The birria playbook: How Mike’s Red Tacos is using the Dave’s Hot Chicken strategy to scale
In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, host Cherryh Cansler sits down with Lance Salsman, SVP of Operations & Training at Mike's Red Tacos, recorded live at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in San Diego.
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Resilient but restless: Fast casuals outpace industry as 2026 competition heats up
by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Networld Media Group
In 2025, fast-casual brands outperformed despite challenges. Predictions for 2026 include sector expansion with a focus on health, pricing, and competition. Expert insights detail growth factors and expectations for the fast-casual industry moving forward.
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Turn up the volume: how to use storytelling to build an unstoppable company culture
by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker
Effective storytelling transforms abstract company values into a memorable, emotionally resonant culture by humanizing leadership and providing a narrative framework that inspires employee engagement and long-term loyalty.
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Fluffy Fluffy Cafe launching US growth plans
Toronto-based franchisor Fuwa Labs LLC has partnered with Boston-based Franchisor Advisory Partners to expand Fluffy Fluffy Café's Japanese soufflé fast-casual…
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Little Caesars VP of franchise development talks brand growth, solid operations
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media
Podcast host Mandy Detwiler talks to Bryan Ketelhut, VP of franchise and business development for Little Caesars.
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Big Dave's Cheesesteaks
Inspired to bring his West Philly roots to Georgia, Derrick Hayes launched Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks in honor of his late father. The brand gained buzz when Philly native actress Eve visited the original 700-sq-ft Dunwoody gas-station shop. Today Big Dave’s spans Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Orlando venues, a food truck and new SC franchises!
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Digital in the Drive-Thru: Designing Outdoor Experiences for QSR Brands
Digital menu boards at the drive-thru are no longer a luxury. In today’s competitive QSR landscape, they’ve become a requirement.
2025 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers
This year, the exceptional caliber of leadership across the industry led to a slight adjustment in our numbers—we were compelled to recognize 100 brands and 25 executives instead of our usual 75- 25 split. We also added an extra executive, a testament to the fierce competition and outstanding contributions within the fast-casual arena.
