Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash
Franchise Frenzy: Cross-Border Growth
A look at how U.S. brands expand through multi-unit deals, cross-border partnerships, and seasoned operators in 2026.
Apr 29, 2026
Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash
A look at how U.S. brands expand through multi-unit deals, cross-border partnerships, and seasoned operators in 2026.
Apr 29, 2026
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
McDonald’s unveils six beverages across 14,000 restaurants on May 6, expanding McCafé with Refresher and crafted sodas and a new store-level beverage specialist role.
Apr 29, 2026
Learn how to write a coffee shop business plan that covers concept, location, menu, finances, branding, marketing, and risk planning.
Apr 27, 2026
Explore marketing strategies for food businesses using reviews, professional photos, SEO, social media, partnerships, events, and catering.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by shen wenjie on Unsplash
Holiday-driven menu drops fuse nostalgia with wellness, turning menus into living calendars for fast-casual brands.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Abdul Raheem Kannath on Unsplash
Susannah Frost named Chick-fil-A President, joining Cliff Robinson as COO to guide domestic expansion and international growth.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Moon Bhuyan on Unsplash
Ghost pepper-led promotions redefine autumn menus as chains blend heat, storytelling, and seasonal collaborations to drive foot traffic.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Noah Martinez on Unsplash
CAVA rolls out Garlic Ranch Pita Chips with a Steak + Harissa Bowl and a refreshed Rewards program, tying flavor innovation to personalized guest experiences.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Kate Trysh on Unsplash
Applebee’s launches Pick 6 Mondays, offering free wings with a $10 purchase when a Pick 6 occurs on Sundays, driving game-day momentum across dine-in and To Go.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Stu Moffat on Unsplash
Beatrice Nguyen explores how leadership blends speed, loyalty, and standardized operations to grow Shake Shack while preserving its signature experience.
Apr 28, 2026
Learn how airport openings present a lucrative channel for food chains like Wahlburgers to maximize brand exposure and reach new audiences. Explore the strategies and benefits of expanding into non-traditional locations.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
With the closure of several grocery store locations, chains like Wahlburgers are turning to non-traditional venues to maintain their presence and expand their customer base. By opening in locations such as casinos, ballparks, and racecourses, they can tap into diverse audiences beyond their typical restaurant settings.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
While developing airport units may require time and investment, they present a lucrative opportunity for food chains. Airports provide high-volume, high-sales environments with captive audiences, making them ideal for boosting revenue and increasing brand visibility. For brands like Wahlburgers, airports offer a unique platform to introduce their concept to travelers who might not have encountered it elsewhere.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Expanding into airports offers several advantages for food chains. It allows them to reach a diverse and international customer base, catering to travelers from various backgrounds and regions. Additionally, airport locations can serve as marketing hubs, creating brand awareness among a vast audience. Furthermore, the exposure gained from airport openings can translate into increased foot traffic and sales at other locations of the chain.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Despite the potential benefits, entering airport locations comes with its own set of challenges. Food chains must navigate airport regulations, security protocols, and operational intricacies unique to these environments. Maintaining brand consistency and quality standards across different locations while adapting to the airport setting can be demanding. Moreover, the competition within airports is intense, requiring distinctive marketing strategies to stand out among other food options.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Several notable brands, including California Pizza Kitchen, Slim Chickens, Shake Shack, and Donatos, have embraced airport strategies to expand their reach and enhance brand recognition. By establishing a presence in airports, these chains have capitalized on the captive audience and the lucrative potential of these locations. The trend towards non-traditional openings, particularly in airports, signifies a shift in the food industry's marketing and growth strategies.