QSR

Following the sale of Del Taco, Jack in the Box is ready to focus on its core business. “Over the past few months, we’ve pulled several levers to drive improvement, but there’s still significant progress to be made," CEO Lance Tucker said. "Our category is more competitive than ever, and consumers are very careful about where they spend.” More here: https://lnkd.in/e8NPMK6C

Many people chase the title or the transaction, but real success starts internally. It’s about understanding yourself, your goals, and your business before expecting others to follow, writes Justin Scotto. More here: https://lnkd.in/e2Y_jgDa

Heads up — the WiRL 2026 agenda just got even stronger. More sessions, more voices, and even more #WiRLPower. ❤️💥 We’ve added new workshops, fresh learning opportunities, Charleston add-on experiences, and expanded networking designed to help you grow, connect, and lead with purpose. From pre-conference workshops with Vicious Biscuit and Bojangles to a glam Great Gatsby reception and the WiRL Awards Dinner, this year’s program is bigger, bolder, and built for women who are ready to level up. February 25–27 • Charleston, SC See what’s new, explore the full agenda, and claim your spot before seats are gone. 👉 Register now and join us in Charleston: https://lnkd.in/gM9CvmAF #WiRL2026 #WomeninRestaurantLeadership

Black Rock Coffee Bar's sales are soaring as it recounts its first quarter as a public company. Can the brand reach 1,000 locations by 2035? Signs point to yes. “When we take care of our team, they take care of our guests. That’s how we win together,” CEO Mark Davis, MBA said. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eUdyfgA6

BRIX Holdings' chairman Amol Kohli intends to be a franchisee-focused franchisor. To him, growth isn’t about volume—it’s about doing things the right way. His approach will be grounded in fairness, empathy, and discipline. “We are not here to just collect fees and roll and run. That is not what we’re going to do,” Kohli says. More here: https://lnkd.in/gNMkBCau

MTY Food Group, the owner of Papa Murphy’s, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Cold Stone Creamery, and dozens of other concepts, could be up for sale. The Montreal-based company confirmed in a news release that it’s partnering with a financial advisor to evaluate strategic alternatives. More here: https://lnkd.in/eZ7kXP69

💫 WiRL 2026 SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT 💫 Rebecca Brown, National Franchise Consultant, 7 Brew Coffee Her first-ever job? Video Game Truck Attendant at 15 — an early lesson in staying calm while everything (and everyone) moves fast. This Pisces's go-to food order is a Chicken Harissa Bowl from Cava, and her favorite color is emerald green. 💚 ✨ What she’s most proud of: “In my career, I am most proud of witnessing my team growing and getting promoted.” “In my personal life, I am most proud of becoming a parent and the self-growth that comes alongside it.” 🌟 Her hope for the future of women in leadership: “For future women, I would love to continue to see strong male figures supporting the growth of women in leadership.” 💛 #WhyWiRL: “I was drawn to WiRL through the ability to connect and learn from amazing strong women.” ✨ A guiding philosophy she lives by: “Always do every task to the best of your abilities. Looking back, you realize that it is the small things that make the biggest impacts.” 🎤 Catch Rebecca on the Culture Can’t Wait panel — where she’ll dive into mentorship, inclusion, and communication that sticks. #WiRLPower Explore the full agenda: https://lnkd.in/euFbvnh3 Register here: https://lnkd.in/esSTdTqt

Ready for WiRL? Charleston is calling!📞✨ Get a head start on the magic that makes WiRL unforgettable. Arrive early, soak in the charm of Charleston, and dive into two powerhouse pre-conference workshops: 🍳 10:00–11:00 AM | Grow Viciously: Building a Career Inside a Brand on the Rise Speakers: Doinita Leahu, Katie D., Katie Byrd, Amanda Parker & Amanda Kahalehoe | Vicious Biscuit Learn how to thrive in ambiguity, build your path from the ground up, and grow alongside a rising brand. 🍗 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Leaders as Learning Architects: Rethinking How We Teach, Measure & Coach Speakers: Lindsey Halson & Kathryn Murrow | Bojangles' Restaurants, Inc. Discover hands-on strategies to coach, measure impact, and build stronger teams with evidence-based leadership techniques. Start strong. Come early. Connect with the WiRL community and set the tone for an unforgettable summit experience. 📅 February 25–27, 2026 | Charleston, SC 🔗 Register Now: https://lnkd.in/gM9CvmAF #WiRL2026 #WiRLPower

With the debut of its new brand platform and tagline, “Wingstop Is Here,” the fast-growing chain is making its boldest marketing statement yet. Created in partnership with VaynerMedia, the campaign leans into the anticipation Wingstop customers feel when the bag hits the kitchen table, and the way its wings transform an ordinary night into “the moment.” "I think in one word it’s about growth," says chief revenue officer Mark Christenson. More here: https://lnkd.in/etfz3qzb

Panera Bread has initiated “Panera RISE,” a new transformation strategy that will inform all of the chain’s future actions. The framework is divided into four parts: refreshing the menu, igniting value, serving guests with excellence, and expanding the network of stores. “It’s deliberate that it’s not a project,” CEO Paul Carbone says. “So this isn’t project. This is Panera RISE. This is the way we’re going to run the business for now and into the future.” More here on what's ahead for the category pioneer: https://lnkd.in/e9dgYxK5