Thomas Keller Group Settles EEOC Case for $2 Million
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
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
Craveworthy taps master franchisee Unisan Bowls to launch Genghis Grill and Dirty Dough in India, targeting Hyderabad first amid tight U.S. financing.
Jul 17, 2026
Buffalo Wild Wings launches Poppin’ Ranch, a 99-cent popping-candy ranch add-on, designed to spark sensory buzz and impulse trials ahead of Wing Day.
Jul 17, 2026
Wonder closed a $650M Series D at a $9B valuation to expand locations and invest in robotics, AI, and delivery tech, accelerating its automation-first restaurant model.
Jul 17, 2026
Understand sports bar startup expenses, including location, construction, kitchen equipment, televisions, licenses, insurance, staffing, supplies, and cash reserves for operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Learn how to increase restaurant sales during the World Cup final through smarter planning, staffing, promotions, inventory, menus, and operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Mother-daughter duo Ciara Boyce and Tracey Pidge bring Hotworx to Wasilla, the first of four Alaska studios, extending a fast-growing 800+ location brand.
Jul 16, 2026
How &pizza revolutionized its operations through franchising, operational adjustments, and marketing strategy in the fast casual pizza industry.
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Embracing a franchising program marked a pivotal shift for &pizza's growth strategy. By opening opportunities for franchisees, the chain aims to extend its reach beyond the East Coast and achieve a milestone of 300 units by 2030. CEO Mike Burns emphasized the importance of selling corporate locations to franchisees, ensuring a diverse store base with 10% company-operated units to maintain operational insight.

Restructuring post-COVID became imperative for &pizza as off-premise dining dominated its consumer base. The chain revamped its packaging, altered its dough preparation methods, and increased topping portions to retain heat and enhance value. By optimizing the off-premise experience, &pizza adapted to the evolving market demands.
Moving away from conventional discounting, &pizza shifted towards a food-forward, value-oriented marketing approach. By embracing edgier campaigns and limited discounts tied to unique occasions like Pi Day and April 20, the brand renewed its identity and customer engagement. The focus on impactful marketing endeavors sets &pizza apart in an increasingly competitive market.
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Anticipating future trends, &pizza aims to pioneer drive-thru operations in the fast casual pizza segment. The implementation of a drive-thru model, featuring shortened cook times and efficient order processing, signifies the chain's commitment to convenience-centric dining experiences. By 2027, &pizza plans to integrate drive-thrus, revolutionizing traditional fast casual service methods.