New Haven's Sally's Apizza to grow across 12 states

December 30, 2025

Connecticut-based Sally's Apizza is looking to expand to more than 1,000 locations, and they're starting with more than 250 locations, according to a Daily…

Restaurant industry experts make predictions for 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Industry experts predict that the 2026 restaurant landscape will be defined by a "Me-Me-Me Economy," where brands must leverage integrated AI and data-driven…

Vocelli Pizza opening 3 locations in early 2026

December 29, 2025

Pittsburgh-based Vocelli Pizza is opening three locations in early 2026. The company will debut its fourth dine-in restaurant in Dalton, Georgia, have a signed…

FastCasual extends nomination deadline for '25 Brands to Watch: 2026'

December 29, 2025

Nominations close Jan. 3.

Why 2026 is the year of the AI-driven restaurant

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

By 2026, AI is expected to transition from an experimental novelty to an operational necessity in the restaurant industry, utilizing "invisible" back-of-house…

Donatos Pizza developing Houston area with 3 franchise groups

December 23, 2025

Three franchise group are developing Donatos Pizza in the Houston, Texas, market. This is the debut of the iconic Midwest pizza franchise in the Houston area.

Carmen's Pizza reopening in Warren, Ohio

December 23, 2025

Carmen's Pizza has reopened in Warren, Ohio under the care of Mary and Shawn Walker, according to a WKBN report.

Mountain Mike's brings back lunch buffet, launches specialty salad

December 22, 2025

California-based Mountain Mike's Pizza has brought back its weekday all-you-can-eat pizza and salad bar lunch buffet. The buffet is priced at $9.99 throughout…

LaRosa's to turn brewery location into taphouse

December 19, 2025

Cincinnati-based LaRosa's Mount Washington, Ohio, pizzeria is expanding and moving into a former brewery space. The restaurant will re-open as LaRosa's…

Pizza Marketplace’s 'Brands to Watch 2026' released

December 19, 2025

The report lists 25 pizzerias doing great things as we go into the new year.

Mountain Mike’s names Sumi Gosh as president, COO

December 19, 2025

Mountain Mike's Pizza has named Sumi Gosh president and COO. Sumi brings more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including over 12 years…

Pizza Inn opens 3 stores in 3 weeks

December 18, 2025

Pizza Inn is closing out the year with three restaurants in three weeks, according to a press release.

Against the grain: State of Mind Public House differentiates with California style, craft, culture

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

With 23 years of experience, Lars Smith launched State of Mind Public House, a family-owned Bay Area pizzeria with three locations that differentiates itself…

Giordano's celebrates Chicago sports with LTO pizza honoring 1985 champs

December 18, 2025

Chicago-based Giordano's is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the city's 1985 football season with the launch of Da Pizza. The limited-edition pie is…

California Pizza Kitchen to be acquired by Consortium Brand Partners

December 17, 2025

California Pizza Kitchen will be acquired by Consortium Brand Partners, a consumer brand investment platform, together with Eldridge Industries, Aurify Brands…

Frank Pepe Pizzeria releases Original Tomato Pie - Frank’s Way to celebrate founder

December 17, 2025

New Haven, Connecticut-based Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana has released its winter special, the Original Tomato Pie — Frank's Way, paying homage to founder…

Kraft Heinz hires Steve Cahillane as CEO

December 16, 2025

Kraft Heinz has chosen Steve Cahillane, former Kellanoa chief, as CEO come Jan. 1, 2026.

Homegrown Tap & Dough to open in Castle Rock, Colorado

December 16, 2025

Homegrown Tap & Dough, a Gastamo Group property, will open in Castle Rock, Colorado, Dec. 26 The restaurant marks Homegrown's sixth location and Gastamo…

Blaze Pizza partners with Bikky to unify guest insights

December 16, 2025

Blaze Pizza, the fast-casual chain known for its quick-fire artisanal pizzas, has partnered with customer data platform Bikky to unify its guest insights and…

Inside the Founder shift: What 2025 sparked and why 2026 is ready to ignite

In our final Founderology podcast episode of the year, Cherryh and I sat down to reflect on the moments that mattered, the shifts that shaped us and the…