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
How 16 Handles is reshaping the frozen dessert industry with unique flavors, innovative store design, and cost-effective solutions.

16 Handles sets itself apart in the frozen dessert market with its diverse and unique soft-serve flavors. With a menu featuring 16 different flavors, the brand caters to a wide range of taste preferences. The recent introduction of viral flavors like French fry frozen yogurt and Squid Games-inspired Squid Ink Black Matcha showcases the company's daring approach to flavor innovation.
Beyond its varied soft-serve options, 16 Handles offers customers an expansive selection of toppings and sauces, exceeding 50 choices. This abundance of toppings allows customers to personalize their treats, creating a truly customized experience. From classic toppings like fruits and nuts to more adventurous choices, the brand ensures there is something for everyone.
In addition to its soft-serve and toppings, 16 Handles also presents a variety of frozen novelties to delight customers. These novelties include cakes, cookie dough, and take-home pints, adding to the brand's appeal and expanding its offerings beyond traditional frozen yogurt. By diversifying its product range, 16 Handles ensures customers have a plethora of options to choose from.
Recognizing the significance of an appealing store layout, 16 Handles underwent a substantial store design revamp to enhance the customer experience. By reducing the cost of buildout significantly, the brand made its stores more accessible to franchisees. The introduction of in-house millwork production and custom modular topping bars not only contributes to a visually striking interior but also ensures consistency across all locations.
A key highlight of 16 Handles' menu development and store design strategy is the focus on cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. By manufacturing all key elements within the U.S. with high-quality materials at a lower cost compared to competitors, the brand demonstrates its commitment to providing value for franchisees. The customized branded furniture that is easy to assemble not only reduces startup costs but also elevates the brand's identity.