Papa John’s CEO Rob Lynch signs its largest U.S. franchise deal

Menu Tracker: New items from Arby’s, McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme

Plus innovation from Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Condado Tacos, Creamistry, Crumbl Cookie, Dae Gee Korean BBQ, Dairy Queen, Dash In, Denny’s, Fuku, The Habit Burger Grill, Jollibee, La Madeleine, Ledo Pizza, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Nekter Juice Bar, Peet’s Coffee, Rush Bowls, Studio Movie Grill, Torchy’s Tacos, Veggie Grill, Velvet Taco, Voodoo Doughnut, Whataburger and World of Beer.

Papa John’s CEO Rob Lynch on how the pizza chain just signed its largest U.S. franchise deal in the company’s history

Papa John’s announced a partnership with franchisee operator, Sun Holdings, Inc. to open 100 stores in Texas through 2029.

Kitchen United acquires ghost kitchen developer Zuul

This is the ghost kitchen company’s first acquisition.

NRN editors discuss IHOP’s fast-casual restaurant Flip’d, CREATORS and Yelp’s new features

Plus, Joanna Fantozzi interviews Capriotti’s chief of development and operations David Bloom about the newest addition to the company’s portfolio: Wing Zone.

How Chick-fil-A, P.F. Chang’s and McAlister’s Deli use technology to streamline operations and improve service

Restaurants accelerate investments in digital tools to drive labor efficiencies and keep up with high consumer expectations around convenience.

David Graves is promoted to president of Pizza Hut U.S.

Effective in 2022, exec is part of the KFC dream team brought in to refresh the struggling pizza brand.

First Watch raises more than $170M in IPO

CEO Chris Tomasso says debut serves as market test for full-service restaurants.

Fat Brands completes $300 million acquisition of Twin Peaks—its second major purchase this year

The purchase completion Twin Peaks brand from Garnett Station Partners follows the acquisition of Global Franchise Group in July.

Leadership outshines management, Monty Moran tells CREATE audience

Former co-CEO of Chipotle says love plays a significant role

Chefs on the Move: Shuffles at Daniel Boulud’s New York City venues, and Ryan Poli’s new gig

Plus other new jobs at restaurants, hotels and companies around the country.