Leadership News & Media

Beyond the BBQ Chicken Pizza: The values that built California Pizza Kitchen

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

In the second installment of this two-part series, California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield recounts the company's culture that made it a success…

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The $250,000 gamble that launched California Pizza Kitchen

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

In the first installment of this two-part series, California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield recounts how he and law partner Larry Flax walked away…

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Bloomin’ leadership lessons with Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Outback Steakhouse co-Founder Tim Gannon shares how with only $37, a ripped-up $1 million check and two great partners, a legendary brand was built and the…

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Life, leadership and restaurants: ‘Ted Lasso’ strikes again

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

* Please note, this post does contain spoilers for the Ted Lasso episode, "Mae Rides the Bus."

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How MOD Pizza put a fresh spin on its 'MODern Beginnings'

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

How MOD Pizza introduced familiar sizing, expanded signature recipes and new menu items while maintaining its signature customization model.

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Cugino Forno debuts pizza vending machine in North Carolina

September 21, 2026

Cugino Forno has introduced a pizza vending machine at Incendiary Brewing in Lewisville, North Carolina, according to a WXII report, giving customers access to…

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10 Questions: Mountain Mike’s CEO Jim Metevier

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

In the debut of Pizza Marketplace’s 10 Questions series, Mountain Mike’s CEO Jim Metevier talks franchisee success, restaurant economics, leadership and the…

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Mountain Mike’s names Sheena Dougher chief marketing officer

September 16, 2026

Mountain Mike's Pizza has announced in a news release that it has named restaurant marketing veteran Sheena Dougher its chief marketing officer, tapping the…

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Boston's Pizza names Sergio Carvallo U.S. president

September 10, 2026

Boston's Pizza has named longtime executive Sergio Carvallo president of its U.S. division, where he will focus on franchise profitability, brand growth…

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National Restaurant Association launches 'Made in Restaurants' initiative

September 9, 2026

The National Restaurant Association has launched "Made in Restaurants," a national initiative designed to showcase the restaurant industry's role in shaping…

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Me, Ted Lasso and something in common

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

Twenty years ago, I started my career in restaurant journalism. Now, I’m back where it all began as the editor of QSRWeb and Pizza Marketplace.

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The Marco’s Pizza Foundation surpasses $1.5M in charitable donations

September 8, 2026

The Marco's Pizza Foundation has officially surpassed $1 million in donations to Junior Achievement USA, the company announced in a press release.

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How fast-casual franchise Your Pie is optimizing kitchens for modern diners

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Fast-casual pizza franchise Your Pie is strategically expanding across the Southeast under CEO Ken Caldwell by blending its authentic, handcrafted Italian…

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Papa Johns completes strategic refranchising of Orlando-area restaurants

August 26, 2026

Papa John's International, Inc. has announced in a press release that it has refranchised 28 formerly corporate-owned restaurants in the Orlando area, which…

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From the boardroom to the prep line: How Stonefire Grill's CEO is fueling legacy growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Stonefire Grill CEO David Youngberg joins the Restaurant Operator Podcast to share how his hands-on leadership, people-first culture and strategic use of guest…

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How Prince St. Pizza is scaling a pop-culture juggernaut across North America

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Armed with an untouchable family recipe and masterclass marketing, CEO Lawrence Longo has taken Prince St. Pizza from a local NYC secret to a rapidly expanding…

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4 misses in Founder-led negotiations

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Although Founders know their businesses best, their deep emotional investment and daily operational pressures often compromise their negotiating leverage…

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Mr Gatti's Pizza acquired by franchisee G. Brint Ryan as CEO Jim Phillips retires

August 7, 2026

Entrepreneur and longtime franchisee G. Brint Ryan has acquired the remaining ownership interest in Mr Gatti's Pizza, making him the primary owner of the pizza…

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The new state of pizza Part 4: Winning the next chapter

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

In the final installment our new state of pizza series, we explore how the pizza brands that succeed in the next decade won't simply be the most automated…

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3 leaders every Founder must hire to scale

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

To successfully scale a company and transition from an overwhelmed operator to a confident CEO, founders must stop trying to manage everything themselves and…

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