Gong cha, Crust Pizza leaders talk franchising in today's modern restaurant world

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A session at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will look at franchising dos and don'ts as well as the latest trends and innovations in franchising.

Mooyah VP of operations talks quality of food, consistency and those milkshakes

Beth Stockmoe, VP of operations for Mooyah, discusses the brand's food and operations in our latest Restaurant Operator Podcast.

Mountain Mike's Pizza opens largest restaurant yet

August 20, 2025

Mountain Mike's Pizza recently opened its largest restaurant nationwide. The unit, built in Dixon, California, weighs in at a record-breaking 5,600 square feet…

From Maine to Milan: The global journey of Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

How do you take a Maine lobster roll and build a brand that stretches from the East Coast to the heart of Milan, Italy? That’s the kind of breakthrough story…

Marco's Pizza opens more than 40 stores in first half of 2025

August 13, 2025

Marco's Pizza marked a strong first half of 2025 with 41 store openings. The brand said in a press release that it is poised for a 28% year-over-year increase…

Donatos Pizza to expand in Virginia, Maryland, Georgia

August 13, 2025

Donatos Pizza continues its franchise growth throughout the DMV area (DC, Mayland and Virginia) as well as the Atlanta metro area, according to a press release.

How Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza pairs great food, service with mega pavilions

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza proves that gas station food can be great. Lead by brothers Todd and Curtis Saroki, the brand has 19 locations in mega gas…

Former NFL player Billy Bajema hosts Pizza Inn opening in Oklahoma

August 12, 2025

Pizza Inn has opened in Yukon, Oklahoma. The restaurant has been serving guests from its drive-thru for two months but has now opened its dine-in buffet…

Fransmart launches platform for early-stage restaurant, franchise brands

August 7, 2025

Fransmart, a franchise development company, has launched an investment platform that allows individual accredited investors to co-invest alongside the firm in…

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…

Imo's Pizza to expand in Kansas City

August 4, 2025

St. Louis-based Imo's Pizza will open its third Kansas City area location this year, according to a report in The Kansas City Star.

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…

Toppers Pizza opens in Charlotte, North Carolina

July 31, 2025

Toppers Pizza has opened in Charlotte, North Carolina. It marks the third Charlotte-area restaurant for the brand and the 73rd systemwide, according to a press…

Mountain Mike's Pizza lands in Salem, Oregon

July 31, 2025

Mountain Mike's Pizza has opened its sixth location in Oregon. Located in Salem, the restaurant is under the helm of multi-brand franchisees Amritpal Singh…

Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream reopens in New Ulm, Minnesota

July 30, 2025

Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream has reopened in New Ulm, Minnesota under the helm of local owner and operator Travis Hermel, a former longtime Happy Joe's…

Fat Boy's Pizza, Savvy Sliders bring co-branded unit to Fort Wayne, Indiana

July 29, 2025

Savvy Sliders and Fat Boy's Pizza will open a co-branded unit this fall in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The restaurants, located in a former BurgerFi, are located at…

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…

Marco's Pizza celebrates international milestones

July 22, 2025

Ohio-based Marco's Pizza is celebrating major milestones in its international strategy, marking one year since it opened its first location in Mexico and 1…

Mountain Mike's Pizza expands in home state

July 17, 2025

Mountain Mike's Pizza has opened a location in Pittsburg, California. It marks the brands 23rd location in Contra Costa County, according to a press release.

Round Table Pizza expands Texas footprint

July 17, 2025

Round Table Pizza, a FAT Brands Inc. property, has opened a location in San Marcos, Texas. The franchise is under the helm of Brame Brands.