Inflation, labor and AI: 5 things fast casual operators need to know

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Toast’s latest industry survey reveals why restaurant operators are still betting on growth despite rising costs and hiring challenges.

Pumpkin season arrives earlier than ever as fast casuals race to claim fall season

For coffee and bakery chains, capturing pumpkin-obsessed customers first, before rivals and before summer even ends, has become as much a part of the season as…

4 misses in Founder-led negotiations

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Although Founders know their businesses best, their deep emotional investment and daily operational pressures often compromise their negotiating leverage…

5 restaurant pricing trends operators must know from Q2 2026 consumer data

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Revenue Management Solutions’ latest consumer report reveals how restaurant guests are responding to higher prices, changing value expectations and shifting…

3 leaders every Founder must hire to scale

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

To successfully scale a company and transition from an overwhelmed operator to a confident CEO, founders must stop trying to manage everything themselves and…

3 ways restaurants can reduce employee burnout during peak demand

by Paula Allen — Global Leader of Research and Insights, TELUS Health

The FIFA World Cup drove record traffic for many restaurants, but it also exposed the hidden costs of burnout. Here's what operators can learn before the next…

Fast Casual Hall of Fame honoring Geoff Alexander, Mark Brezinski, Darden Coors at Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The 2026 Fast Casual Hall of Fame will recognize three restaurant executives whose leadership has shaped innovation, technology adoption and growth across the…

Why franchises must rethink growth in a digital-first world

Somia Farid Silber, CEO of Edible Brands, discusses how success in franchising is no longer equated growth only unit expansion. Territory optimization is…

4 ways AI-using restaurants are cutting food, labor costs to outpace competitors

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Restaurant365's mid-year survey of nearly 10,000 U.S. locations shows exactly how AI adopters are pulling ahead — creating what the company calls the…

Build your leadership team: The team that reports directly to you

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

True organizational growth and scalability require distinguishing between mere managers and genuine leaders.

Ranch is no longer a side character on the menu

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

I wrote a few weeks ago about how Slim Chickens' timing on its ranch remix couldn't have been better, landing right as international soccer fans discovered…

Should fast casual leaders be worried about casual dining's 'comeback?'

Sam Stanovich of Craveworthy Brands, Blake Johnson, senior director of Marketing of CEC Entertainment (parent company of Chuck E. Cheese), and Mark Brezinski…

Why more women are turning to restaurant franchising

by Carla McLean — Marketing Executive, IFA World Franchise Show

For women looking to build a business with long-term scalability, franchising presents an opportunity to combine independence with the support of an…

The top 3 priorities for Founder success in 2026

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

To succeed in 2026's highly competitive market, businesses must focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional customer experiences across all channels…

Is the pumpkin-spice latte to blame for the fruity coffee trend?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Remember when we all thought adding a little pumpkin spice to our morning brew was the height of culinary rebellion? It turns out that was just the gateway…

From 1M followers to 1.7M: How The Taco Spot used social media to fuel national franchise expansion

Raul Martinez, director of Marketing & Business Development, reveals how the brand turned organic content into a 400-unit pipeline.

Why Slim Chickens Ranch Remix is arriving at the perfect time

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Most of us are familiar with Gen Z's obsession with sauces, but the latest dipping craze is catching fire globally, thanks in part to international visitors…

The Power of the Rearview Mirror and the Windshield: An activity of reflection and projection

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Using the metaphor of a vehicle's small rearview mirror and large windshield, columnist Kathleen Wood shares a structured framework designed to briefly…

In franchising, the product is now your marketing

by Carla McLean — Marketing Executive, IFA World Franchise Show

The franchise sector continues to show steady growth, with output expected to rise to $921.4 billion and the number of franchise establishments increasing to…

Why the 'pizza party vs. raise' debate reveals a bigger catering opportunity

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

New data on workplace meals shows employees are more productive, more connected and more likely to return to the office when food is provided, creating a clear…