Small change, big impact: Marco’s round-ups fight hunger, support education

The Marco’s Pizza Foundation has donated more than $1.5 million to support hunger prevention, education, workforce development and entrepreneurship. Through customer round-ups and franchisee involvement, the program turns small donations into meaningful investments in communities across the country.

The $250,000 gamble that launched California Pizza Kitchen

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

In the first installment of this two-part series, California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield recounts how he and law partner Larry Flax walked away from successful legal careers, mortgaged their homes and borrowed from friends and family to launch a restaurant concept that would help redefine American pizza.

Believe, belong and remember: One last lesson from Ted Lasso

I have just spent the last several days at our Fast Casual Executive Summit where I was able to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and lean into what…

Bloomin’ leadership lessons with Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Outback Steakhouse co-Founder Tim Gannon shares how with only $37, a ripped-up $1 million check and two great partners, a legendary brand was built and the most iconic appetizer in the industry was developed.

Accuracy is the New Loyalty

Order accuracy directly impacts restaurant profitability, customer trust and repeat business. In this webinar, Star Micronics explored where costly errors happen and how smarter labeling can improve item identification, modifiers, handoff, catering, food safety and traceability while working alongside POS and KDS platforms.

Solink expands leadership team to advance AI-powered retail and restaurant intelligence

Solink, an AI vision intelligence provider serving brick-and-mortar businesses, is expanding its leadership team with three appointments designed to support…

2026 Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers

This year’s Top 100 honors those who have mastered the "rare beast" of combining high-volume operations with artisanal quality. Whether it’s an independent shop utilizing AI to streamline inventory or a regional chain perfecting the 18-minute carryout window, these Movers & Shakers are the ones defining the future of the American slice.