Tips, advice for selecting the right franchise location

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

The oldest, and most known, saying when it comes to real estate is location, location, location. It holds true when it comes to restaurant franchising success.

Papa Murphy's kicks it up a notch with Jalapeño Popper Pizza LTO

March 3, 2026

Papa Murphy's Take 'n' Bake Pizza has released its Jalapeño Popper Pizza for a limited time from now through March 22, according to a press release.

Marco's Pizza makes Garden State debut

March 2, 2026

Marco's Pizza has opened its first location in New Jersey. The store is located in Somerset at 1135 Easton Avenue, according to a press release.

Timber Pizza Co. to expand in Virginia with 2 stores

March 2, 2026

Timber Pizza Co., will focus on its presence in the East Coast, especially in Virginia, where the brand plans to open two stores in a push for regional growth…

How to empower employees through autonomy, ownership

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Effective leadership requires balancing autonomy with support to transform organizational culture, drive innovation and boost performance by empowering…

Pizza Inn reinvests in Texas unit with transformative modernization

February 27, 2026

Pizza Inn has revamped its Mesquite, Texas, location with a fully modernized design that marks a step forward for the brand's next chapter of growth, according…

Papa Johns reports Q4, 2025 sales; will close 300 underperforming restaurants

February 26, 2026

Papa Johns posted same-store sales declines of 5% during Q4 2025 in North America. The brand, co-headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and Atlanta, Georgia…

Hungry Howie's expands Ohio footprint with Sylvania opening

February 26, 2026

Hungry Howie's has opened a location in Sylvania. The store will offer special promotions and giveaways beginning Feb. 27, according to a press release.

Four decades in pizza: Lessons in consistency, community and smart growth

by Shahpour Nejad — Founder/PRESIDENT/CEO, Pizza Guys Franchises Inc.

By prioritizing product integrity, franchisee support, and community trust over short-term trends, Pizza Guys has achieved 40 years of sustainable growth and…

Happy's Pizza launches LTO menu featuring Asian BBQ-inspired flavors

February 26, 2026

Detroit-based Happy's Pizza has a bold Asian BBQ-inspired menu for a limited time, according to a press release.

Speaker Spotlight: Chris Noffze, director of direct franchising and operations, Gong cha

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

In today's Speaker Spotlight, we are highlighting Chris Noffze, director of direct franchising and operations at Gong cha Americas, who will be sharing…

Experienced franchisees acquire 2 Kentucky Mr Gatti's locations

February 25, 2026

Mr Gatti's Pizza has announced the acquisition of its Shepherdsville and Brandenburg, Kentucky, restaurants by experienced local entrepreneurs, according to a…

How Ya Dough'n opens on Las Vegas Strip

February 25, 2026

Florida-based How Ya Dough'n has opened a third-floor rooftop pizzeria at BLVD Las Vegas with views of the Las Vegas Strip. The opening marks the brand's first…

Parlour Pizza + Pints to open at Louisville stadium

February 24, 2026

Parlour Pizza + Pints will open a location at Lynn Family Stadium in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, according to a press release.

Strategic sizzle: Why Houston TX Hot Chicken prioritizes smart growth over rapid expansion

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Houston TX Hot Chicken is leveraging its "electric" brand energy and massive social media following to drive organic franchise leads and fuel a strategic…

CPK cuts labor variance by 50% via AI partnership

February 23, 2026

California Pizza Kitchen is slicing into the future of upscale casual dining by ditching legacy systems in favor of AI-driven operational tools. The 144-unit…

Got marketing chops? Prove it: The 2nd Annual Top 30 Movers & Shakers Nominations are live

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Calling all restaurant marketing visionaries!

Domino's reports sales increase, sale-store sales growth

February 23, 2026

Domino's Pizza's fourth-quarter earnings exceeded revenue estimates but fell short of analyst estimates, according to a press release.

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 …