10 Must-Have Restaurant Technology Tools
Discover ten essential technology tools that help restaurant owners streamline operations, control costs, improve accuracy, and support better daily decisions.
Jul 31, 2026
Discover ten essential technology tools that help restaurant owners streamline operations, control costs, improve accuracy, and support better daily decisions.
Jul 31, 2026
Jersey Mike’s $1 billion IPO highlights big ambitions in franchising and international expansion, although shares dipped on debut. Restaurant owners take note - here’s what the move means for growth strategies ahead.
Jul 31, 2026
Every restaurant owner knows the industry is challenging, but failure is rarely caused by a single issue. From labor management and food costs to cash flow and technology decisions, here's what separates struggling restaurants from successful ones.
Jul 31, 2026
Discover how Chipotle’s Recipe for Growth is driving record sales, operational excellence, and digital innovation - insights for every restaurant leader.
Jul 30, 2026
Learn food cost management strategies to control inventory, reduce waste, improve purchasing, standardize portions, optimize pricing, and protect restaurant profits.
Jul 29, 2026
Grow your restaurant's email marketing list using websites, QR codes, loyalty programs, social media, incentives, events, and customer signups effectively.
Jul 29, 2026
DoorDash is changing how it calculates delivery and service fees, with longer-distance orders likely to cost more and shorter, larger orders set to stay the same or decrease.
Jul 29, 2026
Whataburger welcomes financial veteran Ryan Moore as its new CFO, signaling a strategic focus on national expansion and sustainable growth for the iconic brand.
Jul 29, 2026
Improve kitchen ticket times with practical strategies for better preparation, smoother workflows, stronger communication, smarter staffing, and effective restaurant technology.
Jul 27, 2026
PopUp Bagels welcomes industry veteran Mike Smith as Chief Operating Officer to lead their next phase of growth, putting quality and guest experience at the forefront.
Jul 28, 2026
Discover how Artistry Restaurants' acquisition of Hickory Tavern is reshaping the restaurant landscape and expanding its brand portfolio.

Artistry Restaurants, based in Winter Park, Fla., made a significant move by acquiring the 20-unit Hickory Tavern casual-dining concept. Founded in 1997, Hickory Tavern has been a beloved gathering spot for locals in North Carolina and South Carolina. This acquisition marks Artistry's expansion into these states for the first time, bolstering its total managed locations to 50 and making Hickory Tavern the seventh brand in the company's diverse portfolio.

Bryan Lockwood, CEO of Artistry Restaurants, highlighted the seamless fit of Hickory Tavern within their brand portfolio, emphasizing Hickory Tavern's reputation for top-notch service and community engagement. This strategic acquisition is set to enhance Artistry's presence in the hospitality industry, showcasing the company's commitment to offering unique dining experiences and further solidifying its position in the market.

With the acquisition, Artistry Restaurants named Paul Zito as the President of the Hickory Tavern brand. Zito, known for his expertise in revitalizing establishments and building high-performance teams, brings valuable experience to elevate Hickory Tavern's standing in the market. Reporting to Jason Brooks, Artistry's COO, Zito's leadership is poised to drive growth and innovation within the brand.
The acquisition of Hickory Tavern aligns with Artistry Restaurants' strategic vision for growth and diversification. This move comes on the heels of the company's announcement of the upcoming launch of The Chapman, a new dining concept in Winter Park, Fla. By expanding its brand portfolio with innovative concepts, Artistry demonstrates its commitment to evolving with the changing landscape of the restaurant industry.
In addition to Hickory Tavern, Artistry Restaurants operates five other acquired brands, including Oak & Stone, Shrimp Basket, Boca, Atlantic Beer & Oyster, and Sandbar Amelia Island. This diverse portfolio reflects the company's adaptability and foresight in curating a range of dining experiences to cater to different market segments and consumer preferences.