Disposable cameras and raw reactions: Why 'imperfect' social media content is winning in 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Marketing leaders from Via 313, ATL Wing Spot, and Hook + Ladder explain how multi-unit restaurant brands can drive sustained foot traffic in 2026 by balancing AI-driven search optimization with raw, "old-school" authenticity.

Wendy’s Q1 sales decline 7.8% as Project Fresh turnaround gains momentum

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Wendy's reported its Q1 2026 results on May 8, focusing on its Project Fresh initiatives.

Papa Johns bringing signature garlic sauce to retail shelves this summer

Papa Johns is expanding into the grocery aisle with a nationwide launch of its bottled Garlic Flavored Sauce this summer, according to a press release.

Mellow Mushroom VP shares secrets to long-term franchise success

In this episode of the Pizza Marketplace podcast, Mellow Mushroom VP of Franchise Development Jamie Cecil discusses the brand's 50-year history of "unicorn" store designs and explains why modern franchise success relies on operational simplicity, rigorous real estate selection and transparent relationships between executives and investors.

Innovation in every sip: How Tractor Beverage Co. is changing the beverage landscape

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

John Murphy, chief revenue officer of Tractor Beverage Co., discusses the company's award-winning revival of the 17th-century "switchel" and how its organic, flexible beverage formats are meeting the 2026 demand for transparency and functional variety in the restaurant industry.

Rethinking Peak Performance in the Digital Restaurant Era

Traditional performance metrics such as ticket time and drive-thru speed measure efficiency but fail to capture the full guest experience. Many organizations detect problems only after they begin affecting customer loyalty. Leading restaurant brands are adopting a new approach: Unified Experience Management® (UXM).