Restaurant Technology Trends in 2026
Explore restaurant technology trends in 2026, including AI, automation, digital ordering, workforce tools, connected kitchens, personalization, and profitability strategies today.
Aug 28, 2026
Explore restaurant technology trends in 2026, including AI, automation, digital ordering, workforce tools, connected kitchens, personalization, and profitability strategies today.
Aug 28, 2026
Learn how to calculate restaurant cost of goods using inventory, purchases, COGS percentage, variance reviews, and regular tracking for profitability.
Aug 31, 2026
Understand how to evaluate a Kiosk system using key criteria including features, POS integration, hardware, pricing, customer experience, and support.
Aug 31, 2026
Learn the startup costs of opening an ice cream shop, including rent, equipment, renovations, permits, inventory, labor, marketing, and reserves.
Aug 28, 2026
RaceTrac has appointed Jill Pemberton as chief financial officer, succeeding Karla Ahlert, who moves into the newly created role of chief administrative officer.
Aug 26, 2026
A restaurant P&L statement reveals sales, expenses, and profits, helping owners manage costs, improve margins, and plan finances more effectively.
Aug 26, 2026
Learn practical ways to reduce labour costs through smarter scheduling, forecasting, productivity, cross-training, automation, overtime control, and performance monitoring strategies.
Aug 26, 2026
Create a practical restaurant marketing plan by setting goals, targeting customers, choosing channels, budgeting wisely, scheduling campaigns, and measuring results.
Aug 24, 2026
Blaze Pizza welcomes Tracy Stockard as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing decades of brand and franchise experience to drive strategic growth and guest engagement.
Aug 25, 2026
Levain Bakery appoints Lorna Sommerville and Taya Stenson as co-CEOs, blending operational and marketing expertise to power national expansion and innovation while staying rooted in its brand values.
Aug 25, 2026
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Discover how restaurants like Zaxbys are leveraging late-night dining to attract customers, along with insights into industry trends and strategies.

Zaxbys has taken a unique stance in the restaurant industry by incentivizing late-night visits through daypart-specific deals. By extending their operating hours to attract customers during the evening hours, Zaxbys has positioned itself as a go-to destination for post-dinner cravings and late-night gatherings. This strategy not only caters to existing customers but also attracts a new segment of diners who are looking for convenient dining options outside traditional hours.

Zaxbys is not the only player recognizing the potential in late-night dining. Various other chains, such as Waffle House, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s, White Castle, and Portillo's, have all made strategic moves to capitalize on the trend. From extending operating hours to introducing delivery options and enhancing menu offerings specifically for late-night diners, these restaurants are adapting to meet the evolving preferences of consumers seeking dining options beyond standard hours.

The shift towards late-night dining is a response to changing consumer behavior and lifestyle trends. With busy schedules and a desire for more flexibility, customers increasingly seek dining options that accommodate their late-night activities. By staying open later and offering tailored promotions during off-peak hours, restaurants can tap into a new revenue stream and enhance customer loyalty by providing convenient dining solutions.

As Zaxbys expands into new markets, like Maryland, the brand is not just introducing menu changes but also revamping its marketing and operational approaches. By promoting limited-time offerings to permanent menu items, introducing value-driven boxed meals, and deploying technology like drive-thru cameras for better service metrics, Zaxbys is strategically positioning itself for success in both existing and new markets. Leveraging popular menu items like dipping sauces further amplifies the brand's appeal to customers in the competitive chicken chain landscape.