Fast Casual Hall of Fame inductees include Fazoli's, Panera Bread, Native Brand leaders

Fazoli's former CEO Carl Howard, Native Foods CEO Carin Stutz and Blaine Hurst, former Panera Bread CEO, make up the inaugural class of the Fast Casual Hall of…

Nominations open for FastCasual's 20 'Brands to Watch'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

FastCasual's annual "20 Brands To Watch" focuses on 20 brands that are setting trends. Nominations close Aug. 22.

5 ways to drive customer retention in a post-pandemic world

by Katie Fairchild

Once you have conquered getting the customer through the front door, you must convert them into regulars. Restaurant365's Katie Fairchild explains how.

Why 1 French chef created custom to-go boxes

Gregoire Jacquet, the owner of the fine fast casual franchise Grégoire, explains why he created an octagon-style to-go container.

Exploring AI? Learn from Chipotle, Jason's Deli, Yum Brands

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Execs from Chipotle, Jason's Deli and Ampex Brands will share their journeys into the world of AI at this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit, being held Oct.

Using digital tools to fight rising food, gas costs

by Aman Narang — Co-founder, COO, President, Director, Toast

Aman Narang, president and co-founder of Toast, reveals how data-powered technology can help restaurants fight inflation and higher gas prices.

Oath Pizza exec: '4 ways to protect your supply chain'

Oath Pizza Director of Supply Chain Pam McMorrow reveals how restaurants can mitigate the worst effects of inflation, product shortages and COVID-19.

Loyalty is key to keeping customers happy in the face of rising prices

by Zach Goldstein — CEO and Founder, Thanx

Restaurants should rely on sophisticated loyalty programs to offer non-discount rewards that entice with exclusivity and access, according to Thanx CEO Zach…

How breakfast-focused fast casuals can increase sales by double digits

Robert Maynard, CEO of Famous Toastery, explains how the brand achieved 30% year-over-year growth.

10 ways to improve restaurant employee retention

Greg Staley, CEO of SynergySuite, reveals 10 things restaurant leaders can do to keep employees happy enough to stay.

5 ways to help your seasonal restaurant thrive

Stu Snyder, co-owner of Beal's Lobster Pier in Southwest Harbor, Maine, reveals what he did to keep his 90-year-old brand afloat during off-peak and…

How Great Greek CEO is controlling costs

Bob Andersen, brand president of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, suggests strategies for coping with the far-reaching cost increases hindering…

How 1 chef maximizes sustainability efforts

Andrea Cuellar, culinary director of Sweetfin, reveals three ways restaurants can maximize sustainability.

7 Father’s Day ideas to drive restaurant sales

by Tony Smith — CEO & Co-founder, Restaurant365

Tony Smith, CEO and co-founder of Restaurant365, shares a few ways that restaurants can cash in on Father's Day.

How Mici co-founder invented tool to simplify kitchen operations

Jeff Miceli, the co-founder of Mici Italian, explains how they designed a pizza press to simplify the process of creating artisanal pies.

Why today's customer experience requires technology, human touch

by Tony Smith — CEO & Co-founder, Restaurant365

Tony Smith, co-founder and CEO of Restaurant365, explores how to find the perfect balance of high-tech and high-touch service.

3 ways restaurants can prevent guests from reaching 'tipping point'

by Matt Lukosavich — Strategy Director, Vericast

With annual menu price inflation at its highest since 1982, Matt Lukosavich, strategy director of Vericast, reveals how restaurants can rely on smart targeting…

The Great Resignation: Overcoming labor challenges

Bill Bellissimo, founder and CEO of CrunchTime, describes how operators can help stem the tide of turnover by making investments in smart software, agile tools…

Wow Bao wins top spot at 2022 Fast Casual Top 100 Gala

Chicago-based Wow Bao has topped the 2022 list of Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers, making history as the first brand to ever win the honor twice. It…

Fast casual sales up, labor down

by Jordan Boesch — CEO & Founder, 7shifts

7shifts analyzed data from a group of its 30,000 restaurant clients to see how 2022 labor and sales numbers compare to 2021 data.