Operators share how to scale: trust the brand’s playbook, plan people, invest early, and navigate the Hell Zone as multi-unit growth accelerates into 2026.

Red Lobster will close its 5 Times Square flagship on June 14, 2026, citing construction and office-to-residential conversion; staff offered transfers and pay.

New CMO Tim Hackbardt outlines bets on AI, automation and GLP-1 impacts, as operators weigh costs, ROI and changing demand.

WOWorks has appointed James Walker, former CEO of Lunchbox and longtime franchise industry leader, as its new Chief Growth Officer, while promoting three-year company veteran Nolan Woods to Chief Operations Officer a pair of leadership moves designed to accelerate franchise expansion across its six health-focused restaurant brands.

Record multi-unit franchise deals cluster territories coast to coast as brands chase scale amid inflation and QSR operators control 58% of units.

Savory Fund CEO Clay Dover details how AI speeds openings, training, and prep—powered by voice and tempered with human checkpoints across operations.

Cash incentives: $150K for the first Grill & Chill on schedule, then $200K per unit within 18 months, as Dairy Queen targets U.S. and Canada expansion.

Esperto Hospitality Group acquires Daddy’s Chicken Shack and plans a 2026 relaunch, starting with company-owned stores in New Jersey and expanding along the East Coast.

Plant-based chain Clover Food Lab will close all 11 restaurants on May 28, 2026, citing 30–50% ingredient inflation and mounting operating costs.

Crunch, Bodybar Pilates, and UFC Gym share disciplined playbooks: strong presales, premium upsells, and capital-backed operators fueling rapid, profitable growth.