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
Understand how to evaluate a Kiosk system using key criteria including features, POS integration, hardware, pricing, customer experience, and support.
Aug 31, 2026
Learn how to calculate restaurant cost of goods using inventory, purchases, COGS percentage, variance reviews, and regular tracking for profitability.
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
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
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
Create a practical restaurant marketing plan by setting goals, targeting customers, choosing channels, budgeting wisely, scheduling campaigns, and measuring results.
Aug 24, 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
A payroll advance policy helps restaurant owners define eligibility, limits, repayment, documentation, approval procedures, and compliance requirements for employee advances.
Aug 24, 2026
Unlock Exclusive Access To Webinars, Events, And The Latest News For Free!
Explore how Smoothie King leverages innovation, market expansion, and competitive strategies to enhance its position in the smoothie chain industry.

Smoothie chains, such as Smoothie King, have recognized the power of product innovation in capturing consumer interest. The introduction of the 'Hydration' menu category, featuring drinks with fruit flavors and electrolyte-heavy ingredients, showcases a keen understanding of current health trends. By offering beverages focused on post-workout recovery, gut health, and meal replacement, Smoothie King aligns with consumer preferences for functional and health-forward menu items.

With significant private equity backing and a plan to open 100 stores in a year, Smoothie King demonstrates a commitment to strategic market expansion. Partnering with Main Post Partners, known for its success with high-growth franchises like Jimmy John's, provides Smoothie King with the expertise needed to enter new markets effectively. Jeff Mills highlighting Smoothie King’s product innovation as a key investment driver underlines the brand's focus on continuous growth and adaptation to market demands.
Smoothie King's emphasis on clean blends, customer service, and category leadership positions the brand as a key player in the competitive smoothie chain market. Despite closely matching competitors in unit count, such as Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Smoothie King faces challenges in unit economics. While Tropical Smoothie Cafe enjoys higher average net revenue, Smoothie King remains focused on leveraging innovation and market expansion to enhance its competitive position.
To support its growth and competitive strategy, Smoothie King has made key leadership appointments and invested in technology. Promoting CFO Gavin Felder to president and hiring a chief information officer from Red Robin reflect the brand's commitment to organizational development and technological advancement. A comprehensive technology strategy is essential for streamlining operations and enhancing the customer experience in an increasingly digital-centric market.