Indiana Cuts Off I Heart Mac & Cheese Franchise Sales
Indiana bans I Heart Mac & Cheese franchise sales after FDD omissions; court orders refunds and penalties as regulators escalate disclosure enforcement.
Jun 8, 2026
Indiana bans I Heart Mac & Cheese franchise sales after FDD omissions; court orders refunds and penalties as regulators escalate disclosure enforcement.
Jun 8, 2026
Portillo’s plans a 5,500-sq-ft inline flagship on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, reflecting a strategic reset toward smaller, omnichannel formats.
Jun 8, 2026
Same-store sales up 8%, margins above 28%, and at least 185 new shops in 2026 as Dutch Bros targets 2,029 units by 2029 amid cold-drink competition.
Jun 8, 2026
TGI Fridays is celebrating June with soccer-inspired menu items, specialty drinks, shareable platters, and Father's Day dining offers available at participating locations nationwide.
Jun 8, 2026
Wendy's has appointed Amber Y. Luster as its first-ever Chief Tasting Officer, a newly created $100,000 role focused on menu feedback, brand content, and representing the voice of Wendy's most passionate fans
Jun 8, 2026
Chipotle is expanding its international presence through strategic partnerships, new market entries, and technology investments while maintaining steady restaurant growth and managing inflation pressures.
Jun 8, 2026
GoTo Foods has named Ama Romaine as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, adding nearly 20 years of legal, franchise, and operational leadership experience to support the company's growth strategy.
Jun 8, 2026
As fewer Americans drink, bar-focused franchises lean on tech, events, and broader beverage menus to grow. Tapville, Brass Tap, and Waters Edge adapt.
Jun 7, 2026
Chick-fil-A and CloudKitchens debut a delivery-only ghost kitchen in Miami’s Wynwood, featuring all-day Chick-N-Minis and late-night hours.
Jun 7, 2026
Chill-N uses algorithmic nitrogen flash-freezing to deliver consistent texture, build loyalty, and scale a 16-unit franchise while managing safety and compliance.
Jun 7, 2026
Direct orders tighten control over guest relationships, while loyalty programs shift to experiential growth. A new era for pizza delivery unfolds.
Photo by Lukas Bee.
Direct orders are taking center stage as pizza operators balance two core pressures: rising third-party commissions and the erosion of first-party data. Aggregators offer breadth and convenience, but brands worry about losing control of the guest relationship and the long-term value of repeat visits. In this new reality, loyalty and direct-order initiatives are no longer optional; they are strategic must-haves that define the path to sustainable growth. The industry sees the battlefield shift from breadth to the quality of the owned channel experience. The short-term uplift from marketplace networks is acknowledged, but the real prize is a frictionless journey that keeps guests on owned platforms. The time to act is now: Stage is set for a direct-to-consumer pivot:
Direct orders are taking center stage as pizza operators balance two core pressures: rising third-party commissions and the erosion of first-party data. Aggregators offer breadth and convenience, but brands worry about losing control of the guest relationship and the long-term value of repeat visits. In this new reality, loyalty and direct-order initiatives are no longer optional; they are strategic must-haves that define the path to sustainable growth. The industry sees the battlefield shift from breadth to the quality of the owned channel experience. The short-term uplift from marketplace networks is acknowledged, but the real prize is a frictionless journey that keeps guests on owned platforms. The time to act is now: Stage is set for a direct-to-consumer pivot:
Zach Goldstein, founder and CEO of Thanx, puts the market reality bluntly: “It’s been proven that the answer is yes, you have to play with third-party. It’s part of how diners expect to get food from restaurants.” Yet he cautions there’s a data gap. “It’s a battle for the lifetime value of the customer. It’s very difficult to drive repeat purchasing from customers on third-party when you don’t really have a way to influence them.” The takeaway is plain: efficiency and frictionless digital experiences on owned channels are the new battleground for repeat visits, even as brands acknowledge the short-term uplift from third-party networks. Success hinges on aligning orders, loyalty, and data access in one seamless flow. The market is testing this alignment now, with early pilots and measured metrics guiding the way: