Technology Features

Synergy in a slice: Inside the dual-concept model driving Hungry Howie’s Texas expansion

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Entrepreneur Jay Dhaliwal is leveraging a high-traffic "one-stop-shop" model in Fort Worth by operating a lean Hungry Howie’s franchise within a co-branded gas…

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Restaurant industry experts make predictions for 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Industry experts predict that the 2026 restaurant landscape will be defined by a "Me-Me-Me Economy," where brands must leverage integrated AI and data-driven…

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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…

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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…

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Why East Village Pizza’s owner is taking his dough recipe from NYC to Dubai

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Frank Kabatas, the owner of East Village Pizza, is taking his New York-style pizzeria — built on a personal journey that started with him being fired as a…

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Founder shares how he went from tacos to tech

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Come hear El Arroyo founder Ellis Winstanley how he moved to tech at the Founderology Growth Summit.

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How Piesano’s turned a single slice shop into a thriving Florida chain

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

From humble beginnings as a pizza-by-the-slice window near the University of Florida, Piesano’s Stone Fired Pizza has grown into a 15-location Florida chain by…

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Farmer Boys, Taco Cabana, Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill execs talk high-tech drive-thrus

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A Fast Casual Executive Summit session highlighted the drive-thru's post-pandemic evolution, moving beyond just speed to prioritize accuracy, hospitality and…

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How two young entrepreneurs are giving Pizza Guys a new face in SoCal

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

United by high school sports and a passion for a distinct pizza brand, friends My Phan and Edward Phan overcame financial and logistical hurdles to launch two…

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The human touch: How kiosks are transforming retail, restaurants

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Self-service kiosks have evolved from a novelty to an essential tool in retail and restaurants, streamlining operations and improving customer experience by…

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Any way you slice it: How a small-town pizzeria became a big-time hit

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Driven by a passion for quality and a commitment to its community, The Slice has transformed from a small-town pizzeria into a thriving multi-location success…

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Speaker Spotlight: Aaron Noveshen, CEO, Starbird Chicken

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Aaron Noveshen, founder and CEO of Starbird Chicken, is participating in a Fast Casual Executive Summit panel on AI. Learn all about him in today's speaker…

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Modern equipment eases today's work in the pizzeria

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

An equipment show at a Cincinnati, Ohio, showroom, Professional Reps showcased several pieces to aid the modern pizzeria worker.

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How AI turning labor from cost center into growth driver for QSRs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In a free webinar titled "Labor Forecasting 2.0: Predicting Future Demand and Staffing for Efficient Growth with AI" viewers will learn how AI is powering…

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Speaker Spotlight: Filippo Fiori, Due Cucini Italiana head chef, CEO

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

From Italy to China to the U.S., Filippo Fiori has gained a lot of wisdom from his travels, which he plans to share at the Fast Casual Executive Summit.

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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…

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Star Micronics leads the way in smart labeling for growing restaurants

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Smart labeling is a necessity in today's restaurants. Learn how Star Micronics is leading the charge in labeling technology.

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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…

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How to navigate the drive-thru landscape

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

How can drive-thrus navigate long waits, order accuracy and innovative tech? A panel at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will take a deep dive into the…

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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…

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