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2025 in review: FastCasual’s 10 most-read stories
Top stories centered on major brand pivots, such as Golden Corral rebranding its fast casual concept, and the return of seasonal events like Starbucks' Red Cup Day. Other top headlines included Gen Z's influence on menu trends, multi-unit expansion deals like Bobby's Burgers, and technology upgrades like Chipotle's next-gen POS rollout.
December 31, 2025 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
From the relentless influence of Gen Z to high-profile brand pivots and massive expansion deals, 2025 has been a year of transformation for the fast casual industry. While legacy brands are rethinking their footprints, emerging concepts are finding new ways to scale and connect with a tech-savvy audience.
We've crunched the numbers to see which headlines captured your attention most this year. Here is the official countdown of the top 10 most-read stories on FastCasual.
10. Bobby's Burgers signs multi-unit deal for Arizona
Chef Bobby Flay's fast casual concept is officially heading to the Southwest. The brand signed a significant multi-unit agreement to expand into Arizona, marking a major milestone in Flay's quest to bring his "Crunchified" burgers to a national audience. Read the full story here
9. Chipotle taps NCR Voyix to launch rollout of next-gen POS
Efficiency remains king for the industry leader. Chipotle announced a partnership with NCR Voyix to upgrade its point-of-sale systems across its massive footprint. The "next-gen" tech is designed to streamline digital orders and reduce friction for both crew members and customers. Read the full story here
8. Caribou Coffee opening Georgia locations
The coffee giant is heating up the Southeast. Caribou Coffee continued its aggressive franchise expansion by announcing several new locations in Georgia, signaling the brand's intent to compete heavily in the region's growing specialty coffee market. Read the full story here
7. Women in the Lead 2025: Spotlighting 21 fast casual leaders
Representation in the C-suite continues to be a top priority for the industry. This year's "Women in the Lead" feature highlighted 21 executive women who are driving innovation, growth, and operational excellence at some of the world's most recognizable brands. Read the full story here
6. Fast Casual reveals 2025 '20 Brands to Watch'
Our annual "Brands to Watch" list is always a reader favorite. The 2025 edition showcased the next wave of industry disruptors — brands that have mastered the balance of high-quality ingredients, efficient technology, and a distinct brand identity. Read the full story here
Pro-tip: Nominations for 2026 are open and close Jan. 3. Nominate a brand here.
5. How Slutty Vegan Founder turned $20M in debt into a $100M comeback
A story of resilience and business savvy, Pinky Cole's journey from a $20 million debt hurdle to a $100 million valuation was the most-read profile of the year. The narrative offered a raw look at the challenges and triumphs of scaling a high-growth brand. Read the full story here
4. Gen Z driving 2025 fast casual menu trends
The "TikTok generation" has officially taken over the menu. From "swicy" (sweet and spicy) flavors to the demand for "newstalgic" comfort food, our deep dive into Gen Z's dining habits revealed how operators are pivoting to keep up with these adventurous eaters. Read the full story here
3. MilkShake Factory opens 1st Indiana location
The family owned premium dessert brand continued its expansion beyond its Pittsburgh roots, celebrating a successful debut in Indiana. The opening highlights the continued consumer demand for specialized, high-quality treat concepts. Read the full story here
2. Starbucks' Red Cup Day makes a comeback
The return of the iconic Red Cup Day proved that tradition continues to drive traffic. Despite shifting consumer habits, the annual event remains a powerhouse for Starbucks, generating massive digital engagement and morning rush-hour lines across the country. Read the full story here
1. Golden Corral closing, rebranding fast casual concept
Taking the top spot for 2025 is the surprising news of Golden Corral's pivot. The buffet behemoth announced it would be closing and rebranding its specific fast-casual venture, a move that sparked industry-wide discussion about the viability of legacy brands trying to capture the counter-service market. Read the full story here.
FAQ: Fast casual trends of 2025
What were the top fast-casual industry stories of 2025?
The most-read stories of 2025 centered on major brand pivots, such as Golden Corral rebranding its fast casual concept, and the return of seasonal events like Starbucks' Red Cup Day. Other top headlines included Gen Z's influence on menu trends, high-profile multi-unit expansion deals like Bobby's Burgers, and technology upgrades like Chipotle's next-gen POS rollout.
How is Gen Z changing fast casual menus in 2025?
Gen Z is driving a shift toward "Flavor Escapism" and health-conscious dining. Key trends include the rise of "swicy" (sweet and spicy) profiles, global comfort foods like gochujang and za'atar, and a surge in non-alcoholic "zero-proof" premium beverages. They also prioritize brands with strong ethical practices and digital-first convenience.
Which fast casual brands are expanding most in 2025?
Major growth is being seen from brands like MilkShake Factory, Caribou Coffee, and Bobby's Burgers, all of which signed significant multi-unit or regional development deals this year. Additionally, emerging concepts on the "20 Brands to Watch" list are scaling rapidly by leveraging franchise models and venture capital.
About Cherryh Cansler
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