FSR

01/09/2026

From a single Brooklyn tea room to national retail shelves—and now an airport debut—Brooklyn Tea’s growth story is anything but conventional. 🍵✈️

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Jamila Wright and Alfonso Wright, the concept has scaled by design, not by chasing hype. Culture, community, disciplined partnerships, and intentional pacing have guided every move—from a viral Shonda Rhimes tweet to saying no to premature retail deals, to landing a licensing partnership at JFK Airport this month.

https://www.fsrmagazine.com/feature/how-brooklyn-tea-built-a-global-brand-with-designs-to-grow/

01/08/2026

Taste of Belgium, a Cincinnati-based brunch chain, has filed for bankruptcy after reeling from the lasting effects of COVID and inflation over the past few years.

Taste of Belgium, a Cincinnati-based brunch chain, has filed for bankruptcy after reeling from the lasting effects of COVID and inflation over the past few years. The company wants to “stabilize the business and ensure long-term sustainability,” accordi...

01/07/2026

Applebee’s and IHOP co-branded restaurants are gaining momentum as Dine Brands leans into a format that’s reshaping unit economics and guest behavior. The company already has 20 dual-branded locations in the U.S., with dozens more in the pipeline.

Applebee’s and IHOP parent Dine Brands carried momentum down the stretch of 2025 as the former posted consecutive same-store sales gains (3.1 and 4.9 percent in Q3 and Q2, respectively, after a 2.2 percent slide in Q1), and the latter achieved positive traffic for the first time in “years and ye...

01/07/2026

🚨 FOMO Alert: Time Is Running Out 🚨

WiRL 2026 is filling fast—and if last year taught us anything, it’s that waiting means missing out. We sold out last January, and this year it’s bigger, bolder, and even more unmissable.

📍 February 25–27 | Charleston, SC

Here’s what’s waiting for you:
✨ 70+ speakers sharing actionable leadership strategies
🍳 Pre-conference workshops from Vicious Biscuit & Bojangles
🏆 WiRL Awards honoring women shaping the industry
☕ An extra day with a breakfast educational session

Plus unforgettable networking experiences:
👻 Charleston-themed add-on activities
✨ Great Gatsby opening reception
🔥 Keep the Spark Alive after party

The countdown has begun ⌛

Secure your WiRL 2026 ticket now and experience the energy, connections, and insights everyone will be talking about. Click here: https://www.womenleadrestaurants.com/

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/ ✨