PJ's Coffee Joins C-Store Franchise Lineup
Estepp Energy, known for multi-unit brands like Little Caesars, is adding PJ's Coffee to its Kentucky convenience stores, marking a strategic expansion into specialty coffee.
Jun 24, 2026
Estepp Energy, known for multi-unit brands like Little Caesars, is adding PJ's Coffee to its Kentucky convenience stores, marking a strategic expansion into specialty coffee.
Jun 24, 2026
A seasonal menu helps restaurants attract repeat customers, match seasonal demand, control food costs, promote limited-time items, and improve profitability.
Jun 23, 2026
Noodles & Company partners with Coca-Cola to launch an exclusive Fanta Vanilla Cherry Spritz, paired with limited-time Mac & Cheese deals for July. Learn how this innovative LTO strategy can inspire your restaurant’s menu innovation!
Jun 24, 2026
Miso Robotics has acquired Zume Pizza’s technology deck, giving new life to pizza automation and food robotics for forward-thinking restaurant operators.
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Carl's Jr. has launched a "Pass on Jack" marketing campaign rewarding loyalty members with a free Sourdough Star burger for driving past a Jack in the Box to reach a Carl's Jr. location- a direct shot at its California-based burger rival.
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A restaurant is ready to franchise when its systems, numbers, brand, training, supply chain, legal structure, and support can scale.A restaurant is ready to franchise when its systems, numbers, brand
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Domino's has announced that CEO Russell Weiner will retire on October 1, with COO and US President Joe Jordan named as his successor- a leadership transition that comes as the pizza giant pursues its most ambitious growth targets yet.
Jun 23, 2026
Starbucks is hiring more than 300 coffeehouse coaches nationwide following a successful 62-store pilot, as the coffee giant works to double store leadership capacity and fill 90% of retail leadership roles through internal promotions.
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Noodles & Company partners with Coca-Cola to launch an exclusive Fanta Vanilla Cherry Spritz, paired with limited-time Mac & Cheese deals for July. Learn how this innovative LTO strategy can inspire your restaurant’s menu innovation!

Restaurant operators seeking inspiration for their next successful limited-time offer should take note - Noodles & Company is kicking off July with a high-impact seasonal campaign. Celebrating 30 years as innovators in the comfort food space, Noodles & Company has partnered with beverage giant Coca-Cola to unveil the Fanta Vanilla Cherry Spritz, a new drink formulated to enhance the flavors of their flagship Creamy Cheddar Mac & Cheese. This exclusive LTO - available to customers beginning July 1 - demonstrates how strategic partnerships and thoughtful product development can deliver a fresh twist to core menu items and strengthen guest loyalty.
This unique LTO beverage - an inviting blend of Fanta Cherry, Sprite Vanilla, and Minute Maid Cherry Limeade - has been expertly formulated to complement the brand’s beloved Mac & Cheese and broaden appeal over the summer. By offering both regular and zero-sugar options, Noodles & Company ensures inclusivity for varied tastes. The campaign goes further, anchoring the launch with enticing Mac & Cheese Mondays - weekly deals on rotating entrées - and a significant 50% discount for loyalty members on National Mac & Cheese Day. These multi-layered incentives not only drive traffic during slower periods but also convert new guests into loyalty program participants, a tactic every foodservice operator can model for higher retention.
With more than 11 million bowls sold in the previous year, the enduring popularity of Noodles & Company’s Mac line - featuring favorites like Buffalo Chicken Mac and Pulled Pork Mac - highlights the value of menu staples and creative seasonal storytelling. The brand’s campaign leverages limited-time pricing, such as $5 Creamy Cheddar Mac & Cheese and $10 specialty macs throughout July, to boost order frequency and average ticket - all while generating buzz with a first-of-its-kind drink pairing. By spotlighting these special promotions in mobile ordering and digital reward channels, operators can increase both check averages and guest engagement.
For restaurant managers aiming to strengthen customer relationships, Noodles & Company’s July strategies offer a practical blueprint. Exclusive Mac Rewards benefits - like a complimentary entrée after a first $10+ spend, reduced-price salads, and points-based applications for free sides - demonstrate how well-structured digital loyalty programs can shape visit frequency and menu breadth. Empowering guests with early access to specials and targeted rewards is a proven driver of retention and brand advocacy - key for sustainable growth in a competitive segment.
By blending unique menu innovations with strategic partnerships and robust loyalty engagement, Noodles & Company’s Mac & Cheese Month promotion sets an example for operators searching for ways to both delight guests and lift their bottom line. Restaurant leaders can replicate this formula, tapping into comfort food trends, seasonality, and creative cross-promotions to drive excitement and incremental sales.
Want to streamline your restaurant systems to get more from your seasonal promotions? Implementing tools that connect your menu, sales data, and guest feedback can make launching your next LTO as smooth and impactful as Noodles & Company’s successful summer campaign.