Off-premise blitz: Turning pandemic survival tactics into long-term growth engines
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media
Industry leaders at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit highlighted how the shift from convenience to a permanent off-premise model requires a blend of sophisticated technology, specialized catering strategies and operational precision to maintain brand consistency and a frictionless guest experience.
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Cava named No. 1 Brand of 2026 at Fast Casual Top 100 Gala
Cava secured the top honors following a year of monumental growth, including a 22.5% revenue increase and reaching $1.1 billion in annual sales.
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The 'dirt' on dirt: 4 restaurant real estate trends revealed at ICSC
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
Interviews at the International Council of Shopping Centers conference revealed top trends in real estate. Success in the restaurant industry isn't just about what's on the menu anymore; it's about navigating a historically brutal real estate market.
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Smalls Sliders debuts first-ever loaded fries, 2 dessert shakes
Smalls Sliders has launched its first-ever Loaded Fries and two hand-spun dessert shakes, Key Lime Pie and Banana Pudding, available for a limited time at…
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Inside Pokeworks’ real estate strategy: From hoodless kitchens to suburban expansion
In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Peter Yang, co-founder and head of Development at Pokeworks, to explore how the 85-location poke brand turned a viral social media moment into a disciplined, founder-led growth story
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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.
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.
