The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Coffee Shop Business Plan
Learn how to write a coffee shop business plan that covers concept, location, menu, finances, branding, marketing, and risk planning.
Apr 27, 2026
Learn how to write a coffee shop business plan that covers concept, location, menu, finances, branding, marketing, and risk planning.
Apr 27, 2026
Explore marketing strategies for food businesses using reviews, professional photos, SEO, social media, partnerships, events, and catering.
Apr 28, 2026
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Holiday-driven menu drops fuse nostalgia with wellness, turning menus into living calendars for fast-casual brands.
Apr 28, 2026
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Susannah Frost named Chick-fil-A President, joining Cliff Robinson as COO to guide domestic expansion and international growth.
Apr 28, 2026
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Ghost pepper-led promotions redefine autumn menus as chains blend heat, storytelling, and seasonal collaborations to drive foot traffic.
Apr 28, 2026
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CAVA rolls out Garlic Ranch Pita Chips with a Steak + Harissa Bowl and a refreshed Rewards program, tying flavor innovation to personalized guest experiences.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Kate Trysh on Unsplash
Applebee’s launches Pick 6 Mondays, offering free wings with a $10 purchase when a Pick 6 occurs on Sundays, driving game-day momentum across dine-in and To Go.
Apr 28, 2026
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Beatrice Nguyen explores how leadership blends speed, loyalty, and standardized operations to grow Shake Shack while preserving its signature experience.
Apr 28, 2026
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Freddy’s expands with a 23,000-sq-ft Training & Innovation Center to boost franchise profitability and unit growth toward 800+ by 2026.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Shourav Sheikh on Unsplash
Chapter 11 roils EYM’s Pizza Hut footprint, with auctions and asset sales reordering stores across IL, WI, IN, GA, and SC.
Apr 28, 2026
Discover how El Pollo Loco's CEO, Liz Williams, transformed restaurant operations to drive efficiency, cost savings, and elevate employee performance.

Upon assuming the role of CEO at El Pollo Loco, Liz Williams embarked on a mission to enhance operational efficiency within the restaurant chain. By prioritizing margin improvement and identifying quick wins, Williams aimed to bring margins back to desired levels, creating a more sustainable business model. This strategic focus on efficiency is crucial for long-term success in the competitive restaurant industry.

To bolster sales and attract a broader customer base, El Pollo Loco introduced a range of value offerings, including $5 deals on bowls, salads, and burritos. By expanding the menu to cater to different price points, the chain aimed to provide customers with diverse options, showcasing its commitment to offering value in multiple ways. This approach not only drives transactions but also prevents the brand from being pigeonholed as a discount-focused establishment.

Under Williams' leadership, El Pollo Loco shifted its product strategy to prioritize innovation and brand relevance. By focusing on launching new products and revamping the marketing calendar to showcase fresh offerings, the chain aims to stay ahead of consumer preferences and trends. The introduction of unique items like mango habanero chicken and a potential chicken sandwich signals a departure from industry norms and a step towards asserting its brand identity.
In a bid to optimize costs and streamline operations, El Pollo Loco rolled out new restaurant prototypes and integrated technology solutions like kiosks. By embracing contemporary designs and utilizing technology for efficiency, the chain not only reduces build costs but also enhances the overall customer experience. This strategic approach aligns with modernizing the brand and catering to evolving consumer preferences.
Employee training and development played a vital role in the operational overhaul led by Liz Williams. By implementing new standards and focusing on labor deployment, El Pollo Loco aimed to improve service speed and quality. Empowering employees with the right skills and placing them in strategic roles enhances overall operational effectiveness, leading to a better customer experience and increased operational productivity.