Why Zaxbys COO Sharlene Smith puts alignment ahead of big ideas
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
Smith will share how Zaxbys gets corporate teams, franchisees and front-line crews to carry out the same plan in every restaurant.at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit, March 8-10 in New Orleans.
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Shake Shack redraws digital line around kiosks
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
The burger chain now counts kiosk, app and web orders as digital and tracks third-party delivery on its own.
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5 build-out mistakes that stall your restaurant's opening date
By Robert Reid, Principal, Corporeal Visions, reveals five mistakes that push opening dates and what to do instead.
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Smalls Sliders continues growth with third Georgia opening
On the heels of its three-unit deal signing in Northwest Indiana, Atlanta-based Smalls Sliders has opened its third Georgia "Can," as the brand calls its…
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How 3 words helped The Melt grill up $3.5M in AUVs
What if the secret to taking a fast casual brand from $700K to $3.5 million in average unit volume wasn't a new menu or a tech stack, but three words? This week on Fast Casual Nation, Cherryh Cansler and Paul Barron sit down with Ralph Bower, CEO of The Melt, and Greg Vojnovic, VP & Head of Franchising.
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Pizza Brands to Watch in 2027
Every pizza concept has a story. The 27 Pizza Marketplace Brands to Watch in 2027 spotlights emerging and growing chains and independents that are investing in technology, building leadership teams, exploring franchising and rethinking what pizza can be. Download the report to see where these brands are headed next.
2026 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers
Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Each year, this report serves as a pulse check for the industry, celebrating the brands and leaders who aren’t just keeping pace with the market—they are redefining it.
