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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BJ’s Taps Former LongHorn Exec Monika Saxena as Brand President

BJ’s Restaurants announced that Monika Saxena has been appointed brand president, effective June 3, 2026. Saxena brings over two decades of brand-building expertise spanning marketing, culinary and beverage development and consumer insights.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026

Hungry Howie’s Appoints Jimmy Simonte Executive Vice President of Marketing

As Hungry Howie's EVP of Marketing, Simonte's immediate priority is meeting with and listening to franchisees to identify opportunities that strengthen local store performance while advancing broader brand priorities.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·2 min

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Jack in the Box and LA-Based Streetwear Brand The Hundreds Release Soccer Collection

The collection features the Jack Jersey in purple and white, along with the Jack Team SnapBack, a white/purple five-panel cap.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·2 min

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Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Announces $19.66 Anniversary Box in Honor of 60th Anniversary

In 1966, Lee Cummings and Harold Omer opened the first Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken in Lima, Ohio, with a simple idea to serve fresh fried chicken. Sixty years later, that one store in Lima has expanded throughout the United States and the recipe has never changed.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·2 min

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Smalls Sliders Signs Multi-Unit Deal in Mobile, Alabama

Smalls Sliders, the industry-disrupting cheeseburger slider brand, has signed a multi-unit development agreement to bring four Cans to the Mobile area. The deal is led by the Belote family, including Reggie Belote and his children, Cam and Joanna.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·2 min

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Huey Magoo’s Inks 5-Unit Deal in Texas

Huey Magoo’s, the fast-casual chain known for its premium, handcrafted chicken tenders, continues its expansion into Texas with a five-unit development agreement for restaurants in Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Mansfield.

via QSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·3 min

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Walk-On’s Teams with Kentucky Sports Radio for One-of-a-Kind Sports Bar in Lexington, Kentucky

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, ESPN’s #1 sports bar in America, revealed a first-of-its-kind partnership concept coming to Lexington, Kentucky that brings together one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports bar brands and one of the most influential fan communities in college ath...

via FSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·3 min

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Pizza Factory Selects PAR Technology to Revamp its Tech Stack

PAR Technology Corporation, a leading technology provider powering multi-unit operators across restaurant, retail, and large-scale commerce, announced that award-winning franchise brand Pizza Factory has selected PAR’s unified suite of solutions to modernize its restaurant tec...

via QSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·3 min

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Hudson House to Open 12th Location in Highland Village, Texas

Hunter Pond’s Vandelay Companies continues its steady growth across North Texas and beyond, with its 12th Hudson House location slated. Vandelay brings the East Coast–inspired neighborhood favorite to the Shops at Highland Village in the Flower Mound area Fall/Winter 2026.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·3 min

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Steak and Ale to Open First Southern Franchise Location

Steak and Ale, the iconic polished-casual concept known for pioneering the unlimited salad bar, is marking its 60th anniversary year with a milestone expansion: its first Southern franchise location.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·2 min

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Steak and Ale Headed to South Carolina with First Southern Franchise Location

Steak and Ale, the iconic polished-casual concept known for pioneering the unlimited salad bar, is marking its 60th anniversary year with a milestone expansion: its first Southern franchise location.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·2 min

Josh Halpern and Sam Stanovich on Why Hospitality Can’t Be Automated, and Listening to Trends

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Josh Halpern and Sam Stanovich on Why Hospitality Can’t Be Automated, and Listening to Trends

I was next visited in Chicago by Craveworthy Brands executives Josh Halpern and Sam Stanovich, who joined the multi-concept operator as chief brand officer and SVP of franchise leadership, respectively, following Craveworthy’s March 2025 move to become a managing partner, inve...

via QSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·5 min

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James Beard Foundation Announces 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards Winners

The James Beard Foundation announced its Restaurant and Chef Awards winners at the 2026 James Beard Awards presented by American Express and Resy.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·10 min

Yum! Brands Agrees to Sell Pizza Hut for $2.7 Billion

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Yum! Brands Agrees to Sell Pizza Hut for $2.7 Billion

Pizza Hut will soon have a new owner. Yum!

via QSR Magazine·Jun 16, 2026·5 min

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Supplements Brand TruNativ Raises $30 Mn To Bolster Offline Distribution

D2C nutrition focused brand TruNativ has secured $30 Mn (₹290 Cr) in a Series B round from US-based investor OrbiMed.

via Inc42·Jun 16, 2026·3 min

Meet The 58 D2C Brands From The Seventh Cohort Of Inc42’s D2CX

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Meet The 58 D2C Brands From The Seventh Cohort Of Inc42’s D2CX

India’s consumer commerce landscape is entering a new phase of growth. With the ecommerce market projected to become a $450 Bn opportunity by 2031, digital retail is becoming the primary channel through which new-age brands are discovered, purchased and scaled.

via Inc42·Jun 16, 2026·39 min

Twin Peaks Transfers to Franchisee-Backed Ownership After FAT Brands Bankruptcy

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Twin Peaks Transfers to Franchisee-Backed Ownership After FAT Brands Bankruptcy

Twin Peaks has 110 locations. Twin Peaks is entering a new chapter under the leadership of some of its most experienced operators.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 15, 2026·3 min

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Lombardi Family Concepts Opens Victory Tap Sports Lounge in Plano, Texas

Victory Tap offers a menu with familiar American classics, a well-rounded bar program and a comfortable yet energetic atmosphere.

via FSR Magazine·Jun 15, 2026·5 min

How the F&B industry actuallyruns, evolves, and grows.

BJ’s Taps Former LongHorn Exec Monika Saxena as Brand President

Hungry Howie’s Appoints Jimmy Simonte Executive Vice President of Marketing

Jack in the Box and LA-Based Streetwear Brand The Hundreds Release Soccer Collection

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Announces $19.66 Anniversary Box in Honor of 60th Anniversary

Smalls Sliders Signs Multi-Unit Deal in Mobile, Alabama

Huey Magoo’s Inks 5-Unit Deal in Texas

Walk-On’s Teams with Kentucky Sports Radio for One-of-a-Kind Sports Bar in Lexington, Kentucky

Pizza Factory Selects PAR Technology to Revamp its Tech Stack

Hudson House to Open 12th Location in Highland Village, Texas

Steak and Ale to Open First Southern Franchise Location

Steak and Ale Headed to South Carolina with First Southern Franchise Location

Josh Halpern and Sam Stanovich on Why Hospitality Can’t Be Automated, and Listening to Trends

James Beard Foundation Announces 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards Winners

Yum! Brands Agrees to Sell Pizza Hut for $2.7 Billion

Supplements Brand TruNativ Raises $30 Mn To Bolster Offline Distribution

Meet The 58 D2C Brands From The Seventh Cohort Of Inc42’s D2CX

Twin Peaks Transfers to Franchisee-Backed Ownership After FAT Brands Bankruptcy

Lombardi Family Concepts Opens Victory Tap Sports Lounge in Plano, Texas

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