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 the inspiring journey of The Granola Bar founders from a homemade granola business to a thriving restaurant chain. Learn about their growth strategies and entrepreneurial lessons.


Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily, the founders of The Granola Bar, began their journey with a simple homemade granola business. What started as a casual meeting at a kid's birthday party led to the formation of a strong friendship and a shared passion for creating wholesome and delicious food. Their chance encounter, where their daughters sat next to each other, set the foundation for a successful entrepreneurial venture.
In 2013, The Granola Bar transitioned from a homemade granola business to a full-fledged restaurant concept. With a focus on serving breakfast and lunch in a modern diner setting, Mountain and Noorily brought their vision to life. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere of The Granola Bar quickly became a favorite spot for locals, attracting a loyal customer base.
Despite the challenges of the competitive restaurant industry, The Granola Bar successfully expanded its footprint to operate eight locations across Connecticut and New York. This strategic growth allowed the brand to reach a larger audience and cater to diverse communities, showcasing the founders' ability to scale their business effectively.

Recognizing the need for experienced leadership to navigate further expansion, Mountain and Noorily made the pivotal decision to hire Richard Zoob as the CEO of The Granola Bar. With Zoob's extensive background in leading renowned brands, such as Sweetgreen and Dinosaur BBQ, the founders aimed to leverage his expertise in steering the company towards sustained growth and development.

Mountain and Noorily's entrepreneurial journey with The Granola Bar is filled with valuable lessons. From taking calculated risks to adapting to market demands, the cofounders have learned to embrace challenges and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. Their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build a successful business with determination and resilience.