FiiZ Drinks president Scott Ball joins the podcast to break down life operating in arguably QSR’s craziest market there is today—beverages. From dirty sodas to energy drinks to more, FiiZ has expanded to more than 70 locations since its 2014 founding. And the goal now is to open 500-plus units over the next 10 years in the U.S., with another 100 being launched in Canada. In just 2024, the brand served more than 200 million ounces of soda. We get into the growth ahead, what the brand is looking for in partners, and what it’s going to take to grapple with the biggest beverage leaders as consumers drive the category to new heights.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Announces New Fanta Phantom Smoothie
This fall, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is giving chills with its first-ever Halloween menu item, the Fanta Phantom Smoothie. Available starting October 7, the smoothie also marks the brand’s first smoothie flavor collaboration with The Coca-Cola Company. As eye-catching as it is delicious, the vibrant orange smoothie is topped with purple, vanilla-flavored popping boba and blended […]
Dutch Bros and its Guests Raise Over $1.3M to Support Local Youth
Celebrating 20 years of giving back, Dutch Bros and its customers partnered on Friday, Sept. 18, for the annual Buck for Kids initiative. Dutch Bros and its franchise partners together raised more than $1.3M to support local youth across the 26 states the coffee chain serves, continuing a two-decades long tradition of turning everyday coffee […]
Toast Launches IQ Team to Help Restaurants Manage Labor Costs
Toast, the global technology platform built for restaurant and retail businesses, introduced Toast IQ Team, a new labor management solution for restaurant and retail operators, alongside a significant expansion of Toast IQ Grow, the complete marketing solution Toast introduced earlier in 2026. From building schedules that help manage labor costs to turning great guest experiences […]
Dutch Bros Unveils Two Pie-Inspired Drinks
Dutch Bros is featuring two pie-inspired drinks for fall, available for a limited time at all locations. The Cherry Pie Chai returns after its introduction through the brand’s Lonely Ghost partnership. The drink combines chai and cherry flavor, topped with Soft Top and cinnamon sprinkles. The Pumpkin Pie Spice is available as a latte or […]
HME Launches Nitro Vision AI for Drive-Thru Operations
HME Hospitality & Specialty Communications (HSC), the leader in drive-thru communications and timing technology, announced the launch of Nitro Vision AI, a camera-based intelligence layer for the drive-thru. Nitro Vision AI helps restaurants move beyond timing alone to see what is happening across the lane, understand what matters, and get that understanding to the people […]
Skinny Louie to Open Three Restaurants in October
Skinny Louie plans to open three restaurants in October, adding locations in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Brooklyn, New York. The Lauderdale-by-the-Sea restaurant, at 107A East Commercial Boulevard, is scheduled to open October 9 at 6 p.m. The Park Slope location, at 218 Flatbush Avenue, will follow on October 16. The Las Olas restaurant, […]
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