
4 takeaways from the leaders of NRN’s 2026 Hot Concepts
- Emerging Chains Hot Concepts\\ \\ Awarded annually, Hot Concepts recognize emerging chains from around the U.S. that have impressive growth momentum and the potential to become h
Coke is a company in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 2015. 299 stories link here, each summarized from the original publisher. * KFC will replace Pepsi with Coca-Cola products at 3,700 U.S. restaurants, ending a 41-year supplier relationship [[2026-10-22 KFC Swaps Pepsi for Coca-Cola at 3,700 U.S. Restaurants (ac5933)]] * Taco Bell and Pepsi have renewed their partnership for another 11 years, ensuring strategic menu continuity for Taco Bell and the Mountain Dew Baja Blast [[2026-10-22 Taco Bell, Pepsi renew vows after KFC divorce (bc8896)]] * KFC is replacing Pepsi with Coca-Cola beverage products across its approximately 3,700 US locations, marking the end of a nearly 40-year relationship [[2026-10-16 Analysis KFC’s US Coke switch is about more than the cola wars (abc767)]] * KFC US is switching from PepsiCo to Coca-Cola as its official beverage provider at 3,718 US restaurants, ending a 40-year partnership [[2026-10-16 KFC US 'tastes the feeling' as it switches from Pepsi to Coke (a176b7)]] * Several restaurant chains, including KFC, Culver's, Subway, Marriott, and Costco, have changed their beverage providers in recent years [[2026-10-28 Why so many chains are changing their beverage providers (3b5b07)]] * Whataburger and Coca-Cola announced a giveaway for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, including tickets and field passes [[2026-07-09 Whataburger and Coca-Cola Announce MLS All-Star Game Giveaway (748ece)]] * CStore Decisions announced the winners of its 2026 Hot New Products Contest, with top innovations from major suppliers like Hershey and Coca-Cola [[2026-08-14 Announcing the Winners of CStore Decisions’ 2026 Hot New Products Contest (1b3aa6)]]
Also known as Coca-Cola

- Emerging Chains Hot Concepts\\ \\ Awarded annually, Hot Concepts recognize emerging chains from around the U.S. that have impressive growth momentum and the potential to become h
Coca-Cola and Whataburger are giving soccer fans across North Carolina and South Carolina the chance to experience one of the sport’s biggest events this summer, the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime.

Strategic beverage program investments are shifting from bundled add-ons to high-margin assets as consumers show increased willingness to pay for premium fountain offerings.

The frozen beverage brand is launching a patriotic, tech-enabled promotion across its nationwide network of convenience stores and retail partners.
Through Aug. 16, Krystalpalooza gives Club Krystal members a new reason to visit every day of the week, with rotating deals available via the Krystal app and online.

IHOP and Baskin-Robbins launch Dubai chocolate and dot cake menu items.

- Marketing & Branding Trending this week: A look at restaurant chains’ World Cup promotions See which stories readers couldn't get enough of [](https://www.nrn.com/author/nrn-staf

- Quick Service - Marketing & Branding - Food Trends - News McDonald’s is bringing back its Fried Apple Pie The fast-food chain will sell the dessert for a limited time starting ne
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Nation's Restaurant News has revealed its 2026 Hot Concepts award winners, highlighting emerging restaurant chains with significant growth potential and brand momentum.

The fast-food giant is launching a Minions & Monsters collaboration featuring themed Kids' Meals and a new Banana Frosty Swirl to drive traffic.

Wendy’s is launching a limited-time Minions & Monsters-themed meal and a new Banana Frosty Swirl to drive traffic through a collaboration with the animated film franchise.
DUBLIN, Ohio, June 8, 2026 // PRNewswire // -- This summer, Wendy's is offering Minions & Monsters-inspired items, inspired by Illumination's Minions & Monsters.

Cicis Pizza is bringing a new pizza to the buffet this summer with the launch of its America’s Triple Pepperoni Pizza.

Scarborough, ME – The dirty soda craze has officially landed at Aroma Joe’s, with the handcrafted beverage franchise rolling out Dirty Soda at all 135 locations.

- Executives - Quick Service \\ \\ Take-Away with Sam Oches features interviews with CEOs and founders of restaurant companies big and small, sharing their stories and ideas for th

Gulf Coast Jacks sues Jack in the Box for millions in damages

Whenever we’re speaking with restaurant operators, and the topic of third-party delivery comes up, complaints almost inevitably follow.
Friendly's launches Fiesta Flavors menu with 10 Under $10 Value Menu
Krystal introduces Crispy Fish Slider and Krush’d Sodas for spring.
ATLANTA, Jan. 5, 2026 // PRNewswire // -- Beginning today, Chick-fil-A® is rolling out its first-ever year-long celebration, serving up beloved classics and fresh new twists, fun Guest experiences and moments of surprise and delight throughout 2026.
Krystal offers daily holiday deals and sweepstakes prizes for loyalty members.
Toppers Pizza is spreading some cheer with a pizza that conjures up the taste of a grilled burger — no spatula required.
The conference held at the Omni Frisco at The Star featured two dynamic keynote speakers — former Tennessee Titans Coach Jeff Fisher, who shared insights on building teams that perform at the highest level, and memory ex
In this role, Kassem will be responsible for overseeing Red Robin's organizational strategy and vision centered on the continued strengthening of Red Robin's culture and the advancement of its recently announced First Choice Plan.