Barry Bagels expands with major deal in Texas, uses hub-and-spoke model for growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Barry Bagels' history dates back to 1972. Today, the brand has locations in Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio,

Kona Ice CEO says food truck industry must come together

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Kona Ice CEO Tony Lamb said that the food truck industry has the potential to make big inroads with regulations and issues, if they are willing to come…

Newk's Eatery CEO discusses tech, its food quality and third-party delivery

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb.com, chats with Frank Paci, CEO of Newk's…

Breaking boundaries: Derrick Hayes on purpose, power, building Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

In this episode of Founderology – Built to Breakthrough, Derrick Hayes opens up about the decisions, setbacks, and breakthroughs that shaped his path. He…

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.

Frios Gourmet Pops hires former franchisee as VP of operations

August 27, 2025

Frios Gourmet Pops has appointed former franchisee Alison Groom to VP of operations, according to a press release.

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.

Cousins Maine Lobster keeps growth churning through authenticity

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Cousins Maine Lobster co-founders Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac discuss how this brand has hit big success with food trucks and authentic ingredients.

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…

Sensational Salads & Wraps gets physical location in San Antonio

July 2, 2025

Sensational Salads and Wraps, a food truck based in San Antonio, will be opening a brick and mortar location. The restaurant will feature many of the food…

Taco John's CEO talks balancing innovation with brand's rich history

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Heather Neary, president and CEO of legacy brand Taco John's, chats with podcast host Mandy Detwiler about balancing the brand's history with the innovation…

Blue Moon Pizza ready to take center stage

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of PizzaMarketplace.com and QSRweb.com, chats with Jordan Krolick, president of…

Jeff's Bagel Run founder says training key to franchisee success

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb, chats with Jeff's Bagel Run founder Jeff Perera.

Presented by Jeff's Bagel Run

From Founder to franchisee: How Chronic Tacos built a Brand still breaking through

In this episode of Founderology, I sit down with Randy Wyner, Founder and franchisor of Chronic Tacos, and Caleb Walker, multi-unit franchisee and…

Pollo Campero VP talks competition, standing out

In an episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, Mandy Detwiler of Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb interviews Blas Escarcega, VP of franchise development for…

How Red Chickz founder went from dishwasher to national brand builder

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

What if your next breakthrough idea came from a dishwasher-turned-Founder or a tech innovator who transformed chaos into a scalable business? Hear from Shawn…

From a Closet to a Scaling Franchise System: Meet Evonne and Don Varady of Clean Eatz

In this episode of Founderology, host Kathleen Wood sits down with two powerhouse founders—Don and Evonne Varady, the creators of Clean Eatz. Their story…

Eggs Up Grill, Hot Palette Holdings, Jeff's Bagel Run execs talk leadership skills

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Leaders from Eggs Up Grill, Jeff's Bagel Run and Hot Palette Holdings discussed leadership skills at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in Myrtle…

Donatos Pizza president, CEO wants it to be the household name in pizza

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Donatos Pizza president and CEO Kevin King talks about his career in the pizza industry and what makes his brand a leader in the category amidst rising pizza…

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, Perkins, Bun Mee, Keke's leaders share franchising success insight

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

What it takes to succeed in franchising was the focus of a panel talk at the recent Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit.