Cava's Q3 miss hides a bet on larger dining rooms, half portions and value

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

A produce scare and gas prices slowed traffic, but the Mediterranean chain raised its sales outlook and laid out where it sees growth next.

Cava misses Q3 targets, betting big on GMs

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The Mediterranean chain fell short of Wall Street estimates, but its earnings call doubled as a playbook for building restaurant leaders.

Dave’s Hot Chicken turns up the heat on second-generation space

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Dannon Shiff, SVP of Real Estate, will speak about Dave's site selection strategy and more at the annual Connect Retail West on Nov. 17 in Los Angeles.

What the 2026 midterm results could mean for restaurants

by Cherryh Cansler , Valerie Gritton

The 2026 midterm election results could reshape federal policy affecting restaurant brands, putting immigration reform, credit card processing fees and trade…

Pumpkin shares the fall spotlight with apple, squash and bolder flavors

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Pumpkin still anchors plenty of fall menus this year, but restaurant brands are also leaning on apple, squash and a few less traditional flavors to pull guests…

4 operations moves behind Starbucks' 2027 growth plan

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Promoted-from-within store coaches, AI that helps baristas take drive-thru orders, adding delivery to the app and a smaller-format store are how Starbucks…

How Dillas Quesadillas revamped operations to speed service

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

A stalled drive-thru prompted Dillas Quesadillas to overhaul operations, simplify its menu and adopt kitchen-prep technology. The changes cut service times by…

From AI to catering: 8 ways Chipotle is retooling for growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The chain missed Wall Street’s forecast but still grew revenue. AI, catering and faster lines are next.

Jersey Mike's leans on 4 drivers to push AUVs toward $2M

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Q3 comps rose 3%, led by traffic, as CEO Charlie Morrison lays out the chain’s plan to grow transactions.

Weekend round-up: Chipotle brings back brisket as Mendocino Farms grows in Colorado

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

A slow weekend on the wires still brought a major-brand menu return, a new Colorado city for Mendocino Farms and growth moves from Luna Grill and The Big Greek…

Forget franchise brokers: Tahini’s recruits operators through YouTube

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Most brands use social media to fill seats. Tahini’s is using it to fill its franchise pipeline. CMO Aly Hamam shares how the 76-unit chain ties videos to…

How functional beverages provide new reasons to visit

Functional beverages are creating new opportunities for juice and smoothie bars to attract customers across dayparts. From protein smoothies to energy and…

Olo app launches to 40M users

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

Building on Olo’s evolution from consumer-facing startup to restaurant technology provider, thenew Olo app offers a streamlined alternative to third-party…

Naked Farmer’s Jordan Johnson is growing without giving away the farm

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

To open his first 11 locations, the founder started with using Small Business Administration-backed loans and moved to more conventional financing as the…

Uneven pressure ahead: How 2027 inflation will hit restaurant food costs

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

Rising gasoline and commodity costs, including chicken wings, chicken breasts and cheese, are among the biggest concerns.

Why Magic City Hoagies became booze-free sports hub

The fast-casual concept teamed up with basketball star LeeLee Bell to create a family-friendly venue dedicated to women's sports.

Sunfly hoping to outmaneuver fast casual beverage competitors in North Texas

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Fork Hospitality co-founders Matt Bailey and John Brennan are on a mission to open 50 locations within five years.

4 steps to scale restaurant catering sales

Kelly Grogan, owner of Crumbs, and Chris Barnes, of dlivrd Technologies, shared tactical advice for restaurant operators looking to build, optimize, and expand…

The foundation for Rooted: 7 ingredients, simplicity and trust

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Rooted founder Lily Rivkin Friend built a fast-casual concept around simplicity and trust. Its seven-ingredient rule keeps food and operations streamlined…

Uber’s ezCater deal puts catering growth, margins and customer loyalty in focus

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Uber's agreement to buy ezCater could put workplace catering in front of a much larger audience. For restaurant operators, however, the announcement raises a…