Building unity through community

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

By fostering shared experiences and intentional connections, the restaurant industry serves as a vital "community connector" that accelerates growth for…

Speaker Spotlight: Liz Williams, CEO, El Pollo Loco

Liz Williams, CEO of El Pollo Loco, shares a look at her career, her achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at the Restaurant Franchising …

Supertasters and Cicerones: The sophisticated science behind Regents Pizza’s success

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Driven by the culinary legacy of a "supertaster" chef and a rigorous, 23-level merit-based labor system, Regents Pizza transformed from a twice-failed local…

Mr Gatti's Pizza looking to expand in Houston

February 18, 2026

Mr Gatti's Pizza is targeting the Houston market for expansion, according to a press release.

Jeff's Bagel Run: From garage bagels to 30 and growing

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

On this episode of the Founderology — Built to Breakthrough podcast, I talk with Jeff Perera, co-Founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run and a member of the inaugural…

The 10-25 Unit Playbook: Scale Without Chaos

Unlock the proven systems top restaurant operators use to scale without chaos. If you’re stuck juggling fires across 10–25 locations, this guide shows you the…

Presented by SynergySuite

Beyond the balance sheet: why the future of franchising is proactive, not passive

At the upcoming Restaurant Innovation and Franchising Summit, industry experts will share strategies for moving beyond passive bookkeeping to maximize…

Reigniting passion in your team: a blueprint for peak performance

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Cultivating employee passion through purpose, recognition and autonomy is the key to driving superior business performance, innovation and long-term retention…

Pizza vs. Chicken: The ultimate industry 'vibe check' at RFIS

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Executives in the pizza and chicken restaurant fields will answer questions about feedback in a 'Family Feud'-style game at the Restaurant Franchising and…

Pizza Guys to open 4th San Diego location

February 16, 2026

Pizza Guys will open its fourth San Diego location on Feb. 26, according to a press release.

Speaker Spotlight: Eddie Flores, co-founder L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, chairman of L&L Franchise, Inc.

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

In his RFIS keynote Eddie Flores will share "unconventional" strategies that led L&L Hawaiian Barbecuse to eight consecutive #1 Asian food franchise rankings.

2026 State of the Industry: 10 trends redefining the restaurant landscape

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The 2026 restaurant landscape is more data-rich than ever, but it remains a people-first business. By leveraging technology to remove friction, operators can…

Papa Johns makes playful run to become Michelin-starred restaurant

February 12, 2026

No pizzeria has ever earned a Michelin star, and Papa Johns wants to change that.

Pizza Hut teams with Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, Howie Dorough to launch heart-shaped pizzas

February 11, 2026

Pizza Hut has partnered with the Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter and Howie Dough to launch The Shape of My Heart-Shaped Pizza this Valentine's Day, according to a…

Peter Piper Pizza truly engrained in the communities it serves

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

In this podcast episode, Peter Piper Pizza CMO Genaro Perez discusses how the 50-year-old legacy brand drives growth through affordable lunch buffets and a…

Donatos Pizza to develop Charlotte market

February 10, 2026

Donatos Pizza has inked a development agreement in the Charlotte market, with the franchise partner's first location slated for a late 2026 opening, according…

CEC Entertainment promotes Nathan Hunstable to CIO

February 10, 2026

CEC Entertainment LLC, parent company to Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, has promoted Nathan Hunstable to VP, information technology and chief…

Swipe fees could cost consumers $683M on Valentine’s day

February 10, 2026

Credit card swipe fees could cost consumers more than $683 million given expected higher prices for Valentine's Day gifts, according to the Merchants Payments…

Successful and struggling: The Founder paradox no one talks about

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

We explore the "founder's paradox" of being both successful and isolated, ultimately arguing that connecting with a community of peers is the essential…

Stoner's Pizza Joint celebrates National Pizza Day with $4.20 pizza, heart-shaped pizza

February 9, 2026

Recovering from the big game? Florida-based Stoner's Pizza Joint is serving up the ultimate post-game recovery with a can't miss National Pizza Day offer. The…