Taco Bell Franchise Expansion in Midwest
Southpaw adds 43 Ohio Taco Bell restaurants to its impressive portfolio, highlighting franchise growth and strengthening the Midwest QSR landscape.
Jun 26, 2026
Southpaw adds 43 Ohio Taco Bell restaurants to its impressive portfolio, highlighting franchise growth and strengthening the Midwest QSR landscape.
Jun 26, 2026
Discover how Cicis Pizza's rewards program skyrocketed to over one million members in under a year, driving customer engagement and retention. See the lessons for restaurant loyalty programs.
Jun 26, 2026
Darden Restaurants surpassed $13 billion in sales, fueled by robust performance at LongHorn Steakhouse and innovative menu changes at Olive Garden. Explore the strategies driving this industry giant’s continued dominance.
Jun 26, 2026
The fallout of Pizza Hut's mandated AI delivery system rollout has ignited a $100 million lawsuit from a leading franchisee, highlighting crucial franchisor-franchisee lessons for all restaurant owners.
Jun 26, 2026
Founders Table Restaurant Group acquires fast-casual leader Hopdoddy Burger Bar, expanding its reach to over 200 restaurants and accelerating operational growth across the platform.
Jun 25, 2026
LongHorn Steakhouse surpassed $1 billion in quarterly sales for the first time, driven by strong value perception and menu innovation. Restaurant leaders can draw key lessons for thriving when consumer price sensitivity is high.
Jun 25, 2026
Inspire Brands is preparing for an IPO aiming for a $20B valuation. Discover how giants like Arby’s, Sonic, and Dunkin’ are performing as part of this dynamic portfolio.
Jun 25, 2026
Estepp Energy, known for multi-unit brands like Little Caesars, is adding PJ's Coffee to its Kentucky convenience stores, marking a strategic expansion into specialty coffee.
Jun 24, 2026
Carl's Jr. has launched a "Pass on Jack" marketing campaign rewarding loyalty members with a free Sourdough Star burger for driving past a Jack in the Box to reach a Carl's Jr. location- a direct shot at its California-based burger rival.
Jun 24, 2026
Miso Robotics has acquired Zume Pizza’s technology deck, giving new life to pizza automation and food robotics for forward-thinking restaurant operators.
Jun 24, 2026
Discover the latest holiday menu offerings and seasonal treats from top restaurants. From minty delights to festive classics, explore the flavors of the season!
Photo by fariz albar
During the holiday season, restaurants across the nation engage in a culinary spectacle, unveiling special holiday menus and seasonal treats that capture the essence of the festivities. From peppermint-infused delights to hearty comfort foods, the variety of offerings reflects the diversity of holiday traditions embraced by different cultures.
Photo by fariz albar
One prominent theme across holiday menus is the prevalence of minty creations that evoke the cool, refreshing essence of the season. Restaurants like Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, and Gott’s Roadside offer mint-infused treats that provide a festive twist to traditional flavors. These holiday-adjacent items add a touch of whimsy to the dining experience, appealing to customers seeking a unique holiday indulgence.
Apart from minty offerings, many restaurants introduce seasonal specials that showcase the culinary creativity of their chefs. Whether it's Cinnaholic's holiday-themed pastries or Dunkin’s seasonal drinks, these limited-time offerings create anticipation among patrons eager to sample the latest flavors of the season. Additionally, signature creations like the Conehead Sundae at Friendly’s or the festive treats at Salt & Straw add flair to the holiday dining experience, becoming must-try items for enthusiasts of seasonal delights.
Some restaurants go beyond traditional holiday fare, opting for innovative twists and collaborative creations to stand out in the competitive seasonal market. For example, Rock & Brews' special cocktail collaboration with Bob Dylan or Bonchon's fried cheese on a stick offer unique takes on holiday indulgences. These inventive offerings not only cater to culinary adventurers but also elevate the dining experience with their creative flair and unexpected flavor profiles.
Photo by fariz albar
In the midst of holiday festivities, restaurants like Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant undergo major menu overhauls, refreshing their offerings to align with the spirit of the season. Additionally, establishments like Olive Garden reinstate popular items removed during challenging times, evoking nostalgia and comfort for loyal customers. These revivals and menu updates illustrate the dynamic nature of culinary innovation during the holiday period, catering to evolving consumer preferences and seasonal trends.