New Restaurant Mariela to Open in Chicago’s Reliance Building
Mariela, a new restaurant housed in Chicago’s iconic Reliance Building, opens on May 6, 2026. Chefs Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir deliver a coastal‑focused menu that weaves Southeast Asian roots with flavors from the Americas and Europe. The beverage program, led by award‑winning bartender David Mor, offers both classic reinterpretations and bold, ocean‑inspired cocktails. Operating from breakfast through dinner, the venue features a $1 oyster happy hour and a seasonal patio for al fresco dining.
Pizza Inn Launches SPAM Hawaiian Luau Pizza
Pizza Inn, part of RAVE Restaurant Group, introduced a limited‑time SPAM Hawaiian Luau Pizza, blending diced SPAM, pineapple, and whole‑milk mozzarella on its signature crust. The pizza hits buffet lines and to‑go menus nationwide from April 6 through May 13, priced at...
Ferraro’s Ristorante Announces New Monthly Wine Mixer Series
Ferraro’s Ristorante is launching “Il Cammino del Vino,” a monthly wine mixer beginning Friday, May 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Guests will sample up to 12 curated wines paired with light bites for $59, tax and gratuity included. The event, hosted...
Asian Concept Tai Er to Open New Location at Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California
Tai Er, the globally recognized Asian restaurant chain, is launching a new outlet at Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California. The venue showcases a modern Sichuan‑inspired menu focused on shareable, wok‑cooked dishes such as black pepper beef and the...
Perkins Announces Plans to Open in Texas
Perkins American Food Co. announced its first expansion into Texas, signing a three‑unit development agreement with franchise partner Raj DFW LLC. Construction on the flagship restaurant in Carrollton will begin in spring 2026, featuring the brand’s newest prototype that blends...
Inline Plastics Unveils 4-Compartment Clamshell to Keep Foods Fresh, Separate, and Secure
Inline Plastics has launched the TSSB4CD, a four‑compartment clamshell that uses anti‑migration technology to keep flavors separate and maintain product integrity. The package includes a tamper‑evident tear strip and a leak‑resistant perimeter seal, enhancing food safety and security for grab‑and‑go...
Buffalo Wild Wings Celebrates Return of $9.99 Bottomless Apps with DJ Khaled Promotion
Buffalo Wild Wings is re‑launching its Bottomless Apps program nationwide on April 7, pricing the shareable starter platter at $9.99 for up to four guests. The rollout is anchored by a new digital commercial featuring DJ Khaled, whose “ANOTHA ONE!” catchphrase underscores...
The Silent Restaurant Guest and the Revenue You’ll Never See
Hospital operators are losing a hidden stream of revenue because today’s diners expect instant, multi‑channel communication and often abandon a restaurant before a reservation is made. The article calls this the “silent guest” – prospects who browse menus or inquire...

Meet Burger King's AI Assistant 'Patty'
Burger King unveiled 'Patty,' an AI‑driven voice assistant designed to assist crew members with daily operational tasks, from inventory checks to customer interactions. Patty monitors real‑time metrics such as friendliness scores, low‑stock alerts for items like Diet Coke, and upsell progress,...

Inside the 2026 Women in Restaurant Leadership Summit
The 2026 Women in Restaurant Leadership Summit, hosted by WHIRL, gathered emerging female professionals from across the hospitality sector to discuss empowerment, mentorship, and career advancement. Attendees highlighted the power of authentic conversations that build confidence, the shift from competition to...
Walk-On’s to Open New Nashville Restaurant with Country Music Star Cole Swindell
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux announced a new franchise partnership with Marriott franchisee Jamie Daniel of Daniel Hospitality and country music star Cole Swindell to open a Walk-On’s location on Broadway in Nashville, slated for 2027. The collaboration adds a high‑profile celebrity...

Inside V&E Hospitality’s Vision to Create Spaces Where Guests Feel Valued
V&E Hospitality Group, led by CEO Matias Pesce, is pursuing a customer‑centric strategy that spans quick‑service coffee shops, casual‑dining restaurants and boutique hotels under five core concepts, generating $150 million in annual sales across 28 locations. The firm emphasizes a differentiated...
The Alfond Inn at Rollins Names Marcus Henry Director of Food & Beverage
The Alfond Inn at Rollins announced Marcus Henry as its new Director of Food & Beverage. Henry, a veteran of luxury hospitality with stints at The Ritz‑Carlton, The Greenbrier, Thompson Dallas and Wolfgang Puck Catering, will oversee dining, events and...

Fourth Hires Scott Collison as CEO
Fourth, a leading provider of workforce and inventory management solutions for the hospitality sector, announced the appointment of Scott Collison as chief executive officer. Collison brings more than two decades of enterprise software experience, most recently steering Personify through strong...
Ali Group Completes Acquisition of Bunn Commercial
Ali Group announced the completion of its acquisition of Bunn Commercial LP, formerly Bunn‑O‑Matic, adding the iconic coffee equipment maker to its global portfolio. The deal’s financial terms were not disclosed. BUNN will operate under Ali Group’s Welbilt brand in...