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 impact of the Panera case and DOL regulations on franchisee child labor violations. Learn about the key aspects of the case and its implications.
Photo by Wim van 't Einde on Unsplash
The Panera case has stirred significant attention due to its short yet impactful nature. The complaint against Panera, spanning only three pages, raises concerns about alleged violations without providing detailed assessments of damages. Despite the brevity of the document, the case carries weight due to Panera's wide-reaching franchise network. The lawsuit focuses on the Covelli firm, a major operator running 29 Panera locations in Florida's Orlando and Tampa areas, which collectively contribute to Panera's 2,200 unit chain.
The Department of Labor (DOL) regulations regarding child labor play a crucial role in cases like Panera's. The statute cited by the DOL outlines strict restrictions on the employment of minors aged 14 and 15. These regulations limit work hours for minors to prevent exploitation, with a cap of 40 hours in non-school weeks, 18 hours in school weeks, 8 hours on non-school days, and 3 hours on school days. Additionally, the DOL mandates that work hours for minors be between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. extended to 9 p.m. during the summer.
Photo by Wim van 't Einde on Unsplash
The Panera case also sheds light on the political undercurrents affecting regulatory scrutiny on franchisee child labor violations. Under the Trump administration, the Department of Labor, led by Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, continues to focus on addressing these issues, indicating a carryover from the policies set by the previous administration. Moreover, data shows a significant increase in child labor citations from $3.6 million in fiscal year 2020 to $15.2 million in fiscal 2024 under the Biden administration, signifying a heightened regulatory stance on these violations.