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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
Explore marketing strategies for food businesses using reviews, professional photos, SEO, social media, partnerships, events, and catering.
Apr 28, 2026
Learn how to write a coffee shop business plan that covers concept, location, menu, finances, branding, marketing, and risk planning.
Apr 27, 2026
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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
Discover how restaurant leaders are coping with election-related uncertainties and their impacts on consumer behavior and business strategies.
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
Restaurant leaders are facing a myriad of challenges as they navigate through election-induced uncertainties. The ongoing concerns about policy proposals, economic stability, regulatory changes, tax rates, trade policies, and immigration issues are significantly impacting their decision-making processes.
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
The election climate has created a sense of unease among consumers, leading to delays in significant purchases and investment decisions. While restaurant executives anticipate a potential uptick in consumer traffic post-election, they acknowledge the current anxiety prevailing among consumers, affecting their spending patterns and overall sentiment towards dining out.
Post-election, restaurant CEOs are strategizing to adapt to the evolving economic landscape. Leaders like Brett Schulman from CAVA emphasize the importance of factoring election uncertainties into business projections, while industry experts like G.J. Hart and Andy Wiederhorn look forward to the post-election momentum for potential consumer sentiment improvements.
Research suggests that the impacts of the election on consumer behavior may manifest in the long term, influenced by the policies enacted by the elected administration. Amid this uncertainty, CEOs like Jonathan Gillespie and James O’Reilly speculate on potential normalization of consumer environment and spending trends post-election.
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
Amid economic challenges and consumer anxiety, the focus for industry leaders like Kieran Donahue and Kevin Hochman lies in maintaining customer-centric strategies. Prioritizing service quality, consistency, and overall value proposition becomes crucial in driving business resilience and consumer trust.