FSR

12/18/2025

California Pizza Kitchen is set to be acquired by a new ownership group.
https://www.fsrmagazine.com/feature/california-pizza-kitchen-to-be-bought-by-new-ownership-group/

12/16/2025

✨ Two Inspiring Women, One Stage ✨

We’re thrilled to announce the opening and closing keynotes for WiRL 2026! These industry trailblazers will bring distinct perspectives on leadership, creativity, and growth at scale.

Opening Keynote: Tabassum Zalotrawala – SVP, Global Restaurant Design & US Chief Development Officer, McDonald’s
Tabassum combines creative instinct with operational rigor, shaping spaces and experiences that evolve with consumer expectations—all while staying grounded in purpose and intent. Her leadership journey reflects the power of trusting your instincts, raising your hand for opportunity, and having the courage to move on when values and respect aren’t aligned.

Closing Keynote: Julie Fussner – CEO, Culver Franchising System, LLC
Julie has built her career on steady leadership, values-driven decision-making, and long-term brand stewardship. As Culver’s first CMO and first female CEO, she’ll share candid insights on navigating growth, earning trust, and leading with clarity. At WiRL 2026, she will also make history as the event’s first-ever closing keynote speaker.

Together, Tabassum and Julie offer two distinct—and equally impactful—approaches to leading in today’s restaurant industry.

Join us in Charleston, SC, February 25–27, 2026 for three days of conversation, connection, and inspiration.

🔒 Secure your spot: https://www.womenleadrestaurants.com/

❤️

12/16/2025

Dave & Buster’s is moving forward with its Back to Basics plan, an effort to correct missteps from prior leadership and refocus the business on core fundamentals.

Dave & Buster's is moving forward with its Back to Basics plan, an effort to correct missteps from prior leadership and refocus the business on core fundamentals. CEO Tarun Lal, who joined this summer, told investors during Tuesday's Q3 earnings call th...

12/12/2025

Kevin Templeton isn’t just a San Diego chef + “Chopped” Champion—he’s also the guitarist in a heavy metal band (Godhammered). 🎸

That balance fuels the long game: barleymash is 13 years strong, with more concepts growing nearby.

Many may have heard of chef Kevin Templeton from his appearance on Food Network's “Beat Bobby Flay” in 2016, his work in the San Diego restaurant scene, or when he became “Chopped” Champion in 2019. But a select, special few may know him as the guitaris...

12/11/2025

In the wake of Cracker Barrel’s logo controversy and declining traffic, the brand is working to improve profitability, and one avenue is corporate layoffs. The announcement comes amid a rough financial quarter for the breakfast chain.

In the wake of Cracker Barrel's logo controversy and declining traffic, the brand is working to improve profitability, and one avenue is corporate layoffs. The layoffs began during the brand's first quarter, and another round is planned for the second q...

12/10/2025

Sicilian Oven, a 10-unit Italian chain based in Florida, has hopes of getting a lot bigger thanks to private equity.

Sicilian Oven, a 10-unit Italian chain based in Florida, has hopes of getting a lot bigger thanks to private equity. The 17-year-old concept recently received a growth investment from Goode Partners, which promises to support the company's expansion ins...

12/09/2025

After filing for bankruptcy in October, Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe could be sold for roughly $19M after naming M Crowd Restaurant Group (Mi Cocina, The Mercury, Vaqueros) as its stalking horse bidder.

Razzoo's Cajun Cafe may soon have a new owner. Razzoo's, which filed for bankruptcy in early October, has named M Crowd Restaurant Group as its stalking horse bidder. That means M Crowd has set the opening offer in the upcoming auction and is seeking to...

12/09/2025

This year, give a gift that actually lasts — the gift of WiRL. 🎁❤️

Whether it’s a moment of growth for yourself or an investment in the women who power your team, WiRL 2026 in Charleston, February 25–27, delivers an experience worth unwrapping.

New workshops, optional Charleston adventures, the WiRL Awards Dinner, expanded networking, 70+ speakers, and 12+ sessions — all designed to inspire, connect, and equip you with strategies you can use right away.

Give yourself—or your team—the leadership experience you’ve earned.

✨ Secure your spot today: https://www.womenleadrestaurants.com/ ✨

12/05/2025

Romano's Macaroni Grill—once a 200-plus–unit casual-dining staple—has nearly vanished. 🍝⚠️

Romano's Macaroni Grill, once a national brand with hundreds of restaurants, is now down to just nine locations, according to The Street. The remaining restaurants are based in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, and Utah. In the past ...

12/04/2025

From a single Jacksonville diner to nearly 70 locations, Metro Diner has scaled its signature blend of comfort food and connection by staying true to the simple values that started it all.

Metro Diner is the kind of restaurant that created its own unofficial “national holiday” in 2018 to honor one of its cult-favorite menu items; They celebrate National Chicken & Waffle Day on August 8 each year with discounts, prizes, and social media gi...

12/03/2025

Airport bars are becoming full-fledged hospitality destinations. ✈️🥃 Travelers may only have 20, 40, maybe 60 minutes to spare, but operators like Avolta and Paradies Lagardère are proving you can deliver speed and memorable experiences without sacrificing hospitality.

What’s emerging now:
• Premium curated spirits programs
• A speakeasy-style bar inside JFK’s duty-free store
• Mocktails built with the same integrity as cocktails

Read more: https://www.fsrmagazine.com/feature/delivering-convenience-and-hospitality-at-airport-bars/

12/02/2025

Is it possible to elevate comfort food without losing the soul that makes it comforting in the first place? 🍲✨ From slow braises to caviar-topped cornbread, chefs at Little Betty Steak Bar in Birmingham, Alabama (Revival Restaurant Group), and at Corner Cafe and Kyma in Atlanta (Buckhead Life Restaurant Group) reveal how they balance heart and haute cuisine.

Read more: https://www.fsrmagazine.com/feature/how-to-level-up-comfort-food-in-your-restaurant/