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…

Modern Food Compliance for Restaurants Made Easy

Label smarter, serve safer, and improve efficiency with linerless label solutions.

Presented by Star Micronics America

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…

A&W marketing leader's diverse background plays role in brand strategy

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of QSRweb and Pizza Marketplace, chats with Amanda Potts, vice president of…

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…

Bright Penny Brewing Co. pairs signature craft beer with pizza

In this episode of the Pizza Marketplace Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace, chats with Tory Williams, general manager of Bright Penny…

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…

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…

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…

6 key trends shaping the future of commerce in 2025

June 17, 2025

To meet evolving consumer expectations, retailers and restaurants must prioritize convenience and personalization, according to the 2025 Commerce Experience…

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

How Big Chicken Is Using Guest Feedback to Fuel Franchise Growth

Big Chicken uses Ovation to identify system-wide issues and improve the guest experience across its growing franchise network. By catching trends like missing…

Presented by Ovation Up, Inc.

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…

Botrista blends tech, flavor in new beverage line

Botrista launches automated beverage platform.

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…

Pollo Campero VP talks competition, standing out

In an episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, Mandy Detwiler of Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb interviews Blas Escarcega, VP of franchise development for…

The dough must go on: How Kyle McPhee built a 16-store Papa Murphy's franchise

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Kyle McPhee rose from a teenage prep worker to the owner of 16 Papa Murphy's franchises by revitalizing struggling stores while focusing on customer service…

&pizza CEO doubles down on franchising efforts, increasing growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

&pizza CEO Mike Burns discusses how the brand lost its identity, found it again and began franchising.