Gong cha, Crust Pizza leaders talk franchising in today's modern restaurant world

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A session at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will look at franchising dos and don'ts as well as the latest trends and innovations in franchising.

Speaker Spotlight: Claudia Lezcano, Fuku CEO

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Claudia Lezcano, CEO of Fuku, shares a look at her career, her achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at Fast Casual Executive Summit 2025.

How Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza pairs great food, service with mega pavilions

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza proves that gas station food can be great. Lead by brothers Todd and Curtis Saroki, the brand has 19 locations in mega gas…

How AI turning labor from cost center into growth driver for QSRs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In a free webinar titled "Labor Forecasting 2.0: Predicting Future Demand and Staffing for Efficient Growth with AI" viewers will learn how AI is powering…

The fixer-upper franchisee: How Chris Patel turned neglected Papa Johns locations into a 70-store powerhouse

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

An entrepreneur with a background in finance leveraged his business acumen and a keen eye for opportunity to grow his Papa Johns franchise from four to 7…

Star Micronics leads the way in smart labeling for growing restaurants

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Smart labeling is a necessity in today's restaurants. Learn how Star Micronics is leading the charge in labeling technology.

A taste of home: the 40-year legacy of Figaro's Italian Pizza

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

After more than 40 years, Figaro's Italian Pizza continues to thrive as a nostalgic, small-town pizza franchise because of its innovative "We Bake or You Bake…

Back to basics: Leona's Pizzeria & Restaurant revitalized by family's dedication, original recipes

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Leona's Pizzeria, a Chicago legacy brand celebrating its 75th anniversary, is experiencing a resurgence under new family ownership that's dedicated to…

Speaker Spotlight: Susan Taylor, Juice It Up CEO and president

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Susan Taylor, CEO and president of Juice It Up, shares a look at her career, achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at Fast Casual Executive…

Pizza Inn proves some traditions (and value) never go out of style

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

After surviving significant decline, Pizza Inn has engineered a remarkable comeback by leveraging its nostalgic buffet concept, achieving impressive financial…

4th annual Pizza Leadership Virtual Summit to offer advice, tips to pizzeria operators

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The Pizza Leadership Virtual Summit will take place July 30 and will feature a keynote address with the president and CEO of Donatos Pizza and a variety of…

Culinary Tides, Buona Companies, Roll Mobility leaders to give executive perspectives at Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Four speakers will give their executive perspectives in an address at the Fast Casual Executive Summit October 7, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

30 years strong: Nick Sarillo's journey from carpenter to Chicago pizza icon

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

After a disappointing dining experience, Nick Sarillo opened Nick's Pizza & Pub, which has thrived for 30 years by focusing on family connection through…

Taco John's CEO talks balancing innovation with brand's rich history

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Heather Neary, president and CEO of legacy brand Taco John's, chats with podcast host Mandy Detwiler about balancing the brand's history with the innovation…

Speaker Spotlight: Carl Comeaux, Crust Pizza Co. CEO

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Carl Comeaux, CEO of Crust Pizza Co., shares a look at his career, his achievements and industry trends ahead of his appearance at Fast Casual Executive Summit…

Blue Moon Pizza ready to take center stage

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of PizzaMarketplace.com and QSRweb.com, chats with Jordan Krolick, president of…

Pizza gets a glow-up: Ditch mozzarella for these flavor-packed cheeses

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

As diners develop more adventurous palates, mozzarella may be losing its monopoly as the go-to pizza cheese. This guide explores six non-traditional cheeses …

Jeff's Bagel Run founder says training key to franchisee success

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb, chats with Jeff's Bagel Run founder Jeff Perera.

Presented by Jeff's Bagel Run

Customer love fuels Blue Moon Pizza's next chapter

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Blue Moon Pizza, an Atlanta favorite, is set for growth under new partners Jordan Krolick and Jeff Goldt. Leveraging strong customer loyalty and a loved…

From Florida favorite to franchise frontier: The rise of Cannoli Kitchen Pizza

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Cannoli Kitchen Pizza, a quick-service Italian restaurant that began as a beloved mom-and-pop pizzeria in Boca Raton, is now expanding nationwide through…