Articles & Insights

How the F&B industry actually
runs, evolves, and grows.

Original analysis and curated reads with an editor's take — the operations, market shifts, technology bets, and people decisions shaping food service.

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NYC’s VIV Reinvents Itself Around Thai Street Food and Late-Night Hospitality

Kinnaree Hospitality Group and Executive Chef-Founder Verasak Sangsiri announced the official June 20th reopening of VIV, following a transformative five-month hiatus.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 24, 2026

Birdcall Maps Out Midwest Growth Plan Across Six States

Birdcall is setting its sights on the Midwest as it continues its rapid expansion. The Colorado-born fast casual brand has mapped out plans to add nearly 100 locations across six states to its franchise expansion pipeline in the next five years.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 24, 2026·3 min

What the Modern Steakhouse Looks Like in a Post-Pandemic Dining Era

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What the Modern Steakhouse Looks Like in a Post-Pandemic Dining Era

Steakhouses have long occupied a distinct place in restaurant culture. For decades, these establishments represented celebration, business dining, and occasion-driven hospitality.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 23, 2026·5 min

The Hidden Cost of Manager Burnout Starts With the Schedule

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The Hidden Cost of Manager Burnout Starts With the Schedule

How much manager burnout is actually being created by the systems and processes managers are forced to work with every day? Restaurant leaders spend enormous amounts of time talking about manager burnout.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 23, 2026·5 min

Dave’s Hot Chicken CEO Jim Bitticks on Why Speed Doesn’t Rule QSR Anymore, and the Race to Product Innovation

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Dave’s Hot Chicken CEO Jim Bitticks on Why Speed Doesn’t Rule QSR Anymore, and the Race to Product Innovation

Jim Bitticks has been CEO of the brand since January. As we wind down our Conversations series from Chicago (one more to go), Dave’s Hot Chicken CEO Jim Bitticks dropped by to discuss everything from viral product launches to why speed isn’t necessarily king anymore in QSR.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 23, 2026·9 min

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CC’s Coffee House Names Jeremy Hecht Director of Franchise Development

CC’s Coffee House, the beloved Louisiana-born coffee house concept, has appointed Jeremy Hecht as its new Director of Franchise Development, strengthening the brand’s leadership team at a key stage of growth.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 23, 2026·3 min

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Wendy’s Appoints Steve Cirulis Chief Financial and Strategy Officer

The Wendy’s Company announced the appointment of Steve Cirulis as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, effective June 23, 2026. He will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Wright and serve on Wendy’s Senior Leadership Team.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 23, 2026·2 min

Value for Restaurants is an Economics Discipline, Not a Coupon Strategy

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Value for Restaurants is an Economics Discipline, Not a Coupon Strategy

When McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said publicly that combo meals priced above $10 were damaging value perception, it forced the company to lean into value meals to restore traffic. That is the kind of structural fix that comes after value perception has already eroded.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 23, 2026·5 min

Starbucks to Roll Out New Coffeehouse Coach Role Nationwide After Successful Pilot

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Starbucks to Roll Out New Coffeehouse Coach Role Nationwide After Successful Pilot

The full-time role supports coffeehouse leaders by providing additional leadership coverage throughout the day. Starbucks is betting that more leadership on the floor can translate into better execution, stronger partner development, and a more consistent customer experience.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 23, 2026·4 min

On The Border Files for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

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On The Border Files for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

The future of On the Border is unknown. On The Border has declared bankruptcy for the second time in a little more than a year.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 22, 2026·4 min

Domino’s CEO Russell Weiner to Retire, Joe Jordan Named Successor

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Domino’s CEO Russell Weiner to Retire, Joe Jordan Named Successor

Joe Jordan (left), currently COO and president of Domino's U.S., has been appointed CEO effective October 1, succeeding Russell Weiner (right). Current executive chairman David Brandon (middle) will retire from the Board in 2027.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 22, 2026·5 min

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Baldor Specialty Foods Expands Into North Carolina

Baldor Specialty Foods, a specialty food distributor serving more than 16,000 customers along the East Coast, announced its expansion into North Carolina with an initial focus on the Triangle, Triad, and Charlotte metro areas.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 22, 2026·3 min

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Haven Hot Chicken Inks 3-Unit Deal in Massachusetts

Haven Hot Chicken has signed a three-unit franchise agreement with local entrepreneurs Nate and Whitney Tupper of 1779 Hot Ventures, LLC. The development will bring restaurants to Springfield, West Springfield and Chicopee, with the first location expected to open in late 2026.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 22, 2026·2 min

On The QSR Evolution Conference Agenda: Taco John’s CEO Heather Neary

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On The QSR Evolution Conference Agenda: Taco John’s CEO Heather Neary

In the weeks to come, as we approach this year’s QSR Evolution Conference, I’ll share some thoughts from speakers taking the stage. First up is Heather Neary, CEO of Taco John’s. Neary joined the company in 2024 and previously served as president at QSR franchisee KBP Brands.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 22, 2026·2 min

What Every Restaurant Leader Should Know About Escalating Food Safety Risks

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What Every Restaurant Leader Should Know About Escalating Food Safety Risks

When cleaning processes deteriorate, the entire kitchen becomes a minefield. You understand the importance of keeping a restaurant clean and sanitary.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 22, 2026·5 min

The New QSR Equation: Taste Gets You In, Technology Keeps You There

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The New QSR Equation: Taste Gets You In, Technology Keeps You There

Fragmented technology doesn’t usually show up as a single line item on the P&L. Everyone in the restaurant industry knows margins are razor-thin. Food costs are elevated, and guests are more value-conscious than ever before. Labor also remains a major pressure point.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 22, 2026·7 min

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Houston TX Hot Chicken Inks Deal to Grow in U.K. Market

Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC), the Las Vegas-based fast-casual brand that has become one of the fastest-growing hot chicken concepts in the United States, today announced its first international expansion in the UK.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 22, 2026·3 min