QSR

The goal right now for Ah-Beetz is 250 locations over the next five years. “We’ve surrounded ourselves with good people and we’re up for the challenge,” Nicholas Joseph Laudano says. “And it’s going to be pretty fun. We look forward to working with everybody in the community and getting involved in the franchise trade shows and all that stuff, which we just started doing over the last year.” More here: https://lnkd.in/eRKH54ju

Each year, QSR’s Digital Disruptors offer a glimpse into the restaurant tech breakthroughs poised to redefine the industry—and in 2025, their insights reveal a seismic shift underway. From hyperlocal intelligence and AI-powered decision-making to next-generation guest data, predictive operations, empowered frontline employees, and the rebirth of hospitality, these leaders spotlight the innovations no one is talking about yet—but soon will be. Together, their perspectives paint a vivid picture of a future where technology becomes more human, more integrated, and more transformative inside the four walls and beyond. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/efJyY346

Big developments at Noodles & Company this week. Activist investor Galloway Capital Partners has taken a 6.01 percent stake in the brand and is pushing for a significant shift in strategy: selling roughly 200 company-owned restaurants to reduce debt and transform the chain into a majority franchised system. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/eWfQUsaw

QSR's Ad of the Month for November goes to Starbucks. The brand’s recent campaigns have looked to take the best of the modern brand—like its designer cups and hand-drawn messages—but also get back to the brand’s historic roots as a “third place” where people can come together for a moment of peace and friendly connection. The new ad, “Drawn Together” with its tagline “Together Is The Best Place To Be,” reflects those goals, writes Vanessa Chin. More here: https://lnkd.in/eCWkz69A

Elliott Goldsmith wasn't sure what he was getting into when he dove into franchising with Firehouse Subs. Now, 10 locations in, here's a look at the lessons learned along the way and why more growth is ahead. "We’ve brought on the right talent to lead us to the next level, and that’s why I’ve got the confidence to still pull the trigger to open more locations," he says. More here: https://lnkd.in/emvU5Kwk

💫 WiRL 2026 SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT 💫 Devon Croom, PMP, CSM, CSPO, SHRM, ACS-CF, HDI, Senior Team Leader, Networking | Chick-fil-A Restaurants Before she became a John Maxwell–certified trainer, speaker, and coach—and the first in her family to earn a Master’s degree 🎓—Devon was serving up smiles (and seafood platters!) at Hardee’s and Hugo’s 🦞🍤. Her favorite color? A bold, powerful red ❤️—fitting for a woman who leads with heart, conviction, and purpose. ✨ What she’s most proud of: Career: “Becoming a John Maxwell Trainer, Speaker, and Coach, and being a first-generation Master’s degree holder.” Personal: “Becoming an author and minister.” 🌟 What gives her hope: “My diverse background and experience can have a positive impact on anyone, regardless of their background. I can’t wait to see an even broader representation of women from all ethnicities in leadership.” 💬 #WhyWiRL: “WiRL is a group of women who aren’t competing—they’re celebrating each other and encouraging everyone to do their best. I love being a north star and a model for many to follow. But I’m also still becoming—and WiRL has women who inspire me to keep growing.” 🎤 Catch Devon on the Claiming Your Space: Speaking with Authority, Visibility & Confidence panel at WiRL 2026. 👉 View the full agenda: https://lnkd.in/euFbvnh3 + register here: https://lnkd.in/esSTdTqt

Chick-fil-A is now looking to transition many of its licensed restaurants to the company's local ownership franchise model. In time, the impact will surface in Chick-fil-A college campus, hospital, and theme park locations. The move will enable stores to tap into the same tech platforms, and more: https://lnkd.in/e5YdH2mj

As the quick-service restaurant industry reimagines what “fast” and “friendly” really mean, a quiet revolution is happening at the lane: the rise of emotionally intelligent conversational AI powered by breakthrough speech-to-text technology, writes Shadi Baqleh. More here: https://lnkd.in/gqStAZyZ

Velvet Taco, the fast-casual restaurant celebrated for its globally inspired tacos and bold flavors, has named Chris Schultz as CEO. Schultz will lead the brand’s next phase of growth in the United States and internationally, with a focus on operations, innovation and elevating the overall guest experience. More here: https://lnkd.in/dtPZMySd

Meet QSR's Digital Disruptors for 2025! This group of change-makers is taking the restaurant industry into the future, with a focus on innovation, smart solutions, and staying ahead of the curve. More here: https://lnkd.in/eJ4xFCYb