Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash
Franchise Frenzy: Cross-Border Growth
A look at how U.S. brands expand through multi-unit deals, cross-border partnerships, and seasoned operators in 2026.
Apr 29, 2026
Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash
A look at how U.S. brands expand through multi-unit deals, cross-border partnerships, and seasoned operators in 2026.
Apr 29, 2026
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
McDonald’s unveils six beverages across 14,000 restaurants on May 6, expanding McCafé with Refresher and crafted sodas and a new store-level beverage specialist role.
Apr 29, 2026
Explore marketing strategies for food businesses using reviews, professional photos, SEO, social media, partnerships, events, and catering.
Apr 28, 2026
Learn how to write a coffee shop business plan that covers concept, location, menu, finances, branding, marketing, and risk planning.
Apr 27, 2026
Photo by shen wenjie on Unsplash
Holiday-driven menu drops fuse nostalgia with wellness, turning menus into living calendars for fast-casual brands.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Abdul Raheem Kannath on Unsplash
Susannah Frost named Chick-fil-A President, joining Cliff Robinson as COO to guide domestic expansion and international growth.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Moon Bhuyan on Unsplash
Ghost pepper-led promotions redefine autumn menus as chains blend heat, storytelling, and seasonal collaborations to drive foot traffic.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Noah Martinez on Unsplash
CAVA rolls out Garlic Ranch Pita Chips with a Steak + Harissa Bowl and a refreshed Rewards program, tying flavor innovation to personalized guest experiences.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Kate Trysh on Unsplash
Applebee’s launches Pick 6 Mondays, offering free wings with a $10 purchase when a Pick 6 occurs on Sundays, driving game-day momentum across dine-in and To Go.
Apr 28, 2026
Photo by Stu Moffat on Unsplash
Beatrice Nguyen explores how leadership blends speed, loyalty, and standardized operations to grow Shake Shack while preserving its signature experience.
Apr 28, 2026
Explore the effects of I-82, a referendum that phased out the tip credit in Washington, on full-service restaurant employment. Learn about the employment data, economic impacts, and industry reactions.
The passage of I-82, with a significant majority of 74% in the 2022 referendum, initiated the process of phasing out the tip credit in May 2023. However, contrary to expectations, employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the impact on full-service restaurant employment in Washington has been nuanced. Analysis through May 2025 demonstrates that on both year-over-year and two-year trailing bases, full-service restaurant employment either increased or remained stable.
While there was a minor shortfall in full-service sector employment in June 2025 compared to the previous year, it was not significant enough to attribute directly to I-82. The economic landscape in Washington has been more notably affected by federal spending cuts, leading to a decline of 6,000 jobs between June 2024 and June 2025. This shift has also been reflected in the District's highest unemployment rate of 5.9% since January 2022.
The response from key players in the restaurant industry diverges regarding the impact of I-82. The National Restaurant Association (NRA) lauded the passage of the amendment that maintained a 25% tip credit, citing it as a bipartisan win supporting the tip wage. On the other hand, groups like One Fair Wage criticized the measure as an infringement on economic justice and democratic principles, calling for reinstatement through potential avenues like referendums and recalls.