EEOC Targets Franchises; Applebee’s Operator Pays $270K
EEOC ramps up franchise enforcement, securing settlements and reforms; Applebee’s operator pays $270K amid broader actions across brands.
Jun 12, 2026
EEOC ramps up franchise enforcement, securing settlements and reforms; Applebee’s operator pays $270K amid broader actions across brands.
Jun 12, 2026
Entries due June 22 at 11:59 pm. Winners in September 2026. Criteria include investment, sales, support, and franchisee feedback.
Jun 12, 2026
Daland Corp. revives classic Pizza Hut dine-in in small towns, fueling emotional pull and sales as Yum weighs a sale and closures reshape the brand.
Jun 12, 2026
Creator Jake Shane fronts Panera’s $4.99 Salad Stuffer bundle, linking Mix & Match value to RISE strategy and testing social-led demand.
Jun 12, 2026
Krystal elevates Amanda Hyde to COO, advancing a franchisee-first plan with digital menus, remodels, and SPB’s Playbook to drive growth and trust in 2026.
Jun 12, 2026
How guest behavior, data, and POS analytics turn table-side discoveries into profitable, scalable menu strategy for restaurants in 2026.
Jun 12, 2026
William and Maryjane Ellis ink a six-unit Firehouse Subs deal for San Antonio, backed by incentives, training, and RBI growth plans. First opening in summer 2026.
Jun 12, 2026
Grubhub launches embedded ordering across Eater, Beli, Alexa+, and Bilt to capture high-intent moments and drive demand via trusted channels.
Jun 12, 2026
52-unit chain launches six sandwiches around $10.95 with up to 39g protein as sandwich market growth outpaces fast casual.
Jun 12, 2026
After a strategic slowdown, RealClean expanded from 15 airports in 2 states to 600 across 31 by May 2026, backed by strong unit economics and market demand.
Jun 12, 2026
How Dave & Buster’s strategic loyalty programs and brand overhaul are reshaping customer engagement and retention in the competitive entertainment industry.
Photo by Davis Patton
Dave & Buster’s strategic emphasis on loyalty programs is showcasing a promising avenue for improving customer retention and engagement. With a rapidly growing loyalty membership of seven million, the company has solidified a loyal customer base that is inclined to visit 2.5 times more frequently than regular patrons. This increase in customer visits not only boosts foot traffic but also provides a consistent revenue stream for the business.

Photo by Davis Patton
The introduction of the Winter Season Pass subscription by Dave & Buster’s highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing customer experiences and fostering customer loyalty. This subscription model, offering unlimited gameplay and exclusive discounts, not only incentivizes repeat visits but also adds value for customers, increasing their engagement with the brand. By continuously evolving these loyalty offerings, Dave & Buster’s is setting a precedent for customer-focused strategies in the entertainment industry.
As part of its brand overhaul, Dave & Buster’s has embarked on a comprehensive store remodeling program aimed at modernizing its dining, sports bar, and game room facilities. By incorporating new entertainment options like electronic shuffleboard and darts, the company is revamping the customer experience, attracting a broader audience, and enhancing engagement within its locations. The initial success of phase one remodels, marked by double-digit sales growth, underscores the positive impact of these changes on customer satisfaction and business performance.
Dave & Buster’s proactive approach to marketing, including collaborating with a new marketing agency to refine its media strategy, demonstrates a commitment to staying ahead in a competitive market. By constantly evaluating and optimizing its marketing efforts, the company aims to strengthen brand visibility, attract new customers, and retain existing ones. The focus on strategic marketing initiatives aligns with the broader goal of enhancing customer engagement and driving sustainable growth.