Wingstop’s Expansion Runs Hot as Comps Cool
Wingstop adds 382 U.S. units to 3,056 total as comps dip; 2026 outlook hinges on loyalty, Smart Kitchen, and category tailwinds.
Jul 20, 2026
Wingstop adds 382 U.S. units to 3,056 total as comps dip; 2026 outlook hinges on loyalty, Smart Kitchen, and category tailwinds.
Jul 20, 2026
Topgolf Media Networks turns 100+ venues into an ad platform with 42M visits and 28,000 screens, tapping retail media tactics for measurable brand activations.
Jul 20, 2026
Discover how Fresh off the Boat in Santa Ana has built a thriving, health-focused Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant. Explore operational insights, business strategies, and the customer experience that set this unique concept apart.
Jul 20, 2026
Burger King launches its “Your Way Champion” managerial role, focusing on guest experience, order customization, and staff engagement. Restaurant operators can glean insights for elevating hospitality in their own venues.
Jul 20, 2026
If your restaurant is busy but profits feel thin, food cost is usually the first place to look. Not because it is always the problem, but because it is the most controllable variable in your P&L.
Jul 20, 2026
Domino’s leverages rising order volumes to boost revenue and market share despite industry challenges in Q2 2026, offering key lessons for restaurant owners.
Jul 20, 2026
Thomas Keller Restaurant Group will pay $2M to settle an EEOC harassment and retaliation case tied to Bouchon Las Vegas, closing a long-running action from 2018.
Jul 19, 2026
Fresh Kitchen names Bill Knopf and Matt Livingston to lead operations and development as the clean-label bowl brand targets growth beyond 100 locations.
Jul 18, 2026
Hardee’s franchisee Superior Star filed Chapter 11 after a 2023 deal revealed unpaid taxes, costly repairs, and lease burdens; plans to reject leases and refocus.
Jul 18, 2026
Cinnabon posted a net gain of 308 U.S. units in 2025 and launched Seattle’s Best Coffee in 2026 to boost beverage mix, margins, and franchise-driven expansion.
Jul 18, 2026
Learn about the recent acquisition of MOD Pizza by Elite Restaurant Group and its implications for the fast-casual dining industry.
Photo by Luca Bravo
Photo by Luca Bravo
The recent acquisition of MOD Pizza by Elite Restaurant Group marks a significant development in the fast-casual dining market. With MOD Pizza being part of the once-growing group of fast-casual pizza concepts, this move signals a strategic shift in the industry landscape. Elite Restaurant Group, known for its diverse portfolio of dining concepts, saw the inherent value in MOD's brand, culture, and loyal customer base.
Photo by Luca Bravo
The acquisition opens up new possibilities for MOD Pizza's future trajectory. Michael Nakhleh, president of Elite Restaurant Group, expressed confidence in MOD's potential, highlighting the importance of the culture and loyal following that the brand has cultivated over the years. This acquisition paves the way for MOD Pizza to explore new avenues for growth and innovation under the guidance of Elite Restaurant Group.
Beth Scott, CEO of MOD Pizza, emphasized the excitement about collaborating with Elite Restaurant Group to enhance MOD's future prospects. With Elite's track record of acquiring and nurturing successful brands across various dining segments, MOD Pizza is poised to strengthen its position in the market and drive further growth. The partnership between MOD Pizza and Elite Restaurant Group is set to shape the brand's evolution in the fast-casual dining sector.
Photo by Luca Bravo
Throughout its history, MOD Pizza has showcased steady growth and innovation in the fast-casual dining space. Founded in 2008 by Scott and Ally Svenson, MOD Pizza quickly became a beloved brand known for its 'build your own' pizza concept. The brand's expansion to over 550 locations by 2023 and consistent sales growth reflect its strong position in the market.