Pizza Hut’s $1.2B China Sale Shakes Up Market
Yum! Brands has finalized a $1.2B deal to transfer Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, signaling big strategic moves for both global franchisors and operators.
Aug 7, 2026
Yum! Brands has finalized a $1.2B deal to transfer Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, signaling big strategic moves for both global franchisors and operators.
Aug 7, 2026
Panera Bread appoints industry veteran Andy Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer, ushering in a new era of brand growth and consumer engagement.
Aug 7, 2026
Portillo’s trims 18% of its corporate staff in a bid to refocus resources on restaurant excellence and navigate operational challenges. Discover what the changes mean for the chain’s future.
Aug 7, 2026
Scheduling software helps restaurants save time, control labor costs, improve communication, prevent conflicts, support compliance, and make smarter staffing decisions.
Aug 5, 2026
Portillo’s trims corporate and field roles by 18% in a strategic shake-up to support future growth after soft traffic and sales. Read what this means for multi-unit operators.
Aug 6, 2026
Dutch Bros invests $105 million to acquire Salad and Go’s closed locations, targeting rapid expansion in key southern markets. Learn what this means for multi-unit restaurant owners and operators.
Aug 6, 2026
Salad and Go's bankruptcy and closure offer key lessons on growth, risk management, and market dynamics for restaurant leaders. See what every operator can learn.
Aug 5, 2026
Learn how to calculate prime cost, track food and labor expenses, measure percentages, identify problems, and improve restaurant profitability consistently.
Aug 5, 2026
Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
Aug 5, 2026
Skye Anderson will lead McDonald's USA as its new president, stepping in to accelerate growth and revive sales. Learn how her leadership could shape the future of the restaurant industry.
Aug 4, 2026
Explore how franchisees play a vital role in the restaurant industry, focusing on airport locations and healthy options like Smoothie King.


Ray Mickens, known for his decade-long career as an NFL cornerback, made a seamless transition from the football field to the dynamic world of restaurant franchising. With a background in accounting and a passion for business, Mickens ventured into the food and beverage industry following his football retirement. His foray into franchising began with a modest investment in a food operation at an airport, which laid the foundation for his future in the industry.
Mickens highlights the parallels between football and franchising, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, discipline, and resilience in both arenas. Drawing from his athletic background, Mickens applies the principles of collaboration and strategic leadership to build successful teams within his franchised locations. The ability to navigate challenges, celebrate victories, and swiftly adapt to new opportunities characterizes his approach to business.

Operating in nine airports, Mickens recognizes the captive audience and evolving trends within airport dining. As airport regulations and traveler preferences shift, Mickens strategically taps into the demand for on-the-go, health-conscious options. By offering products like smoothies that align with consumer desires for convenience and nutrition, Mickens anticipates and capitalizes on the changing landscape of airport food services.
Driven by a personal commitment to wellness, Mickens identifies the growing consumer interest in healthier alternatives at airports. Aligning with this demand, he establishes a partnership with Smoothie King, a renowned brand recognized for its quality smoothie offerings. By introducing Smoothie King to airport locations, Mickens not only meets the needs of health-conscious travelers but also sets a precedent for healthier dining options in airport settings nationwide.
Looking ahead, Mickens envisions a broader presence for Smoothie King across the country, aiming to solidify the brand's position within the airport market and beyond. With a focus on promoting health-oriented choices and pioneering innovative dining concepts, Mickens is poised to drive the expansion of health-focused brands in airport environments. His proactive approach to meeting consumer demands underscores his commitment to reshaping the landscape of airport dining experiences.