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 involvement of activist investor Elliott Management in Starbucks, the implications for the coffee chain, and the dynamics with Starbucks CEO and former leadership.
Photo by Fabian Albert on Unsplash
Elliott Management, a prominent hedge fund based in West Palm Beach, Fla., has made headlines with its recent stake in Starbucks. Known for taking on activist investor roles in struggling companies, Elliott's interest in Starbucks signals a potential shakeup in the coffee chain's operations. Apart from Starbucks, Elliott Management has also been engaging with other corporations like Southwest Airlines, showcasing its active role in corporate governance.
Starbucks, a key player in the coffee industry, has encountered challenges in its financial performance, leading to negative same-store sales. With Elliott Management pressuring for changes and potential board representation, Starbucks is at a pivotal juncture. The dynamics between Elliott and Starbucks former CEO Howard Schultz hint at underlying tensions, reflecting differing views on leadership strategies and the company's direction.
Photo by Fabian Albert on Unsplash
The proposed deal by Elliott Management to expand the board while allowing Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan to retain his position underscores the complexities in leadership discussions. The clash between Schultz and Narasimhan highlights the challenges in aligning visions for Starbucks. As activists like Elliott push for changes, the coffee chain faces crucial decisions on governance, strategy, and maintaining its competitive edge in the market.
The scenario of activist investors engaging with foodservice companies during periods of distress is not uncommon. Companies like Starboard Value LLP have a track record of reviving struggling businesses by playing an active role in their turnaround. From Darden Restaurants to Papa Johns, activist investors have influenced significant changes, indicating a broader trend of investor activism in the food and beverage sector.