Plant-based concept founder hopes to be 'the next McDonald's'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Steele Smiley has created a plant-based concept — Stalk & Spade— in Wayzata, Minnesota.

How 1 casual dining chain is competing with fast casuals

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

After testing its new chicken brand at a Cincinnati festival,  Buffalo Wings & Rings is rolling out the concept via ghost kitchens.

Starbucks CEO: 'US sales have fully recovered'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson not only outlined the five consumer behaviors driving the chain's strategy but also revealed how artificial intelligence and store…

Chipotle squashes Q1 predictions

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

April 21, 2021

It's good to be in the burrito game these days as long as your digital playbook is just as strong. It's a strategy Chipotle seems to have under control…

Fast casuals embrace 'Earth Day' with traffic-increasing deals

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Whether it's creating menu items with lower-carbon footprints or making donations to save marine wildlife, a variety of restaurant execs are doing what they…

3 fast casuals conquering 'the munchies' on 4-20

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

To celebrate the holiday known as 4-20 in cannabis culture, several fast casual brands are offering special menu items and marketing campaigns.

Smashburger reveals new logo

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

March 29, 2021

Denver-based Smashburger has debuted a new logo to emphasize its vision of being "the best burger brand," President Carl Bachmann told FastCasual.

Rooster & Rice thriving amid pandemic, standing up to Asian hate

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

San Francisco-based Rooster & Rice is leveraging its success throughout the pandemic for even more growth in 2021 and beyond.

Torchy's testing ghost kitchen in Ohio

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

March 17, 2021

Torchy's Tacos has chosen Columbus, Ohio, as the home of its first ghost kitchen, opening this spring in partnership with CloudKitchens, a real estate company…

Celebrating International Women's Day: Dickey's, Jack In The Box, Blaze among leaders featured

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Female execs, including leaders from Dickey's, Freddy's, Jack in the box and Blaze, talk about how they've handled discrimination and what they want Gen Z to…

From Shake Shack to Chipotle: 24 female execs on leading in 2021

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

In celebration of International Women's Day, FastCasual interviewed 24 female leaders on how they make their voices heard in an industry led predominantly by…

FastCasual collecting operator insight for 2021 Dining Survey

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

March 5, 2021

FastCasual.com has teamed up with Dosh to find out how restaurants are faring in 2021 vs. 2020, and we want to hear from as many readers as possible. The poll…

Piada providing Texas employees with hazard pay

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

March 5, 2021

Piada Italian Street Food is providing much-needed relief to Texas employees, who suffered lost wages when stores closed last month during the snow storm…

Shake Shack raising funds to add drive-thrus, digital upgrades

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

March 2, 2021

Shake Shack is borrowing $225 million from private investors to pay for drive-thrus and other new store formats. The New York-based chain is offering $22…

Shake Shack migrating third-party delivery orders to own channels

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

With digital sales accounting for 60% of Shake Shack Q4 sales, the chain is hoping to move third-party delivery orders to its own channels.

Making third-party delivery work for your brand

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

February 25, 2021

Although delivery has been available at Alfredo's Pizza since it opened over 20 years ago in West Babylon, New York, owner Rob Tarsio needed to streamline…

Small but mighty: LA sandwich shop surviving pandemic

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Breadlam operates out of a 300-square-foot space, which has helped it stay afloat during the pandemic.

Restaurant operators: 'Not the right time for wage boost'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

February 16, 2021

Leaders of Dickey's Barbecue, Firehouse Subs, Mooyah, Famous Toastery and Teriyaki Madness discuss when and if it's time to raise the federal minimum wage to…

How Caffe Nero won landlord-tenant lawsuit

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Although Caffe Nero said it failed to pay rent for six months at one of its Boston locations, a judge dismissed the landlord's motion requesting payment.

Virtual experiences + '90s nostalgia = perfect Valentine's Day for Shake Shack, Panera

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Shake Shack and Panera bread are combining virtual experiences with '90s nostalgia to win customers' hearts on Valentine's Day.