PizzaExpress to Bring Houston TX Hot Chicken to UK, Ireland
PizzaExpress will master franchise Houston TX Hot Chicken across the U.K. and Ireland, targeting 50 sites in three years with three openings in six months.
Jul 13, 2026
PizzaExpress will master franchise Houston TX Hot Chicken across the U.K. and Ireland, targeting 50 sites in three years with three openings in six months.
Jul 13, 2026
Wingstop posts 8.7% comp decline; leans on Club Wingstop loyalty, sports-heavy media, and smart kitchens to rebuild traffic. Investors eye July 29, 2026 results.
Jul 13, 2026
Love & Honey Fried Chicken signs 20-unit Southeast Florida deal, halves wait times, and lifts AUV to $2M as it scales franchising beyond the Northeast.
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Wonder acquires Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, aligning ops and tech to scale via food halls and delivery, backed by funding as it readies Texas expansion and eyes a 2027–2028 IPO.
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Slim Chickens’ president and COO Christina Vaughan shares brand, prototype, and AI strategies ahead of her QSR Evolution session on September 10.
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Sensory-driven menu language boosts sales 27% and speeds decisions online and in-store. Data-backed tactics, examples, and pitfalls for operators.
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OpenTable’s new Gold Tables rewards six completed bookings with priority seating, Uber One perks, and data-driven loyalty benefits across 500+ venues.
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Kyle Wiborg leads a 10-unit drive-thru push as Rita’s Italian Ice opens its first DFW site and targets rapid expansion amid a growing frozen desserts market.
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Rich Screnci leads a turnaround for Mrs. Fields and TCBY under Pearl Street Equity, focusing on fieldwork, digital upgrades, and franchise growth.
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Facing turbulent pizza sector conditions, Papa Murphy's will shutter dozens of stores as MTY Food Group refines its U.S. portfolio. Find out what these closures mean for operators and the industry.
Jul 13, 2026
Learn about Starbucks' recent loss in the appeal of an unfair labor practices ruling by the National Labor Board. Explore the details surrounding the termination of two employees and the implications for the company.


The recent ruling by the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the National Labor Board's decision on Starbucks Corporation's termination of two employees in Philadelphia sheds light on the company's actions regarding unionization and employee rights. The terminated employees, Echo Nowakowska and Tristan J. Bussiere, were allegedly fired as a retaliatory act for their involvement in organizing strikes and attempting to form a union.

While Starbucks contended that Nowakowska was dismissed due to performance issues and mistreatment of customers, the NLRB's decision in February 2023 stated that the firings were a consequence of unionization activities. Additionally, Starbucks argued that the employees recorded conversations without consent, but the appeals panel ruled that Starbucks had prior knowledge of these recordings.
The appeals panel concluded that substantial evidence supported the NLRB's findings of unfair labor practices leading to the terminations of Nowakowska and the reduction in hours for Bussiere. While most of the NLRB's decision was upheld, the requirement for Starbucks to compensate the terminated employees financially was considered outside the labor board's jurisdiction.
Following the court's decision, Starbucks has the option to file a petition for a rehearing within a specified timeframe. The company's response to this setback and its approach to labor relations moving forward will be crucial in shaping its reputation and relationships with its workforce.