How to Franchise a Restaurant
Learn how to franchise a restaurant by building systems, protecting your brand, choosing franchisees, and supporting consistent long-term growth successfully.
May 29, 2026
Learn how to franchise a restaurant by building systems, protecting your brand, choosing franchisees, and supporting consistent long-term growth successfully.
May 29, 2026
Learn how Father's Day promotions, menus, reservations, marketing, and staff training increase restaurant sales while protecting margins and improving performance.
Jun 1, 2026
McDonald’s unveiled McDonald’s Next, a new strategy focused on menu improvements, technology investments, restaurant upgrades and hospitality.
Jun 2, 2026
Explore the operational secrets and business strategy behind Monty's Good Burgers, a trailblazing vegan restaurant in Los Angeles. Discover how culinary innovation, consistent quality, and strategic customer engagement redefine plant-based dining.
Jun 2, 2026
Dutch Bros delivered one of the strongest quarterly performances in its history during Q1 2026, with a 31% revenue increase, 8.3% same-store sales growth, and unaided brand awareness that has more than doubled in 18 months driven by mobile ordering, food menu expansion, loyalty upgrades, and aggressive market density building.
Jun 1, 2026
Fuel costs are emerging as one of the more unpredictable financial pressures facing quick-service restaurant operators running through supply chains, delivery economics, and consumer spending behavior in ways that are harder to anticipate and manage than traditional cost inputs like food and labor.
Jun 1, 2026
Chipotle is quietly testing a new Crispy Chicken protein option in select California restaurants, marking a potential shift in the chain's menu strategy as it looks to accelerate innovation and tap into one of the fastest-growing food categories in the restaurant industry.
Jun 1, 2026
Red Robin has sold 30 company-owned restaurants in Washington and Western Idaho to multi-unit operator Evergreen Dining for $23.5 million in cash, using the proceeds to pay down debt and fund its First Choice turnaround plan as the chain continues to reshape its ownership structure.
Jun 1, 2026
Operators share how to scale: trust the brand’s playbook, plan people, invest early, and navigate the Hell Zone as multi-unit growth accelerates into 2026.
May 31, 2026
Red Lobster will close its 5 Times Square flagship on June 14, 2026, citing construction and office-to-residential conversion; staff offered transfers and pay.
May 31, 2026
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Explore how Dine Brands is focusing on improving restaurant operations and loyalty programs to drive growth for its brands, Applebee’s and IHOP.
Photo by Alexander Shatov
Dine Brands, the parent company of Applebee’s and IHOP, is strategically focusing on enhancing customer loyalty as a key driver for growth. Applebee’s recent introduction of Club Applebee’s loyalty program marks a significant shift in their approach. By offering exclusive benefits and privileges like the Date Night Pass contest, Applebee’s is aiming to increase customer visits and engagement. This initiative resulted in a remarkable 175,000 sign-ups, showcasing the power of tailored loyalty incentives.
Photo by Alexander Shatov
While Applebee’s leverages its strong brand relevance to bolster its Club Applebee’s program, IHOP is pursuing a distinct path to drive growth. IHOP’s focus on operational enhancements aligns with its goal of improving in-restaurant experiences. By streamlining processes, simplifying procedures, and optimizing ingredient usage for efficiency, IHOP is committed to elevating both customer service and employee satisfaction levels.
Applebee’s, under the guidance of Peyton, is drawing insights from IHOP's successful International Bank of Pancakes loyalty program. While IHOP’s program is points-based, Applebee’s is distinguishing itself by offering exclusive privileges and targeted promotions through Club Applebee’s. The aim is to create a sense of belonging and exclusivity for frequent visitors, cultivating a stronger bond between the brand and its loyal customers.
Photo by Alexander Shatov
IHOP’s operational focus, spearheaded by Kim, reflects a dedication to refining internal processes for improved outcomes. By reducing food preparation steps, implementing innovative training methods like short-form videos, and prioritizing cleanliness, IHOP aims to enhance the overall dining experience for both customers and employees. This holistic approach underscores the importance of operational excellence in fostering customer loyalty and staff satisfaction.