FSR

06/05/2026

Don Conner is expanding the definition of West Coast barbecue. 🍖

At Whiskey N Rye Smokehouse and ‘Que, he’s applying low-and-slow fundamentals to more than just the usual proteins—smoking everything from jackfruit and salmon to spaghetti squash noodles.

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Don Conner follows one simple philosophy, put forth by the late Anthony Bourdain: “Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it's a start.” While the central coast of California is known for Santa Maria-style barbecue (tri-trip beef grilled over ...

06/04/2026

Buffalo Wild Wings just unveiled a new fast-casual prototype with a plan to open hundreds of locations across the Middle East over the next decade.

Inspire Brands announced Wednesday a new Buffalo Wild Wings fast-casual prototype, designed to spark international growth. The new format, meant to complement sit-down sports bars, comes with new kitchen equipment and streamlined operations to achieve f...

06/03/2026

Can SPB Hospitality turn J. Alexander’s into a 100+ unit polished-casual platform?

That's the bet under CEO G.J. Hart—former CEO of Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse, California Pizza Kitchen, and more.

G.J. Hart really did plan to stay, relatively speaking, on the sidelines. After stepping down from Red Robin last April following two years of the chain’s “North Star” reinvention plan—an extensive overhaul that updated 85 percent of the menu, redefined operations, and a host of other things...

06/03/2026

Now included with your QSR Evolution Conference registration: WiRL Workshop + Lunch ❤️🥗

Back for year four, WiRL returns to the QSR Evolution stage to bring together women leaders from across the restaurant industry for a powerful, inspiring conversation centered on elevating, educating, and empowering the next generation of talent.

Hear real stories, career lessons, and actionable insights designed to help you grow your impact, build confidence, and take your leadership journey to the next level.

✨ Speakers ✨
Nancy Combs | SVP, Growth | Shake Shack
Devon Croom | Senior Team Leader, Networking | Chick-fil-A Corporate
Somia Farid Silber | CEO | Edible Brands
Maria Valero | Director, International Architecture & Design | Papa Johns

🎤 Moderated by
Kelly McCutcheon | Group Director of Training & Development | Whataburger Restaurants LLC

❤️ Want more WiRL? We'll see you at QSR Evolution! Register today and save your seat here: https://www.qsrevolutionconference.com/

06/02/2026

For many restaurant owners, the dream is simple: get a major influencer through the door and watch business take off. But Chef Garth D Cheese, owner of Greyz Bistro, believes visibility only works when the foundation is already in place.

For many restaurant owners, the dream is simple: get a major influencer through the door and watch business take off. But Chef Garth D Cheese, owner of Greyz Bistro, believes visibility only works when the foundation is already in place. Long before foo...

06/01/2026

Applebee’s is extending its off-premises reach through a new partnership with Wyndham Rewards that allows hotel guests to order delivery directly through the Wyndham mobile app.

Applebee's is extending its off-premises reach through a new partnership with Wyndham Rewards that allows hotel guests to order delivery directly through the Wyndham mobile app. The collaboration, which offers free delivery and loyalty rewards on qualif...

06/01/2026

🚨 Early Bird Pricing Ends TONIGHT! 🚨

This is your last chance to save $100 on QSR Evolution Conference 2026.

Join the industry's most innovative quick-service and fast casual leaders September 8–10 in Atlanta for three days of game-changing insights, powerful networking, and future-focused strategies shaping the restaurant industry.

Don't wait until rates go up—secure your spot before midnight.

Register now: https://www.qsrevolutionconference.com/

05/29/2026

Fast-growing ramen chain Kyuramen is expanding beyond its core business through a new izakaya-style concept, a matcha café acquisition, and a push into experience-driven Japanese hospitality.

Kyuramen is broadening its growth ambitions. The company announced the acquisition of Aoko Matcha, a New York-based specialty café concept, while also unveiling Super Kyuramen, a new izakaya-inspired restaurant model designed to extend the brand beyond ...

05/28/2026

After years of rapid expansion, pandemic fallout, and mounting financial pressure, upscale vegan chain PLANTA is shrinking its footprint and betting its future on a smaller U.S.-focused business.

A year after declaring bankruptcy, plant-based casual concept PLANTA seems to have determined its next direction. This month, the brand announced that it shuttered two Toronto-based restaurants to focus resources on the U.S., where it said performance r...

05/28/2026

⏳ LAST CHANCE — Early bird pricing is almost gone.

Only a few days left to save $100 before rates go up. If you’ve been thinking about registering, now’s the time to lock it in.

Don’t miss your window—once it’s gone, it’s gone. 🚨

👉 Register here (no code required): https://www.qsrevolutionconference.com/