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.
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Learn how to write a coffee shop business plan that covers concept, location, menu, finances, branding, marketing, and risk planning.
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Explore marketing strategies for food businesses using reviews, professional photos, SEO, social media, partnerships, events, and catering.
Apr 28, 2026
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Holiday-driven menu drops fuse nostalgia with wellness, turning menus into living calendars for fast-casual brands.
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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.
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Ghost pepper-led promotions redefine autumn menus as chains blend heat, storytelling, and seasonal collaborations to drive foot traffic.
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CAVA rolls out Garlic Ranch Pita Chips with a Steak + Harissa Bowl and a refreshed Rewards program, tying flavor innovation to personalized guest experiences.
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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.
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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
Explore how Domino's Pizza leverages rewards programs to boost sales, focusing on carryout orders and customer loyalty. Learn about the benefits of lower point thresholds and the impact on Domino's business.
Photo by Adhitya Sibikumar on Unsplash
Domino's recent 3.4% same-store sales increase can be attributed to various factors, including the popularity of their Parmesan Stuffed Crust pizza and successful partnerships in third-party delivery services. However, a significant boost came from the strategic implementation of rewards programs and the emphasis on carryout orders. Offering rewards at lower point thresholds has proven to be a game-changer for Domino's, allowing infrequent users to redeem free items more quickly. By reducing the redemption threshold to 20 or 40 points from the previous 60 points, Domino's has effectively attracted more customers, especially in the carryout segment.
Lowering the point thresholds for rewards redemption not only enhances customer satisfaction by granting quicker access to free items but also drives higher spending. Domino's Chief Financial Officer, Stu Levy, highlighted this phenomenon, mentioning how customers tend to include additional side items when redeeming rewards at the 20 or 40-point levels. This behavior leads to higher average ticket values compared to free pizza redemptions. The strategic alignment of rewards programs with customer spending habits has significantly contributed to Domino's revenue growth.
With a focus on increasing customer loyalty, Domino's has seen substantial membership growth in its rewards program. While management did not disclose total reward users, the chain managed to add 2.5 million new members in the previous year, reaching an impressive 35.7 million members. This expansion in the loyalty program not only indicates Domino's ability to attract new customers but also cultivates repeat business and brand loyalty. The continuous acquisition of customers into the rewards program has resulted in a compounding effect on the carryout business, driving sales and enhancing customer retention.
To further enhance the carryout experience and capitalize on the growing trend of online ordering, Domino's is currently testing a new e-commerce platform. This new platform aims to streamline the ordering process, improve customer engagement, and offer a more convenient and personalized experience for carryout customers. By investing in e-commerce technologies and website enhancements, Domino's is not only adapting to changing consumer preferences but also staying ahead in the competitive food delivery landscape. The anticipated rollout of the new platform signifies Domino's commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable growth.