Why smart TVs could be restaurants’ next ordering channel

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

November 6, 2026

Guests will soon be able to order dinner from their TVs without reaching for a phone or pausing the game. Starting with a launch expected in December, viewers…

Cava's Q3 miss hides a bet on larger dining rooms, half portions and value

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

A produce scare and gas prices slowed traffic, but the Mediterranean chain raised its sales outlook and laid out where it sees growth next.

Wonder sets the table for IPO

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

November 6, 2026

New York-based Wonder Group Inc. has taken its first formal step toward Wall Street, confidentially submitting a draft registration statement to the U.S.

Cava misses Q3 targets, betting big on GMs

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The Mediterranean chain fell short of Wall Street estimates, but its earnings call doubled as a playbook for building restaurant leaders.

Dave’s Hot Chicken turns up the heat on second-generation space

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Dannon Shiff, SVP of Real Estate, will speak about Dave's site selection strategy and more at the annual Connect Retail West on Nov. 17 in Los Angeles.

What the 2026 midterm results could mean for restaurants

by Cherryh Cansler , Valerie Gritton

The 2026 midterm election results could reshape federal policy affecting restaurant brands, putting immigration reform, credit card processing fees and trade…

Pumpkin shares the fall spotlight with apple, squash and bolder flavors

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Pumpkin still anchors plenty of fall menus this year, but restaurant brands are also leaning on apple, squash and a few less traditional flavors to pull guests…

Wonder's delivery robots move past pilot phase

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

November 2, 2026

Wonder is expanding its autonomous robot delivery partnership with Avride to four markets, a year after the companies first tested the robots at Wonder's…

4 operations moves behind Starbucks' 2027 growth plan

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Promoted-from-within store coaches, AI that helps baristas take drive-thru orders, adding delivery to the app and a smaller-format store are how Starbucks…

From AI to catering: 8 ways Chipotle is retooling for growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The chain missed Wall Street’s forecast but still grew revenue. AI, catering and faster lines are next.

Jersey Mike's leans on 4 drivers to push AUVs toward $2M

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Q3 comps rose 3%, led by traffic, as CEO Charlie Morrison lays out the chain’s plan to grow transactions.

What did that tech rollout really cost? Operators to reveal all at RFIS in New Orleans

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Early bird rates for the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit end Friday, Oct. 30.

Weekend round-up: Chipotle brings back brisket as Mendocino Farms grows in Colorado

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

A slow weekend on the wires still brought a major-brand menu return, a new Colorado city for Mendocino Farms and growth moves from Luna Grill and The Big Greek…

Forget franchise brokers: Tahini’s recruits operators through YouTube

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Most brands use social media to fill seats. Tahini’s is using it to fill its franchise pipeline. CMO Aly Hamam shares how the 76-unit chain ties videos to…

5 things your crew wants you to know about pay, bosses and AI

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Toast's survey of 702 restaurant workers revealed that raises and better benefits are landing, but pay, scheduling and managers still decide who stays.

Report: Fast casual sector still outpacing overall restaurant growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Although the overall news was positive, the segment faces a delicate balancing act as operators navigate rising overhead. Food costs remain the top operational…

Dirty soda: 5 ways fast casuals can cash in on the trend

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

From keeping recipes simple to pricing drinks for repeat purchases, operators can turn customized sodas into a profitable traffic driver.

Naked Farmer’s Jordan Johnson is growing without giving away the farm

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

To open his first 11 locations, the founder started with using Small Business Administration-backed loans and moved to more conventional financing as the…

Sunfly hoping to outmaneuver fast casual beverage competitors in North Texas

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Fork Hospitality co-founders Matt Bailey and John Brennan are on a mission to open 50 locations within five years.

Crisp & Green to acquire 33 restaurants from Coors family’s Salad Collective

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

October 13, 2026

Deal for MAD Greens and Snappy Salads units puts Minnesota-based chain on track for 100 locations by year’s end