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
Stay up to date with the latest news in the restaurant industry including acquisitions, bankruptcy rumors, and investor activism. Explore the recent developments shaping the landscape.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
The restaurant industry is no stranger to acquisitions and mergers, with big players constantly expanding their portfolios to stay competitive. Guillermo Perales, the founder of Sun Holdings, known for operating popular chains like Burger King, Arby's, and Taco Bueno, recently made waves by acquiring Freebirds World Burrito. This acquisition adds the fast-casual Mexican chain based in Austin, Texas, to Sun Holdings' already impressive lineup of brands.
In the realm of convenience stores, Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT), the parent company of Circle K, is in talks to acquire 7 and i Holdings, the company behind the well-known 7-Eleven chain. Circle K currently holds the position as the second-largest convenience-store chain in the country, following closely behind the giant, 7-Eleven. This potential acquisition could reshape the competitive landscape in the convenience store industry.
The specter of bankruptcy looms over BurgerFi International as reports suggest that the company may be on the brink of filing for bankruptcy or reaching a deal with its lenders. The fast-casual chain is facing financial challenges that could lead to significant changes in its ownership structure. Stakeholders and industry watchers are closely monitoring the situation to see how it unfolds.
Activist investor Sardar Biglari has once again made headlines by expressing interest in gaining control of Cracker Barrel. This move comes as Biglari seeks to secure five seats on the ten-person board of the family-dining chain, including one for himself. Investor activism plays a crucial role in influencing strategic decisions within companies, and Biglari's actions are expected to stir discussions within Cracker Barrel and the larger restaurant industry.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
For those eager to catch up on all the latest developments in the restaurant industry, Restaurant Daily podcast provides a comprehensive overview of the most significant headlines. From acquisitions to potential bankruptcies and investor activism, this podcast keeps industry professionals and enthusiasts informed and engaged.