The Americas
KFC opens a new store every 3.5 hours
As the global chicken chain launched a menu revamp, new restaurant designs and rebranding, it announced that a new KFC store opens somewhere in the world every 3.5 hours. This is adding to its already considerable estate of more than 34,000 stores in over 150 countries. Among the menu innovations is an expansion of boneless menu items developed for dipping, dunking and snacking. Accompanying these is a range of new sauces. Additionally, customers can look forward to a new selection of beverages – Kwench by KFC will feature drinks including refreshers, shakes and lemonades. The chain will also focus on revamping restaurant spaces to elevate the dining experience.
Miso Robotics moves for Zume Pizza
The California-based company behind the Flippy automated fry station, has acquired the technology and intellectual property of Zume Pizza, one of the most closely observed food robotics startups of the past decade. The deal includes Zume’s hardware, software and patent portfolio, which spans robotic food preparation, delivery, packaging and sustainability. Zume Pizza’s original ambition included pizza for delivery being baked on the way to customers. Miso is said to be more interested in the technology behind the business than the original model.
Asia Pacific
Shelley Tai wins Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026
The founder of Mius in Hong Kong came top of the list, which is the only peer-judged award in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars programme. The accolade is voted for exclusively by bartenders from venues ranked on the 2026 list and forms part of a series of special awards announced ahead of the live ceremony taking place at Wynn Palace, Macau, on 28 July. The prestigious award recognizes an individual who has made a significant positive impact on the bar industry, celebrating outstanding hospitality, industry leadership, and contributions to the cocktail community.
Firehouse Subs opens first Australia store
Firehouse Subs will open its first store in Australia at Westfield Mount Gravatt in Brisbane. The store set to launch in July is part of the chain’s plan to open 165 stores down under. The US chain, which was founded in Florida by two firefighter brothers, has to date opened more than 1300 locations around the world. The brand’s introduction into the Australian market follows a growing trend of US restaurants expanding. Recent months have seen Wendy’s, Wingstop and Chuck E Cheese opening in Australia.
Europe, Middle East, Africa
The best pizza chefs crowned in Milan
Milan once again took center stage as The Best Pizza Awards returned for its 2026 celebration, welcoming more than 500 guests, including 300 pizza chefs. The top three places went to Italian chefs, with Francesco Martucci of I Masanielli in Caserta clinching the top spot. He was followed by Roberto Davanzo of Bob Alchimia a Spicchi inMontepaone, who came second, and Francesco Capece of Confine in Milan, who finished third. The Best Pizza Awards were founded in 2023 to honor the artistry, culture, and evolution of one of the world’s most beloved dishes.
Shares in UK chain Tortilla suspended
Tortilla, the largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant group in the UK serving California-style burritos and tacos, has delayed the publication of its audited annual report and accounts for the 52 weeks ended 28 December 2025, after an accounting error in its French subsidiary. Shares in the chain have been suspended after the discovery, which would mean its earnings would be up to £2.5 million lower than previous indicated. The company emphasized that the delay is only related to the French review and trading in the UK continue to be strong.
Tina Nielsen
