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
Stay informed about the recent developments in the restaurant industry, including CEO changes, cyberattacks, and sales trends. Read more to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing restaurant businesses.
Photo by Laurent Perren on Unsplash
Dave & Buster’s, a prominent player in the eatertainment sector, is currently in search of a new CEO following the resignation of Chris Morris. The company announced that Morris decided to step down to explore other opportunities, marking a significant leadership transition. Despite this development, Dave & Buster’s had proactively initiated the process of finding a successor for Morris by engaging a headhunter several months before his resignation. The move signals the company's commitment to ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining strategic leadership in the competitive industry.
Krispy Kreme, a well-known doughnut chain, recently faced a cybersecurity threat that impacted its online ordering systems. The company reported unauthorized activity within its information technology systems on November 29, raising concerns about data security and potential disruptions to customer services. This incident highlights the vulnerability of businesses, even in the food industry, to cyber threats and the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information and maintain operational continuity.
Photo by Laurent Perren on Unsplash
The restaurant industry is experiencing notable shifts in menu pricing and sales performance. Recent data indicates that restaurant menu price inflation is stabilizing, with a modest 0.3% increase recorded last month. In comparison, grocers and other retail food sites saw a slightly higher 0.5% uptick in prices during the same period. This normalization of price changes reflects evolving consumer preferences, market dynamics, and competitive pressures influencing pricing strategies within the food service segment.
Dickey’s, a prominent restaurant chain, is grappling with declining sales and franchise closures, indicating broader industry challenges. Reports revealed that 85 Dickey’s locations shut down in the previous fiscal year, with additional closures reported by franchisees after that period. These closures shed light on the competitive landscape, operational issues, and financial pressures faced by restaurant businesses, underscoring the importance of adaptability, innovation, and strategic management practices in navigating market uncertainties.