3 restaurant tech trends with staying power in 2023

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Executives from Chipotle, Jersey Mike's, Big Chicken, Modern Market, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Focus Brands and Garden Catering reveal the technologies they deem…

How Cookie Plug went from 1 to 25 locations in 3 years

Cookie Plug CEO Chris Wyland explains how having a low-labor franchise model has been key to the chain's rapid growth. Founded in 2019 and franchising since…

Tony Roma's, Duck Donuts, Tropical Smoothie among CEOs closing Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit attendees will learn about Tony Roma's transition into the fast casual market, Duck Donuts' growth strategy and…

Why The Melt CEO contributes 1 'simple factor' to company's growth

"Since 2017, our average unit volumes have increased more than five-fold from less than $700,000 to almost $3.5 million," said Ralph Bower, CEO of The Melt…

5 ways to protect your restaurant's online reputation

by Adam Leff — Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Merchant Centric

Adam Leff, co-founder and chief strategy officer for Merchant Centric, shares best practices for protecting your brand's digital reputation.

What families want from fast casual brands

by Jennifer Loper — President, C3 Brand Marketing

The lack of focus on kids is a big miss given that parties with children 12 and under bring in checks that are twice as high as parties without them.

Restaurants want to lower energy use, but need help

by Al Subbloie

Amid rising inflation, America's small- to medium-sized businesses, which the U.S. trade representative calls the "backbone of our economy," are no better off…

Biggby Coffee co-CEO reveals top 4 growth strategies

Mike McFall, co-founder and co-CEO of Biggy Coffee provides a glimpse into what's behind the brand's booming sales.

Fast Casual accepting 2023 Top 100 nominations

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Nominations close Feb. 1

Pizza Top 100 nomination deadline extended

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Nominations close Dec. 16.

3 ways Noodles & Co ignited franchise growth during COVID-19

John Ramsay, VP of Franchise Sales, discussed how he kickstarted the chain's franchise development Program during the Pandemic.

6 mistakes you're probably making with your tech rollouts

by Greg Staley — CEO, SynergySuite

COVID forced operators to beef up delivery, off-prem and other technologies, but complications occur if not managed well. Without an effective vendor…

From Bakers to Cakers: Why Paris Baguette invests in people

Josh Allen, director of Training and Development at Paris Baguette, discusses how employee growth opportunities are the key to the brand's success.

7 ways to reduce holiday fatigue in your restaurant

by Lissa Bowen — Chief People + Culture Officer, Full Course + Full Course Foundation

Employees who are short-tempered, who have frequent absences, experience changes in attitude and display lack of execution skills are at risk to holiday…

Pizza Marketplace launches Top 100 Movers & Shakers

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

This special report from Pizza Marketplace will shine a spotlight on pizza brands and brand executives that are shaping the future of the pizza segment.

4 ways automation helps restaurants tighten operations

by Sean Hsu — CEO and Co-Founder, Botrista Technology

America's labor force endured significant disruption over the past few years, with 47 million workers quitting their jobs last year alone. All industries were…

Wing Snob co-founder shares top franchising lessons

Jack Mashini, co-founder of Wing Snob, a 23-unit chain based in Warren, Michigan, gives tips to help franchisees and franchisors.

Fast Casual names '20 Brands to Watch' in 2023

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

To qualify for the list, each brand had to be no more than six years old, have at least one location open and have never appeared on this list in the past or…

7 tips for leading a modern brand

by Greg Staley — CEO, SynergySuite

Effective leadership is not out of reach, and here are seven tips to help you lead your brand through the twists and turns ahead.

Should booze be on your fast casual's menu?

by Katie Fairchild

The alcoholic drink market will hit over $261 billion this year and grow 10.51% through 2025, with 48% of that being spent in bars and restaurants. Katie…