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
Learn about the recent acquisition deal where SPB Hospitality sold five brewery brands to Kelly Companies, reshaping their focus and portfolio in the restaurant industry.


SPB Hospitality, known for its ownership of popular brands like Krystal and Logan’s Roadhouse, recently made a significant strategic decision to sell five of its brewery brands to Kelly Companies of Southern California. This move marks a pivotal moment for SPB Hospitality as it reshapes its focus and streamlines its portfolio in the competitive restaurant industry.

By divesting Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, ChopHouse & Brewery, Ragtime Tavern, and Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery, SPB Hospitality aims to concentrate its efforts on enhancing its remaining flagship brands. These flagship brands, including Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, Amada Vino + Tapas, and Village Whiskey, are now at the forefront of the company's growth strategy.
Josh Kern, CEO of SPB Hospitality, highlighted the transformative nature of this strategic move, emphasizing the company's commitment to amplifying the growth of its core brands. Kern mentioned that the integration of recently acquired concepts coupled with this divestiture represents a significant chapter for SPB Hospitality.

Kelly Companies of Southern California, a multi-concept restaurant operator, views the acquisition of these brewery brands as an opportunity to strengthen its portfolio and deepen its market presence. With concepts that include Fox & Hound Bar + Grill, Craft Republic Bar & Grill, Lucky Bastard Saloon, and Whiskey River Saloon, Kelly Companies sees the addition of these new brands as a way to enhance their dining experiences for customers.
Michael Kelly, CEO of Kelly Companies of Southern California, expressed the company's commitment to honoring the legacies of the acquired brewery and specialty concepts. He highlighted a dedication to preserving community connections while also exploring avenues for growth and innovation within these renowned establishments.
The transaction involving the sale of 16 restaurants, including flagship and airport locations, signifies a substantial shift in the operational landscape for both SPB Hospitality and Kelly Companies of Southern California. This strategic move opens up new opportunities for growth and market expansion for both entities.
SPB Hospitality is backed by Fortress Investment Group, the parent company of Fortress Credit Corp. portfolio. This sale of brewery brands further underscores the strategic decisions made by Fortress entities within the hospitality sector, following the acquisition of Red Lobster and other key ventures.