Execs predict increased usage of near-me, voice searches to make dining decisions

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

From the explosion of near-me searches to consumers demanding more options, this year's tech trends are all about meeting the customer where and when they…

Industry insiders predict top tech restaurant trends of 2019

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

FastCasual interviewed executives from a variety of tech vendors to reveal some of 2019's most promising tech trends. ​​​​​​Part 1 of this series features…

Top 20: FastCasual reveals 2018's most-read stories

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The year's most popular stories covered a variety of topics ranging from ghost kitchens and franchising to trend predictions and how to win the third-party…

Question: Is the service model of the future quick or experiential? Answer: Yes

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Customers want fast food but an experience to go with it.

FastCasual names '20 Brands to Watch' in 2019

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Not to be confused with our annual Fast Casual Top 100 Movers and Shakers, this list focused on smaller and newer concepts that we think could have the…

'Tis the season for increased restaurants sales — if you can control food, labor costs

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although it may sound a bit Scrooge-like, 'tis the season for increased restaurants sales, but mismanaging increased food and labor costs can leave companies…

How 3 former Zoes execs teamed up to fuel growth of Bellagreen, Original ChopShop

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Hargett Hunter Capital Partners CEO Jason Morgan tapped two of his former colleagues at Zoes Kitchen to help him develop and expand two emerging fast casual…

Brazilian steakhouse launches as fast casual concept in Orange County

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

December 11, 2018

The fast casual service model does not come to mind when thinking about Brazilian steakhouses, but Silva's Fresh Eatery + Churrascaria is hoping to change…

How Mooyah, Which Wich use freebies to drive traffic, attract customers, grow sales

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Offering limited-time freebies will nearly always increase traffic in the short term, but restaurant brands failing to transform those extra bodies into higher…

FAT Brands aquires Yalla

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

December 4, 2018

FAT Brands has acquired Yalla Mediterranean, a seven-unit fast casual chain specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. With this acquisition, Yalla — based in Los…

Former Pizza Inn, Pie Five CEO leaves retirement behind to expand Tampa-based burger brand

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

After spending a year in retirement, Randy Gier, former CEO of Pizza Inn and Pie Five, has decided to get back in the restaurant business by helping…

Trend watch 2019: 4 trends in foodservice that your customers want right now

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In an effort to uncover the latest trends in the fast casual sector, FastCasual tapped a variety of experts for a multi-part series, called, "Trend Watch…

Dos Toros launches additional revenue stream with line of bottled sauces

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 26, 2018

Dos Toros Taqueria has jumped into the retail industry with the launch of bottled hot sauces. Available on its website or in its 19 units, the options include…

Restaurants pull romaine lettuce after CDC issues E coli warning

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 20, 2018

Updated: 8:30 a.m., Nov. 21

Power couple transforms one-unit business into franchising empire

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Andrew and Shauna Smith started their entrepreneurship journey 10 years ago by opening a single Kneaders Bakery franchise in Utah but have since created a…

Moe's Southwest Grill taps design contestants to create taco to-go packaging

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Two designers take on the challenge of creating a taco take-out meal kit for Moe's that can prevent in-transit messes.

Shake Shack misses Q3 earnings expectations

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 2, 2018

While some Q3 numbers were up at Shake Shack — revenue grew 26.5 percent and system-wide year-over-year unit growth increased 31 percent — the chain's shares…

Starbucks: Happy hour, focus on improving digital channels responsible for solid Q4 numbers

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 2, 2018

Starbucks Corporation is enjoying a high this week, and it's not just because of the caffeine. The chain reported Thursday that Q4 global comparable store…

How 6 restaurant brands cut costs by sharing kitchen space

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

High real estate prices and expensive kitchen equipment are two of the biggest barriers to opening and operating a thriving restaurant business. But what if…

Fall menu trends: Pumpkin is a heavy favorite but it's not the season's only LTO

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

October is nearly here, which triggers most restaurants to roll out their fall menus. And while pumpkin is still a favorite of the season, other flavors and…