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.
Jul 13, 2026
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.
Jul 13, 2026
Slim Chickens’ president and COO Christina Vaughan shares brand, prototype, and AI strategies ahead of her QSR Evolution session on September 10.
Jul 13, 2026
Sensory-driven menu language boosts sales 27% and speeds decisions online and in-store. Data-backed tactics, examples, and pitfalls for operators.
Jul 13, 2026
OpenTable’s new Gold Tables rewards six completed bookings with priority seating, Uber One perks, and data-driven loyalty benefits across 500+ venues.
Jul 13, 2026
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.
Jul 13, 2026
Rich Screnci leads a turnaround for Mrs. Fields and TCBY under Pearl Street Equity, focusing on fieldwork, digital upgrades, and franchise growth.
Jul 13, 2026
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
Explore how major fast casual chains are expanding despite consumer trends, with a focus on new unit openings and growth strategies.
Photo by Logan Voss
Shake Shack, despite a slowdown in sales growth, is embarking on an ambitious plan to open a significant number of new stores. With a focus on diversification beyond its traditional markets, the chain aims to drive revenue through new locations. By strategically placing outlets in areas like Washington, Arizona, and New Jersey, Shake Shack is not only offsetting declining same-store sales in some regions but also setting new records in initial sales in suburban markets.
Photo by Logan Voss
Wingstop's global expansion has been a remarkable success story, with new markets exceeding domestic performance levels. The chain's entry into countries like Australia and the U.K. has been met with enthusiastic reception, indicating a strong demand for its offerings. By leveraging this international growth momentum, Wingstop has revised its unit growth outlook upwards, showcasing the brand's resilience and appeal in diverse markets.
Chipotle's emphasis on market diversification, especially in Canada and upcoming ventures in Mexico, signals a broader strategy to tap into lucrative markets beyond its homeland. The chain's focus on Chipotlanes and innovative store designs reflects a commitment to enhancing customer experience while driving growth. With a solid track record and plans to reach 7,000 units in the long term, Chipotle is poised for sustained success.
Cava's steady expansion into new regions like the Midwest and Southern Florida underscores its commitment to capturing diverse consumer markets. With a strong performance in new store metrics and an eye on achieving average unit volumes above $3 million, the chain's growth trajectory remains promising. By introducing new design elements and prototypes, Cava is enhancing its dining experience to attract and retain customers in a competitive landscape.
Despite facing profitability challenges and sales downturns, Sweetgreen remains proactive in its development plans. By introducing automated kitchen technologies and recalibrating its real estate strategy, the chain demonstrates agility and foresight in adapting to market dynamics. The brand's focus on new markets and a long-term growth target reaffirms its confidence in navigating through tough times towards sustainable growth.