Readers Expect Design Costs to Remain Steady in 2026
Most readers expect per-project design spend to stay the same (28%) or increase modestly (42%) in...
The Latest
III Forks Addison Debuts a Scalable Flagship Steakhouse Concept in North Texas
III Forks Addison reimagined a legacy Texas steakhouse by boldly transforming a dated retail shell. This refined steakhouse destination will serve as the brand's flagship restaurant.
Lee’s Famous Recipe Deepens South Carolina Footprint
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken plans to open six new locations in South Carolina with franchisee Harris Mullis.
Readers Expect Design Costs to Remain Steady in 2026
Most readers expect per-project design spend to stay the same (28%) or increase modestly (42%) in 2026 compared to 2025, according to a restaurant development + design reader survey fielded in March.
Readers Look Ahead with Trepidation
In a survey fielded in March, 39% of restaurant development + design readers say they are “somewhat optimistic” about the industry’s outlook for 2026. Another 28% claim to be “neutral” about the industry’s 2026 outlook.
Featured
Church’s Texas Chicken Signs its Biggest Global Development Deal to Date
Church’s Texas Chicken and Texas Chicken is headed to China via a development deal with Deke Shengtang that promises to bring 600 or more restaurants to the country in the coming years.
Bold Design for a Fresh Concept
La Michoacana Frozen Creations debuted in Los Angeles with a bold and playful design by Mindful Design Consulting. The brand-new concept serves authentic Mexican frozen treats.
Top 10 Emerging Restaurant Chains
Datassential’s Top Emerging Chains highlights fast-growing U.S. restaurant brands gaining scale through innovation, strong performance and alignment with today’s key consumer trends.
Johnny Carino’s Debuts Next-Gen Prototype in Texas
Johnny Carino’s, an Italian casual dining chain, opened a new prototype in Laredo, Texas.
Fresh Designs
Inside Claudie: A Riviera-Inspired Restaurant Blending Art, Architecture and Hospitality
Claudie captures the spirit of “Carpe Diem” through Riviera-inspired design, artistic details and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor dining.
Fleming’s Unexpected Turn
With its new flagship location in Tampa, Fla., the chain is embracing the opposite of what guests expect. Brighter lighting, lighter tones and a variety of experiences under one roof is just some of what they offer.
KFC Gets Saucy
Saucy isn’t just about the sauces, despite the investment Yum! made in developing flavors like spicy mango chutney and jalapeno pesto ranch. Instead, Saucy is about the experience and the feelings it evokes in guests.
Form Meets Function
Buffalo Wild Wings GO Expands Footprint
Buffalo Wild Wings GO opened its latest location in Hurricane, W.V.
Peer to Peer: Brian Seitz, Director of Store Design & Construction, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
As a long-time retail branding and design guy, Brian Seitz felt strongly that Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken had a great story to tell, as well as solid growth potential.
Form + Function: Implementing Automation
With a tight labor market and minimum wage rising in some states, new technology can be a game-changer for food and beverage brands, particularly in the QSR space.
Original Research
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Readers Look Ahead with Trepidation
In a survey fielded in March, 39% of restaurant development + design readers say they are...
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restaurant development + design magazine produces several free webinars each year on topics of interest to restaurant chain development executives, hospitality designers, restaurant designers, and others charged with building and remodeling restaurants.