Wendy’s New Playbook for Traffic & Quality
With traffic and sales slipping, Wendy’s new CEO Bob Wright sets a bold multi-pronged plan to restore food quality, brand value, and operational execution.
Aug 10, 2026
With traffic and sales slipping, Wendy’s new CEO Bob Wright sets a bold multi-pronged plan to restore food quality, brand value, and operational execution.
Aug 10, 2026
Explore practical ways to manage restaurant overhead costs while protecting service quality, employee productivity, food standards, and long-term profitability goals.
Aug 7, 2026
Get more restaurant reviews by creating memorable experiences, asking customers at the right time, simplifying feedback, and monitoring review performance.
Aug 7, 2026
Yum! Brands has finalized a $1.2B deal to transfer Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, signaling big strategic moves for both global franchisors and operators.
Aug 7, 2026
Panera Bread appoints industry veteran Andy Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer, ushering in a new era of brand growth and consumer engagement.
Aug 7, 2026
Portillo’s trims 18% of its corporate staff in a bid to refocus resources on restaurant excellence and navigate operational challenges. Discover what the changes mean for the chain’s future.
Aug 7, 2026
Portillo’s trims corporate and field roles by 18% in a strategic shake-up to support future growth after soft traffic and sales. Read what this means for multi-unit operators.
Aug 6, 2026
Dutch Bros invests $105 million to acquire Salad and Go’s closed locations, targeting rapid expansion in key southern markets. Learn what this means for multi-unit restaurant owners and operators.
Aug 6, 2026
Scheduling software helps restaurants save time, control labor costs, improve communication, prevent conflicts, support compliance, and make smarter staffing decisions.
Aug 5, 2026
Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
Aug 5, 2026
Discover the story behind Hot 'n Now's comeback in the fast-food industry. Learn about its history, challenges, and plans for expansion.


Hot 'n Now, the iconic fast-food burger concept founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1984, is poised for a remarkable comeback, thanks to Gun Lakes Investments' strategic acquisition of the brand name. With plans to open two new locations in Michigan this year and a vision for further expansion in the future, Hot 'n Now is ready to reclaim its position in the hearts of fast-food enthusiasts.
The journey of Hot 'n Now has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by ownership changes, acquisitions, and setbacks. After being acquired by Taco Bell in 1990 and eventually sold in 1996, the chain faced turbulent times, leading to a bankruptcy filing in 2004. However, true to its resilient spirit, Hot 'n Now persevered, survived, and is now gearing up for a remarkable resurgence.
Hot 'n Now's plan to focus on drive-thru and walk-up-only locations with modular buildings signifies a strategic move towards catering to modern consumer preferences for convenience and speed. By partnering with Jeff Konczak's B Cubed Manufacturing, the brand is embracing innovation while staying true to its roots, setting the stage for a successful renaissance.
With the announcement of new Hot 'n Now locations in Michigan, residents and fans of the brand have reason to rejoice. The revival of Hot 'n Now not only brings back nostalgic memories but also represents a beacon of hope in the local fast-food scene, injecting new life and excitement into the industry.
The collaboration between Gun Lakes Investments and developer Jeff Konczak to form HNN Holdings LLC showcases a synergy of vision, dedication, and expertise. Monica King, CEO of GLI, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the shared energy and passion that will drive Hot 'n Now's resurgence. This partnership paves the way for a bright future for the brand.