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A Scalable Refresh

by Katie Lee

— By Katie Lee — 2026 marks the full rollout of Gong cha 2.0, a comprehensive modernization of technology, operations and store design for the bubble tea leader. Gong cha is the world’s leading bubble tea brand with nearly 2,200 locations in 33 markets globally, including more than 240 stores in the U.S. across 23 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. But it still has plenty of room to grow — both in number of locations and in brand recognition — in the United States. With a solid foundation undergirding …

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Dave’s Hot Chicken Opens Record 8 Restaurants in a Single Day

by Katie Lee

Pasadena, Calif. — Dave’s Hot Chicken continues its rapid growth in 2026 with the opening of 8 new restaurants on April 16, expanding its footprint to more than 400 locations worldwide. The milestone highlights the brand’s disciplined approach to expansion and its ability to execute at scale while maintaining a consistent guest experience. The fast-casual concept, which originated in Los Angeles, is bringing its Nashville-style hot chicken to a diverse set of markets nationwide, including Fairlawn, Ohio; Oneonta, N.Y.; Edina, Minn.; Gastonia, N.C.; Arlington Heights, Ill.; Miami; Saratoga, Utah; and …

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Presto Co-Founder Returns as CEO

by Katie Lee

San Mateo, Calif. — Presto Phoenix, Inc., a leader in enterprise-grade Voice AI for quick-service restaurants (QSRs), has welcomed back Presto’s co-founder, Krishna Gupta, as chief executive officer. Gupta, a co-founder and longtime strategic leader at Presto, stepped back into the CEO role as the company accelerates deployment of its drive-thru Voice AI platform across major national restaurant brands. Presto will be showcasing this expertise at its Restaurant Leadership Conference (RLC) panel, “Deploying Voice AI at America’s Iconic Brands,” on April 20 in Phoenix. “Presto is entering its defining chapter, …

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Mo’ Bettahs to Expand Into 3 New Markets

by Katie Lee

Salt Lake City — Mo’ Bettahs plans to enter three new markets — Phoenix, Indianapolis and Minneapolis — as the Hawaiian-style fast-casual brand accelerates its national expansion. Additionally, the company reported positive same-store sales growth for the 18th consecutive year, marking nearly two decades of sustained momentum. Mo’ Bettahs has nearly 80 restaurants nationwide. “Eighteen consecutive years of same-store sales growth is rare in this industry, and it doesn’t happen by accident,” says Rob Ertmann, CEO of Mo’ Bettahs. “It reflects disciplined execution, the quality and authenticity of our menu, …

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Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™ Enter China with 600-Restaurant Agreement

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant brands in the world, plans to enter China, marking a major milestone in the company’s global growth and its 27th international market. The brand’s first restaurant in China is slated to open in Shanghai this summer, with additional locations — at least 600 — to follow. Texas Chicken has partnered with Deke Shengtang, a leading local operator with multiple QSR brands, signing a franchise agreement to develop 600 or more restaurants across China over the …

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Toast Launches Unified Drive-Thru Solution to Modernize Enterprise QSR Operations

by Katie Lee

Boston — Toast, a digital technology platform built for hospitality, has launched Toast Drive-Thru, an enterprise-grade solution designed to help modern quick-service restaurants (QSR) increase throughput and order accuracy at scale while optimizing labor efficiency through a single, unified platform. There are just over 140,000 total drive-thru locations across the entire U.S. restaurant industry, according to 2026 data from Technomic Ignite. These operators must deliver fast, error-free guest service while facing increased pressure on labor efficiency. The growth of AI voice ordering solutions in drive-thru has left many brands struggling …

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Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Names Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Charlotte, N.C. — Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has named restaurant industry veteran Jeff Uttz as its new chief financial officer, effective May 18, 2026. This comes as Firebirds continues to grow across the U.S. In addition to its current system footprint of nearly 70 restaurants, the company plans to open seven new locations in 2026, which includes its anticipated entrance into the Lexington, Ky., market — its first restaurant in the state. “We are thrilled to welcome Jeff Uttz to the Firebirds family,” says Steve Kislow, chief executive officer of …

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Marco’s Pizza Signs 12-Unit Agreement in Southern California

by Katie Lee

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza has signed a 12-unit franchise agreement with experienced multi-unit operator Baljit Gill, accelerating the brand’s expansion across Southern California. Today, three Marco’s Pizza locations are open in Upland, Fontana and Hesperia, with two additional stores in development in Yucaipa and Highland slated to open in April. The remaining units are currently in site selection throughout Southern California. Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco’s Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco’s was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale (“Pat”) Giammarco. The …

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Huey Magoo’s Expands in Texas with New 15-Unit Agreement

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Huey Magoo’s has signed a development agreement in Texas, continuing its rapid national expansion. The development of 15 new restaurants in the Lone Star State will span Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston and Montgomery counties. Overall, Huey Magoo’s is on track to reach 100 locations in 2026. The latest agreement brings on the SMR Capital Group. Led by its managing partner, Muhammad Ali Akbar, and its operating partner, Jason Gilbert, the group offers a blend of multi-unit operating expertise, franchise growth leadership, and real estate-backed investment experience. …

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Playa Bowls to Make International Debut with First Shop in Canada

by Katie Lee

Toronto — Playa Bowls, the U.S.’s leading superfruit bowl shop with nearly 400 locations, is officially bringing its tropical vibe north of the border. Eat Up Canada, Inc., the restaurant development group leading Playa Bowls’ Canada expansion, has signed a lease for the brand’s first Canadian shop in downtown Toronto. The shop will mark Playa Bowls’ international debut when it opens this spring. The new shop is part of Playa Bowls’ master franchise agreement with Eat Up Canada, led by George Heos and Alex Gerzon. The pair previously built a …

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