testing new products, and refining operational procedures. By engaging in proactive training initiatives, the brand aims to ensure readiness for rapid expansion while upholding quality standards.
The recent launch of the Franchise Advisory Council signifies a strategic milestone for Smalls Sliders. This collaborative platform with franchisees allows for informed decision-making, accelerating the pace of new store openings. The shared enthusiasm surrounding the brand and its operational systems is propelling the company towards systematic and sustainable growth.