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 appointment of Jason Cochran as the new Chief Operating Officer of Sweetgreen and the impact of his extensive operational experience in the restaurant industry.
Photo by Aubrey Odom
Jason Cochran, previously CEO of American West Restaurant Group, has taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Sweetgreen after Rossann Williams. With a background in leading major franchise operations at Pizza Hut and driving successful turnarounds at Chipotle, Cochran brings a wealth of experience in optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing customer experience. His focus on scaling businesses, enhancing organizational culture, and delivering value aligns with Sweetgreen's vision for growth and sustainability.
Photo by Aubrey Odom
Cochran's tenure at Chipotle during its revival phase under Brian Niccol positions him well to navigate Sweetgreen's operational challenges. His experience in overseeing a significant restaurant franchise, coupled with a successful track record at a pioneering fast-casual chain, equips him with the strategic acumen needed to drive Sweetgreen towards profitability. The operational intricacies of the restaurant industry demand a leader who can innovate and adapt to market dynamics, which Cochran's background suggests he is well-equipped for.
Photo by Aubrey Odom
Sweetgreen, despite its innovation initiatives and expansion efforts, faces profitability constraints. Cochran's experience in the competitive fast-casual sector, particularly at Chipotle, where he witnessed a remarkable turnaround, could provide valuable insights for Sweetgreen's growth trajectory. As the salad industry becomes increasingly competitive, with new entrants like Salad and Go gaining momentum, Cochran's strategic oversight will be pivotal in positioning Sweetgreen as a leader in the market. Emulating successful strategies from rivals like Just Salad showcases the importance of adapting to industry trends and consumer preferences to drive sustained growth.