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November 14.2025
2 Minutes Read

Discover Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom's New Fall for Flavor Menu

Old Chicago Pizza Fall Menu showcasing colorful pasta dishes on stone surface.

Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom Rolls Out New Fall Flavors

As the air turns crisp and the leaves change colors, Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom is preparing for a delightful seasonal shift with its new Fall for Flavor menu. This exciting assortment brings comfort foods to life, ensuring that patrons have plenty of flavorful options to indulge in as we embrace the fall season.

Celebrating Seasonal Ingredients

Highlighting the essence of autumn, the menu introduces dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients. Guests can look forward to trying items like the Roasted Pumpkin Soup, which not only embodies the warm flavors of fall but also uses locally sourced ingredients to enhance freshness. Additionally, the new Apple Crisp dessert, with its sweet and spicy notes, is designed to evoke the comforting feelings associated with sitting around a bonfire on a chilly night.

Innovative Craft Beers to Pair With Fall Menu

Complementing the new Fall for Flavor offerings, Old Chicago is also rolling out a selection of craft beers that pair beautifully with autumnal dishes. Seasonal selections include pumpkin ales and spiced ciders, creating the ultimate dining experience. The brand continues to celebrate its reputation as a haven for craft beer enthusiasts, inviting diners to explore locally sourced beers that resonate with the fall theme.

A Community-Centric Experience

One of the standout features of Old Chicago is their commitment to community connections. As the weather cools, seasonal menu item launch events will take place, providing a vibrant social hub for friends and family. The restaurant emphasizes creating those shared experiences, promoting an atmosphere where customers can relish good company over hearty meals.

In the Spirit of Celebration

Beyond just food and drink, Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom aims to embody the celebratory essence of the fall season. In its mission, the establishment plans to host events that engage the local community, ranging from food pairing nights to game viewing parties, where the warmth of camaraderie can flourish. Their spokesperson highlighted, “We want our guests to feel that every visit during this season is a celebration of flavors and friendships.”

Conclusion: A Taste of Fall Awaits

As Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom unveils its Fall for Flavor menu, it invites locals to embrace the season with both arms and bring their appetites. With a focus on community bonding and delightful culinary offerings, this restaurant ensures that good taste and good company are always on the menu. Plan your visit soon to enjoy these seasonal delights!

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12.24.2025

Mountain Mike's Pizza Ranks Among America's Most Loved Brands by Yelp

Update Mountain Mike's Pizza: A Beloved Brand on the Rise In a year where consumer sentiment matters more than ever, Mountain Mike’s Pizza has emerged as a major favorite across the United States. Recently ranked as the 7th most-loved brand by Yelp, this family-style pizza chain has successfully won the hearts— and stomachs— of pizza lovers nationwide. Known for its crispy, curly pepperonis and impressive 20-inch pies, Mountain Mike’s has not only kept its roots but has expanded rapidly in the competitive fast-casual dining landscape. What Makes a Brand Loved? According to Yelp, the rankings are based on guest satisfaction and loyalty, reflecting how well Mountain Mike’s has resonated with its customers. The brand scored high on the Yelp criteria, which evaluate businesses with over 150 locations and at least 500 reviews. Carol DeNembo, Chief Marketing Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza, credits this recognition to the dedication of franchise partners and team members. "Exceptional hospitality and quality guide everything we do," DeNembo asserted, emphasizing the brand's commitment to fostering strong relationships with its customers. Industry Recognition and Growth While securing a top spot in Yelp's rankings is no small feat, Mountain Mike's has also seen a string of industry accolades. The pizza chain has surged to #89 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list, maintaining a competitive presence in the Top 100 for the third consecutive year and making a leap to #4 in the pizza category specifically. Additionally, it received the prestigious Zor Award for “Top Sit-Down Pizza” and recognized its “Best PR Campaign” at the Franchise Innovation Awards. Impact of Expansion Efforts In 2025 alone, Mountain Mike’s Pizza has made significant strides, with plans to open its 300th restaurant. With 23 new locations already opened this year, the chain is demonstrating a robust expansion strategy. Notably, markets in Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma are welcoming new Mountain Mike's Pizza outlets, showcasing a deliberate strategy to engage with diverse communities and a growing customer base. Features That Make Dining Special Beyond pizza, Mountain Mike’s provides a unique dining experience with features like kids’ activity areas, dedicated party rooms, and large-screen TVs that make family gatherings and team meet-ups particularly enjoyable. Customers can order online or via the company’s Mountain Rewards® app, which allows them to earn exclusive rewards while enjoying their favorite meals. Offering carryout options alongside in-house dining solidifies Mountain Mike's as a versatile choice for anyone looking to savor quality pizza. Looking to the Future As Mountain Mike’s Pizza continues to leverage guest loyalty and industry accolades to propel its expansion, it positions itself strategically for long-term growth. With over 320 locations in operation and an impressive 120+ locations currently under development across 15 states, the future looks promising. New franchise partners are increasingly interested in tapping into this successful family pizza concept, and with such an expansion effort, Mountain Mike's could soon become an even more recognized entity across America. Conclusion: Why Mountain Mike’s is the Pizza of Choice The accolades Mountain Mike’s Pizza has received not only highlight its status as a highly beloved brand but also underscore the importance of community, family-friendly dining, and quality food. For anyone in search of a delicious pizza option that's backed by customer love and industry success, Mountain Mike’s is undoubtedly the answer.

12.24.2025

Florence's Mugshots Grill & Bar Wins 2025 Franchise of the Year Award!

Update Florence's Mugshots Grill & Bar: Setting the Standard for Franchise ExcellenceIn a significant milestone for the restaurant industry, Mugshots Grill & Bar has announced that its Florence, Alabama location, managed by Lauren Brink, has been honored as the Franchise of the Year for 2025. This award underscores not just operational success but also the embodiment of community spirit, a core value of the Mugshots brand.Leading from the Front: Lauren Brink's VisionSince opening her location in downtown Florence in 2022, Brink has transformed her restaurant into a beloved hub for local diners. Her approach combines meticulous attention to customer satisfaction and employee support, creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects Mugshots' famed motto: "Havin’ a Good Time!" As Ron Savell, the founder of Mugshots Grill & Bar, noted, Brink is a quintessential example of what it means to be a successful franchisee. Her leadership has not only driven revenue but also fostered a culture of teamwork and motivation within her staff.Recognition of Achievement: What This Award RepresentsThe Franchise of the Year award is not merely a celebration of sales figures. It highlights the commitment to operational excellence, guest engagement, and the alignment of individual franchise goals with the overall brand ethos. Speaking to the impact of this recognition, Shane Waller, Director of Franchise Operations, stated that Brink consistently raises the bar in guest experiences and operational standards, setting a benchmark for her peers in the industry.Community Engagement: The Heart of Mugshots Grill & BarBrink's location has become more than a place to enjoy hearty, Certified Angus Beef burgers and drinks; it has morphed into a key player in the Florence community. From hosting local events to engaging with community members, her restaurant plays a pivotal role in the social fabric of the area. This community involvement aligns perfectly with Mugshots’ mission to integrate into the locales where they operate, fostering goodwill and customer loyalty.Looking Ahead: Future Expansion and OpportunitiesWith over 20 locations across the Southeast, Mugshots Grill & Bar is poised for further growth. The chain's proactive franchise program seeks driven individuals like Brink to expand its unique brand experience into new markets. As highlighted in earlier reports, Mugshots has enjoyed consistent growth over recent years, with global sales reaching upwards of $47 million. This trajectory of expansion indicates a broader trend within the fast-casual dining sector, where well-managed franchises are increasingly critical to market success.Key Takeaways From Lauren Brink's JourneyBrink attributes her success to three essential pillars: relentless drive, a strong business mindset, and appreciation for her team. As she put it, "This award belongs to them just as much as it does to me," reflecting her commitment to leadership that values team contributions. Her journey serves as an inspiring case study for aspiring restaurant entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of community connection, employee motivation, and unwavering work ethic.Conclusion: Celebrating Excellence in Franchise OperationsLauren Brink’s achievements in Florence epitomize the potential of franchise business models when executed with dedication and strategic vision. As Mugshots Grill & Bar continues to expand, the emphasis on quality experiences and community integration will remain key. Future franchisees can look to Brink’s success as a roadmap for building their own thriving establishments, rooted in connection and excellence.

12.24.2025

Mellow Mushroom's Digital Kitchen Revolution Sets Stage for 2026 Growth

Update Mellow Mushroom's Recipe for Success in 2026 Mellow Mushroom, a beloved pizza franchise known for its imaginative concoctions and vibrant atmospheres, is embracing innovation as it gears up for a promising 2026. In 2025, Mellow Mushroom prioritized refining restaurant operations, improving back-office efficiencies, and enhancing guest engagement—strategies that set the foundation for a competitive edge in the fast-evolving restaurant landscape. Revamping Kitchen Operations: The Digital Kitchen Rollout In a significant shift towards modernization, nearly one-third of Mellow Mushroom locations transitioned to a digital kitchen platform over the past year. This strategic rollout was customized for each restaurant's specific workflow and layout, resulting in notable improvements in service speed, order accuracy, and food quality. Executive Vice President Ahsan Jiva articulated the impact, stating, "We’ve seen double-digit gains in our three most important metrics, which are food quality, accuracy, and speed of service. The addition of a guest messaging system further aids transparency by keeping customers informed about their orders." As a result, the franchise is now averaging over $2.7 million in average unit volume, with top locations achieving upwards of $3.8 million. Innovative Concepts: Fast-Fine Prototype Expansion A primary highlight of Mellow Mushroom's 2025 endeavors was the debut of its “Fast-Fine” prototype, a fully counter-service model that opened in Grant Park, Atlanta. The restaurant exceeded expectations in its inaugural year, introducing options like frozen beverages and enhanced lunch offerings. Plans are already underway for a second location in Newnan, Georgia, in 2026—reflecting a broader trend of restaurants optimizing their layouts to cater to a shift in consumer dining behavior. Franchise Ownership Transition and Community Focus The pizza chain also witnessed various ownership transitions in 2025, with several long-standing franchisees opting for exit strategies, thereby prompting the corporate acquisition of select locations. Jiva emphasized the brand’s commitment to maintaining community ties: “These restaurant acquisitions enable us to continue serving local communities with the quality experience our guests expect.” This strategy showcases Mellow Mushroom's determination to balance growth with community investment. Enhancing Customer Engagement Through Technology As guest preferences evolve, Mellow Mushroom adapted by launching a centralized customer data platform aimed at improving guest segmentation and outreach. This enhanced marketing infrastructure positions the chain to deliver personalized customer experiences that align with emerging preferences—especially among the digitally savvy Gen Z demographic. The brand's future plans include launching a loyalty program and app by late 2026 that will centralize ordering and rewards. 2026 Development Plan: Strategic Growth Ahead Looking forward, Mellow Mushroom aims for conservative yet strategic growth with a target of 5-8% increase through new openings and over 20 renewals in its pipeline. Key markets for expansion include Florida, Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee—regions where the franchise anticipates strong customer engagement. Jiva noted a desire for sustainable growth, stating, "We don’t want to prioritize growth for growth’s sake; we aim to expand with franchisees dedicated to their communities and committed to quality.” Conclusion: A Compelling Future for Mellow Mushroom As Mellow Mushroom optimizes its operations, incorporates technology, and focuses on strategic expansions, the brand is clearly setting the stage for a dynamic 2026. The pizza franchise’s ability to blend its rich heritage with modern operational strategies will be key in navigating the competitive restaurant landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for Mellow Mushroom’s continued transformation—it's more than just pizza; it's an experience that transcends traditional dining.

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