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 how Papa Johns plans to strengthen its brand, enhance customer loyalty, and drive growth through innovative marketing strategies.
Photo by Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash
In response to declining revenues, Papa Johns is under the leadership of CEO Todd Penegor, who is spearheading efforts to revitalize the company's brand identity. Penegor emphasizes the urgency to strengthen the brand's perception among consumers. The focus lies on enhancing the value proposition offered by Papa Johns to attract and retain customers in a competitive market.
Penegor's strategic vision includes modernizing Papa Johns' digital capabilities and reinvigorating its loyalty program. By investing in technology and updating the loyalty program, the company aims to provide a seamless and rewarding experience for its customers. The emphasis is on personalization and immediacy to drive repeat visits and enhance customer engagement.
To make the loyalty program more appealing and effective, Papa Johns is rolling out updates aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and retention. By introducing the ability for members to unlock rewards faster and offering immediate gratification through the conversion of points to Papa Dough in smaller increments, the company is striving to increase customer loyalty and drive repeat purchases.
Photo by Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash
In addition to immediate improvements, Papa Johns is committed to returning to its core strengths of delivering high-quality pizzas and maintaining consistency across its restaurants. Penegor emphasizes the importance of standing out in the market by highlighting what makes Papa Johns unique and ensuring a compelling brand story that resonates with consumers.
While the journey towards recovery has just begun, Papa Johns has already seen positive signs with sales and transaction improvements. The focus moving forward is on leveraging learnings from the recent quarters to drive innovation and create a strong marketing calendar for the upcoming year. Balancing competitive pricing with quality messaging is key to regaining consumer trust and securing a prominent position in the market.
As consumer preferences evolve, Papa Johns is adapting its marketing strategies to align with changing trends. Chief Financial Officer Ravi Thanawala highlights the importance of offering compelling value to meet consumers' expectations. By enhancing value perceptions and maintaining brand positioning, the company aims to attract more customers and drive transactions in a competitive landscape.
Papa Johns recently welcomed Jenna Bromberg as its new Chief Marketing Officer, bringing a wealth of experience from Carter’s Inc. and Pizza Hut. With a focus on brand marketing and creativity, Bromberg's expertise is set to play a pivotal role in reshaping Papa Johns' marketing approach. Additionally, the appointment of Kevin Vasconi as Chief Digital and Technology Officer signifies the company's commitment to digital transformation and innovation.