Part 1:  Cool technologies at the NRA Show 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Editor Mandy Wolf Detwiler spent time in the tech pavilion at the National Restaurant Association Show.

Little Caesars to expand to Malaysia

May 22, 2026

Little Caesars is expanding into Malaysia, with its first restaurant scheduled to open in Damansara on May 24, according to a press release.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria introduces nationwide summer menu through Sept. 14

May 21, 2026

Grimaldi's Pizzeria has launched a limited-time seasonal menu, Red, White and BBQ, at locations nationwide, according to a press release.

The 'people-first' philosophy that turned a broke delivery driver into Domino’s largest U.S. franchisee

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Former delivery driver Brian Bailey scaled his Domino’s franchise from a single New Mexico location into a massive 160-store empire by maintaining a strict…

Imo's Pizza to open in Nashville

May 20, 2026

Imo's Pizza, the St. Louis-based pizzeria known for its signature Provel cheese and thin, crispy crust, is expanding into Tennessee with the opening of its…

Blaze Pizza partners with Folds of Honor for Memorial Day fundraiser

May 20, 2026

Blaze Pizza will donate $1 from every 11-inch pizza sold at participating U.S. locations on May 25 to support military and first responder families, according…

The success formula that took Everbowl from 1 to 400 locations

I sat down with Jeff Fenster, who built five eight- to nine-figure companies, exited three, and grew Everbowl to more than 100 open locations with almost 40…

CEC Entertainment names Chris Monroe EVP, CFO

May 19, 2026

CEC Entertainment, parent company to Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, has appointed Chris Monroe has EVP and CFO. Monroe has more than 30 years of…

The Power of Financial Planning, Financial Visibility leads to business sustainability

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

To achieve sustainable growth and avoid the "stuck zone," Founders must overcome the emotional avoidance of their financials by owning their P&L, hiring expert…

Crypto exchange Bybit launches limited pizza reimbursement campaign

May 18, 2026

Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has launched a promotion for BTC Pizza Day, offering a $20 reimbursement to a limited number of customers who use a Bybit Card to…

Blaze Pizza offers zero delivery fee for National Pizza Party Day celebration

May 15, 2026

Atlanta-based Blaze Pizza is waiving delivery fees to celebrate National Pizza Party Day, offering customers a way to share its fast-fire'd pizzas without the…

Off-premise blitz: Turning pandemic survival tactics into long-term growth engines

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Industry leaders at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit highlighted how the shift from convenience to a permanent off-premise model requires a…

Papa Murphy's Meaty Italian Pizza joins Papa's Picks lineup

May 15, 2026

Washington-based Papa Murphy's Take 'n' Bake Pizza has launched the Meaty Italian Pizza, which joins the brand's Papa's Picks line-up, according to a press…

Ovation, Tap leaders share tips on crafting a guest feedback strategy

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

A panel talk at the upcoming Restaurant Marketing Workshop will deliver insight on not only getting a guest feedback approach up and running but tips and…

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria marks 45th nationwide opening with Alabama restaurant

May 14, 2026

Power Brands Hospitality Group, the Alabama franchisee of Grimaldi's Pizzeria, has opened a Grimaldi's location at Clift Farm, 461 John Henry Way, Suite 850…

Papa Johns bringing signature garlic sauce to retail shelves this summer

May 13, 2026

Papa Johns is expanding into the grocery aisle with a nationwide launch of its bottled Garlic Flavored Sauce this summer, according to a press release.

Mountain Mike's Pizza makes Carson City, Nevada debut

May 13, 2026

California-based Mountain Mike's Pizza has opened in Carson City, Nevada. The restaurant is the brand's eighth in the state and is locally owned and operated…

Hungry Howie’s to implement Toast technology suite across national footprint

May 13, 2026

Hungry Howie's has selected Toast's enterprise technology suite and will deploy it across the pizza chain's approximately 500 restaurant locations, according…

Innovation in every sip: How Tractor Beverage Co. is changing the beverage landscape

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

John Murphy, chief revenue officer of Tractor Beverage Co., discusses the company's award-winning revival of the 17th-century "switchel" and how its organic…

Mellow Mushroom VP shares secrets to long-term franchise success

In this episode of the Pizza Marketplace podcast, Mellow Mushroom VP of Franchise Development Jamie Cecil discusses the brand's 50-year history of "unicorn…