Why 2026 is the year of the AI-driven restaurant

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

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

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.

Pizza Brands to Watch in 2026

Dominating the landscape is a shift toward “experiential” and “fusion” dining, where classic pepperoni is being challenged by global flavors like…

Presented by PizzaMarketplace.com

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

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

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…

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…

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…

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…

Top 10 Trends in Restaurant Technology

As the restaurant landscape evolves, operators increasingly rely on technology to remain profitable and deliver an outstanding guest experience.

Presented by Oracle

National Restaurant Association seeks solutions to penny shortage

December 11, 2025

The National Restaurant Association is seeking solutions to the national penny shortage. The shortage means operators can't order pennies from their local…

Pizza Marketplace’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers nominations now open

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The deadline is January 11, 2026.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana to open in Westport, Connecticut

December 10, 2025

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana will open a location in Westport, Connecticut, as the brand celebrates its centennial anniversary this year, according to a…

Pizza Across America to bring together pizzerias across the country for good cause

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Host Mandy Detwiler talks to Director Scott Wiener about the week-long event that draws pizzerias together across the country.

Menu strategy: Combating inflation and ‘protein fatigue’ with pork

In this episode of the "Restaurant Operator Podcast," host Cherryh Cansler sits down with Dr. Kristin Hicks-Roof of the National Pork Board and Eddie Flores…

Presented by National Pork Board

Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom continues Kansas expansion in Hutchinson

December 5, 2025

Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom has opened in Hutchinson, Kansas inside the Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center, according to a press release.

Peter Piper partners with Phoenix Children's for fundraiser

December 5, 2025

From now until Dec. 16, guests at Peter Piper Pizza in Phoenix can donate $1 or more to Phoenix Children's, a pediatric hospital, Toyland at checkout in-store…

How to surpass customer expectations, build brand advocates

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Businesses can transform satisfied customers into passionate brand advocates by consistently exceeding expectations through a strategy focused on delivering…