Leadership Shifts Set the Stage in Foodservice for 2026

So far in the new year, we've seen new menus, ad campaigns, partnerships, and emerging trends.

While the industry maintains its focus on consumers, value, and traffic retention, it has ramped up efforts to facilitate growth and expansion.

In this latest foodservice roundup, Expana has assembled a detailed look at the most significant leadership changes shaking up the industry as it welcomes 2026.

Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods announced the upcoming

Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods announced the upcoming retirements of two long-time leaders: Mark Morey, Vice President of Operations for fresh pork, and Paul Peil...

A Year of Change, Value, and Growth in Foodservice

As we closed the month of December and ushered out the year 2025, we look back at some of the most memorable moments in foodservice. From corporate controversy to shifting consumer behavior, the year delivered no shortage of headlines.

Controversy erupted when a popular chain restaurant walked back a logo redesign that ultimately spilled into the political arena. "Value" emerged as the buzzword of the year as restaurants competed to give consumers more for their money. Meanwhile, beef prices climbed to historic highs, pushing chicken into the spotlight as diners...

QDOBA Honors Franchisee Excellence at Annual Brand Conference

QDOBA, America's rapidly growing #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, presented awards in 50 categories and recognized three standout franchise partners at its annual Brand Conference:

• Winters Group — Franchise Partner of the Year
• Carmen Reyes-Ibarra, General Manager of Roaring Fork — General Manager of the Year
• Froccaro Group — Operator of the Year

With more than 825 restaurants across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, and nearly 600 new restaurants in development, these awards underscore how the brand's tremendous growth is underpinned by a franchise-first...

QDOBA Accelerates Growth with Opening of 800th Restaurant, Surpasses 500 New Development Commitments

On the heels of a record-breaking year of growth and franchise development, QDOBA, America's rapidly growing #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, today announced that the company has opened its 800th restaurant in Miami, Florida. The new restaurant, located in North Miami Beach at 14583 Biscayne Blvd, marks a significant milestone for the company, which is on track to expand to 1,600 restaurants by 2032.

"QDOBA is the best-kept secret in the restaurant industry and one of the...