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 how Thompson Restaurants division is expanding locations and introducing loyalty and gift card programs to navigate the challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the restaurant industry.
Photo by Manek Singh on Unsplash
Despite the unprecedented challenges faced by the restaurant industry globally, Thompson Hospitality, led by Warren Thompson, views the current scenario as an opportune moment to invest and expand its reach. With over three decades of experience and a diverse portfolio, Thompson sees unique opportunities for growth and market leadership amidst challenges. The company's confidence in launching new initiatives like the loyalty and gift card programs signals a strategic approach to navigating the evolving industry landscape.
Thompson Restaurants, a division of Thompson Hospitality, is strategically positioning itself for growth by expanding its locations beyond its current strongholds in the District of Columbia-Maryland-Virginia region, South Florida, and Columbus, Ohio. The planned expansion into new markets, including Virginia Beach, Va., showcases the company's commitment to broadening its footprint and catering to diverse consumer segments. By introducing universal gift cards and a comprehensive loyalty program, Thompson Restaurants aims to enhance customer experience and foster brand loyalty across all its restaurant brands.
The introduction of universal gift cards and a unified loyalty program by Thompson Restaurants reflects a customer-centric approach aimed at simplifying transactions and rewarding patronage. By leveraging modern technology solutions, the company plans to offer a seamless experience to customers, allowing them to use a single gift card across all Thompson Restaurants brands. Moreover, the unified loyalty program's point system incentivizes guests to accumulate rewards that can be redeemed for exclusive experiences at any Thompson establishment, fostering long-term customer relationships.
Photo by Manek Singh on Unsplash
With the appointment of Alex Berentzen as the chief operating officer of the restaurant division, Thompson Restaurants is reinforcing its leadership team to drive the expansion and innovation agenda forward. Berentzen's extensive experience in the food industry, including roles at Organic Krush Lifestyle Eatery, Fox Restaurant Concepts, and Wegmans Food Markets, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the strategic growth initiatives of the Thompson Restaurants division. His commitment to upholding Thompson Hospitality's core values while expanding into new territories emphasizes the company's dedication to maintaining its foundational principles amidst growth.