QSR Visits Drop- What Operators Must Know
Quick-service restaurant visits dipped 4.4% in May, while diners gravitate toward full-service. Explore what's driving the trend and actionable insights for your operation.
Jul 6, 2026
Quick-service restaurant visits dipped 4.4% in May, while diners gravitate toward full-service. Explore what's driving the trend and actionable insights for your operation.
Jul 6, 2026
Tiki Taco expands its Kansas City presence with a new Liberty-adjacent location, highlighting local growth, community ties, and what this means for restaurant operators watching rising independent brands.
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Jersey Mike’s plans an IPO, showcasing sharp growth and franchise strength - a move with ripple effects for restaurant owners watching industry trends.
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QR code menu helps restaurants update items faster, improve mobile ordering, reduce printing costs, and track customer behavior over time.
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McDonald’s welcomes Bryan Brown as chief development officer, leveraging his experience to drive store modernization and support the “NEXT” strategy for franchisees and teams.
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Compare the top 10 restaurant POS systems in the USA for 2026. Explore features, pricing, pros, cons, and the best POS options for every restaurant type.
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Explore the latest restaurant industry performance report for Q2 2026, including key restaurant industry trends, segment performance, and labor challenges.
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Explore Blaze Pizza's recent menu overhaul and the introduction of new signature items. Learn about the company's innovation strategies and future plans.
Photo by Chelsea shapouri
Blaze Pizza, known for its build-your-own pizza concept, decided to reinvent its signature pizza line to offer customers a more compelling and value-driven experience. The new signature pizzas, introduced by CEO Beto Guajardo, come with more ingredients and enhanced value while maintaining the same price point. This strategic move aims to cater to a wider customer base and elevate the overall dining experience.
In addition to the revamped signature pizzas, Blaze Pizza introduced a range of innovative menu items to entice customers. The Spicy Pepperoni Fast Fire’d Fold, inspired by calzones and strombolis, offers a unique portable pizza experience. Other additions such as the Cinnamon Bread and flavorful drizzles like Hot Chili Oil and Sweet Hot Honey showcase the brand's commitment to creativity and honoring traditional pizza culture with a modern twist.
Photo by Chelsea shapouri
Franchisees like Aret Lerian and Martha Olmos have embraced Blaze Pizza's innovative menu changes, recognizing the importance of continuous evolution in the competitive restaurant industry. Lerian's initial skepticism transformed into admiration after experiencing the new menu, highlighting the brand's ability to impress even seasoned pizza enthusiasts. Olmos emphasized the vitality of innovation for sustaining brand relevance and customer engagement.
Ensuring that frontline staff delivers the new menu items flawlessly, Blaze Pizza invested in comprehensive training programs led by key executives like COO Johnny Tellez. The focus on quality parameters such as Golden brown crusts, Evenly topped ingredients, and Thin and crispy textures demonstrates the company's dedication to consistency and customer satisfaction. Micro training sessions further equip employees with the skills to uphold Blaze's pizza-making standards.
Photo by Chelsea shapouri
Looking ahead, Blaze Pizza, under the direction of Chief Development Officer Kevin Moran, is set to expand its footprint and attract new franchisees. With a strategic focus on menu diversification and ongoing innovation, the company aims to stay competitive in the market and showcase its commitment to brand growth. The introduction of remodels for new units and flexible store footprints reflects Blaze's adaptability to evolving industry challenges.
Beyond menu enhancements, Blaze Pizza solidified its dedication to social responsibility by partnering with Folds of Honor, a charity supporting military families. Initiatives like 'Trail Blaze-ing Pie-oneers' highlight the brand's commitment to community impact, with donations to charitable causes and programs like Flames of Support. These efforts underscore Blaze's holistic approach to business, integrating philanthropy with operational success.