QSR Magazine — page 26

Caribou Coffee launches fall menu with pumpkin and Honeycrisp apple flavors.

The sandwich franchise has introduced a Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich and new side items as part of its late summer and back-to-school promotional lineup.

Carvel and Activate are teaming up to bring the spirit of play to Manhattan as Activate, the first active-gaming experience, celebrates the grand opening of its first New York City location in Union Square during Carvel’

Angry Chickz is giving fans a new way to feed their hangry. The Nashville hot chicken brand known for its bold flavors, customizable heat, and craveable menu, has officially launched the Angry Chickz App and Angry Chickz

Chicken Salad Chick took the top spot in YouGov’s 2026 U.S. emerging dining brands study, beating out competitors like Cook Out and Just Salad.

The international quick-service brand has introduced limited-time flavored fries at its U.S. and Canadian locations to expand its side menu and capitalize on snacking trends.

Fast-casual chicken franchise Pollo Campero has announced the limited-time return of its fan-favorite queso as part of a new bacon-focused promotional menu.

Colorado-born chicken brand Birdcall has reached a national expansion milestone with the opening of its first-ever franchise location in Starkville, Mississippi.

Automated locker systems and the ApexIQ platform are helping restaurant chains reduce labor strain and streamline the off-premises pickup experience for guests and drivers.

Effective franchisee onboarding requires franchisors to transition into the business of supporting operators through the critical first months of a new unit launch.

Athena Franchise Group has signed a six-unit development agreement to introduce the customizable beverage concept to the Greater Boston market starting in 2027.

Experienced multi-unit operator Anis Akram has opened his second Checkers & Rally’s location in Virginia, bringing his two decades of industry experience to the Louisa market.

Veteran franchise operator BD Patel and his family have signed a 10-unit development agreement to bring Potbelly sandwich shops to Northeast Orlando and Gainesville.

Chicken Salad Chick has appointed former GoTo Foods executive Drew Travis as Chief Financial Officer to oversee corporate finance, accounting, and strategic planning.

The fast-casual pizza chain overhauled its operations and restaurant design to accommodate a permanent shift toward digital and off-premises sales.

CEO Liz Williams outlines expansion plans to grow the California-based chicken chain's footprint through digital engagement and new franchise development.

Chipotle Mexican Grill is launching a series of back-to-school promotions, including a BOGO offer for guests wearing school apparel and weekly Sunday dinner deals.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is launching a week-long $6 acai bowl promotion for rewards members as part of a back-to-school marketing initiative.

The Mediterranean restaurant brand is expanding its California footprint with new locations in Aliso Viejo and Hollywood Park ahead of a 2026 Las Vegas debut.

The sandwich chain continues its national expansion strategy through new shop openings and strategic multi-unit franchise development agreements across traditional and non-traditional segments.

Panda Express has added a Strawberry Dragonfruit option to its Panda Crafted Beverage lineup to complement its bold menu items nationwide.

Palona AI raised $20 million in Series A funding to expand its multimodal operating layer across multi-unit restaurant brands including Mountain Mike’s Pizza and Giordano’s.

Potbelly will enter the Georgia market this September with a new location in Chamblee, marking the brand's first expansion since its acquisition by RaceTrac.

The chicken tender brand has secured development rights for 60 new units across eight states, bringing its total franchise pipeline to over 200 restaurants.