FSR

🏆 Unveiling FSR’s Top 50 Independent Restaurants of 2026, our annual report that spotlights the visionary owners and teams creating experiences guests can’t find anywhere else.

Revealing FSR's Top 50 Independent Restaurants of 2026 Admired by industry insiders and guests alike, this year's top indies are setting the standard for authentic, community-focused dining.

What started as a seasonal cocktail is becoming a year-round beverage strategy. 🍸🍹🥂

Mellow Mushroom and California Pizza Kitchen are expanding their spritz programs as guests increasingly seek lighter, lower-ABV drinks that fit multiple dayparts.

Spritzes are Becoming Much More Than a Seasonal Menu Cameo Spritzes have become one of those warm-weather menu signals that tell guests spring has arrived. What used to read for many American diners as a single bright-orange drink has opened up into something wider. On restaurant menus this season, “spritz” can...

What happens when restaurants stop treating catering as an afterthought?

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill built a catering playbook across 70+ locations—and one simple change unlocked major growth.

Catering Tech Catches Up, and What it Means for Restaurants Catering has always played a role in restaurants, but only recently have operators begun treating it as a dedicated sales and marketing channel. For years, catering meant taking a big order over the phone, sending out trays for office lunches, and hopin...

Following six straight quarters of positive traffic, Cotton Patch Cafe announced Monday that it has been acquired by Texas-based Local Favorite Restaurants, bringing its 50+ units into a 99-restaurant portfolio.

Cotton Patch Cafe Acquired by Texas-Based Local Favorite Restaurants Cotton Patch Cafe announced Monday that it has been acquired by Texas-based group Local Favorite Restaurants. Financial terms were not disclosed. Local Favorite Restaurants operates a host of concepts in the Lone Star State, including El Fenix Mexican R...

Just announced: Burger King is joining the QSR Evolution 2026 lineup. 🍔

Kick off the event with opening keynote speaker Tom Curtis, President of Burger King U.S. & Canada, on September 9 from 8:45–9:45 AM in the Grand Hall.

With decades of experience spanning franchising, operations, and executive leadership, Tom will share insights on leading iconic brands, driving operational excellence, and what’s ahead for the future of quick-service restaurants.

And that’s just the beginning—explore the full agenda featuring breakout sessions, additional keynotes, networking opportunities, and more.

Register now and see what’s ahead → https://www.qsrevolutionconference.com/