vendors

— By Matt Browning — How QSR chains are moving beyond reactive maintenance. For a quick-service restaurant operator managing hundreds of locations, equipment failure is never just a maintenance problem — it’s a guest experience problem, a food safety problem and a bottom-line problem…all at once. A malfunctioning HVAC unit on a hot summer afternoon sends customers out the door. A refrigeration anomaly discovered too late means spoiled inventory and potential health code violations. An emergency repair call on a holiday weekend carries a price tag that can erase a …

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Scottsdale, Ariz. — Vixxo Facility Solutions was named the 2026 ConnexFM Supplier of the Year after receiving multiple client nominations telling a consistent story of partnership. “Vixxo exemplifies what this award is all about, a supplier that raises the bar for the entire industry,” says Bill Yanek, CEO of ConnexFM. “Their commitment to innovation, accountability and execution is exactly the kind of excellence we are proud to recognize.” That recognition reflects real results in the field. Each nomination described the same experience: a partner that shows up, solves problems and …

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St. Louis, Mo. — Interface Systems, a leading provider of AI-powered security and expert remote video monitoring for restaurants, retailers and commercial businesses, has launched Digital Keys, a mobile credential solution for Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) access control systems. Digital Keys enables businesses to replace traditional cards, fobs and physical keys with secure mobile credentials stored directly in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Designed for retailers, quick-service restaurants and other distributed enterprises, Digital Keys simplifies access management by allowing administrators to issue, update, schedule and revoke employee, contractor and vendor …

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— Interview with Austin Duchaine & Shawn Hester — Breaking down the most common water-related issues experienced by restaurants — and how to prevent, mitigate and recover. For independent restaurants operating in aging buildings, a hidden water leak can quickly escalate from a maintenance issue to a financial crisis. Older plumbing systems, grease-clogged drains and HVAC condensation failures increase the risk of sudden shutdowns, especially in older retail centers and standalone locations. When a restaurant is forced to close for even a few days, the financial impact compounds fast, creating …

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Irvine, Calif. — Restaurant365, a leading AI-powered restaurant management platform, has partnered with Hungry Howie’s Pizza, which has selected Restaurant365 as its back-office operations platform across all franchise locations. The partnership will standardize inventory management, scheduling, labor management and operational reporting across the Hungry Howie’s system, while all new franchisees entering the brand will also adopt Restaurant365’s accounting platform. By consolidating critical back-office functions into a single platform, Hungry Howie’s franchisees will gain real-time visibility into food costs, labor performance and store-level profitability while reducing manual processes and administrative complexity. …

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Des Plaines, Ill. — Chicago Faucets introduces the E-Tronic® 80 SoapBank™, a Multi-Feed Soap Dispensing System. The centralized bulk soap delivery solution is designed for high-traffic commercial and institutional restrooms. Engineered for applications including airports, retail, stadiums, education campuses and public venues, the system helps architects, plumbing engineers, designers and facility owners simplify maintenance while supporting cohesive touchless design. Unlike individual cartridge-based dispensers that require frequent replacement and ongoing maintenance, the E-Tronic® 80 system uses a centralized bulk soap reservoir capable of supplying multiple dispensers from a single refill point. …

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— By Liz Snyder — How glass wall systems are emerging as a strategic investment for retailers. Today, the most successful retail stores aren’t designed solely for transactions; they are experiential and foster emotional connection. A well-designed store engages customers and attracts prospective shoppers, even when staff are busy. To do so, many retailers are incorporating hospitality-inspired elements, such as cafés, restaurants and communal gathering areas, into their layout design, transforming furniture and retail stores into lifestyle destinations. Floor plans that prioritize openness, natural light and seamless flow enhance the …

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Savannah, Ga. — As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to grow nationwide, Bojangles is reimagining the future of the roadside stop, debuting its first EV charging station at 4401 Ogeechee Rd. in Savannah, Ga. The Savannah location marks the first milestone in a larger initiative to bring EV charging infrastructure to Bojangles restaurants across the country. Developed in partnership with XLR8 America, a leader in EV charging and sustainable infrastructure, and Energy and Environmental Design Services, the new hub signals Bojangles’ evolution beyond traditional quick-service dining and positions the brand …

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Dallas — Taco Bueno has brought fresh food delivery to new heights with the launch of drone delivery in partnership with Zipline. As of May 7, residents within 3 miles of the 7400 block of North Beach Street in Watauga, Texas, can order Taco Bueno through the Zipline app and have it delivered directly to their doorstep via drone. “The drone-delivery partnership with Zipline is just one more example of the work we are doing to combine the heritage of Taco Bueno with innovations across products, service, technology and customer …

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Boston — Toast, the global technology platform built for restaurants and retail businesses, is bringing its enterprise technology suite to Hungry Howie’s where it will be implemented across the pizza brand’s entire footprint of approximately 500 restaurant locations. Toast’s platform supports high-volume operations while Toast’s Partner Ecosystem — with integration partners like Cartwheel, Stream and others — allow pizza operators to build the ultimate, customized tech stack to keep their pies moving, staff and guests happy and business running smoothly. Hungry Howie’s selected Toast to modernize its technology, attract new …

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