Chipotle jumping on high protein trend

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The 4,000-unit chain is launching a menu next week featuring items with protein content ranging from 15 to 81 grams

Ruby Jean’s Founder: Why ‘slow growth is fast growth'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Ruby Jean's operates three locations in Kansas City, offering all-natural, nutrient-dense juices, wellness shots, smoothies and shakes.

How Stonefire Grill turned top side dish into national holiday

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

CEO David Youngberg reveals the strategy, operational discipline, and emotional connection that transformed a menu staple into a national cultural moment.

Why restaurant, retail industries won't support Visa/Mastercard swipe fee settlement

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

With 85% of cards today tied to rewards programs, almost all would fall under the new ‘premium consumer’ category, leaving restaurants with virtually no choice…

Family, not fortune: Why Uncle Sharkii spurned $35M to guard the 'Spirit of Aloha'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Raymond Reyes said the fine print didn't read like freedom; it read like control.

Sweetgreen more than doubles money on Spyce sale to Wonder

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 11, 2025

Sweetgreen Inc. has sold its Spyce business, which developed the robotic "Infinite Kitchen" technology, to mealtime platform Wonder for $186.4 million, more…

Chipotle taps NCR Voyix to launch rollout of next-gen POS

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 6, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill signed a six-year exclusive agreement with NCR Voyix Corp, deepening a partnership that spans more than 25 years, NCR Voyix CEO Jim…

Noodles & Co's 3 steps to profitability: Menu innovation, closures, digital growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although the company announced a net loss of $9.2 million, or 20 cents per diluted share, recent sales growth and the decision to close underperforming…

Top 3 learnings from Cava's Q3 earnings about growth in tight economy

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Cava reported Q3 2025 revenue of $289.8 million, up 20% year over year, with same-restaurant sales growth of 1.9% and restaurant-level profit margin of 24.6%.

Fast casuals embracing micro-meals, protein as traditional dayparts disappear

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

This focus on smaller, frequent meals reflects a major cultural shift, often referred to as the “death of the daypart,” where consumers are increasingly…

Dave's Hot Chicken franchisee fights labor lawsuits with biometrics

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Cody Wong, president of CW Strong, a franchisee of Dave's Hot Chicken and Carl's Jr, dicusses how implementing a labor management platform is saving his…

Chipotle lowers sales forecast as younger diners cut back

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 30, 2025

Despite the quarterly volatility, the company remains confident in its long-term goals of surpassing $4 million in average unit volumes and expanding to 7,00…

Shake Shack's 'operational excellence' fuels earnings beat

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 30, 2025

Shake Shack Inc. demonstrated its resilience and operational prowess, reporting a stellar third quarter for 2025 that blew past Wall Street expectations and…

#QSRNEXT: 10 reasons it's a no-brainer for restaurant brands

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Mark your calendar for Nov. 12, because this isn't some dusty webinar — it's a rapid-fire, packed day of industry leaders giving you the straight talk on…

Thunderdome Restaurant Group: 9 restaurant concepts, 1 vision

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Editor's note: This is part 3 in a series featuring founders of restaurant concepts answering five questions about building their companies.

TAP brothers building a cultural bridge with Brazilian flavors

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The four-unit chain hopes to reach 20 corporate stores by 2030, with a stronghold in urban wellness hubs like NYC and Miami. Franchising will launch in 2026.

Starbucks understands the protein assignment

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 1, 2025

Understanding more customers are looking to add more protein to their diets Starbucks has added a line of protein-boosted lattes, milks and cold foam drinks to…

Why fast casual is 'Partying like its 1995'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

California Tortilla and Noodles and Co are embracing throwback pricing promotions as part of a broader trend of brands using nostalgia to engage with customers…

Fast casual brands putting loyalty first on National Coffee Day

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The day, which celebrates the popular caffeinated beverage, is also becoming a showcase for how coffee shops as well as other types of fast casual concepts are…

Starbucks shuttering stores, eliminating 900 jobs

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

September 25, 2025

Starbucks is undergoing a significant corporate restructuring and rationalization of its North American store portfolio, announcing the elimination of nearly…