'Tis the season for LTOs

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The holiday season, for many, means decorating, shopping and wrapping gifts, but for people working in the fast casual industry 'tis the season of the LTO.

Chuck E. Cheese 'schools' fast casuals on appealing to millennials

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Chuck E Cheese feels like a safe place for my family, and that's saying a lot these days.

Drumstick-roll please: KFC exec to share secret (branding) recipe as keynote of Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

George Felix, KFC's director of brand communications, will share his secret recipe on how KFC is resonating with both millennials and Baby Boomers at the 201…

Restaurants honoring vets with freebies

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

A variety of restaurant brands are thanking vets for their service with free meals.

NRA applauds House decision to narrow definition of joint employer liability

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 8, 2017

The U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday passed the Save Local Business Act, a decision that the National Restaurant Association described as a win for…

Dickey's taking on the Middle East

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 26, 2017

After 75 years in business, Dickey's Barbecue Pit is going global. The nearly 600-unit chain has partnered with Middle Eastern hospitality group, Serenity…

Chipotle CEO: 'We still have much work to do'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Despite missing analysts' marks, CEO Steve Ells said he's as optimistic as he was when starting Chipotle nearly 24 years ago.

Muscle Maker CEO on mini IPO: 'Customers love our food. Now, they can own our stock.'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Muscle Maker Grill CEO Robert Morgan chats about his decision to take the chain public via a mini-IPO and

Crackheads and Doughballs: Having fun in the fast (casual) lane

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Crackheads and Doughballs — contrary to how they sound — are not insults. They're the names of the two latest fast casual brands dreamed up by James Markham, a…

Changing the world one tea leaf at a time: Teatulia CEO talks transparency

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Think transparency is just a gimmick? "Think again," says the CEO of Teatulia Organic Teas, who shows how transparency not only is key to selling a great…

Some fast casuals still pumped for pumpkin, others heating things up: part 2

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

While some fall LTOs are heavy on pumpkin-flavored everything, others include big, bold and spicy flavors inspired by Asian, Hispanic and African dishes.

Has pumpkin peaked? Fall menus embracing innovative ingredients (part 1)

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Because pumpkin spice has become so ubiquitous across the industry, Americans are now looking for newer, more flavorful offerings.

Franchising Focus: BurgerFi CEO talks growth, labor, technology

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

CEO Corey Winograd discusses his plans for the brand and how he maintains success.

Why Burrito Beach is investing 'hundreds of thousands of dollars' on remodel

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The six-unit brand has created a fresh new look and feel to adapt to consumers' constantly evolving needs, CEO Greg Schulson told FastCasual.

Restaurants aiding Hurricane Harvey victims: part 2

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The industry, once again, is proving it’s resilient and will always step up when needed.

Judge strikes down Obama's OT ruling, industry leaders urge compromise

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

While many restaurateurs might be relieved to hear that a Texas judge struck down the 2016 rule expanding overtime protection to millions of white collar…

Help from restaurant industry pours into Texas, Louisiana's flooded areas

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Brands and vendors in the restaurant industry have donated millions of dollars to help flood victims.

Yang's Braised Chicken Rice demos how to be a 'one-hit wonder'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

While other concepts often juggle complicated menus and offer a variety of choices, Xiao Lu Yang serves only one dish at his 6,000 locations.

Impossible Burger takes on NYT

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 10, 2017

The company behind the Impossible Burger — the meatless burger boasting it tastes and bleeds like real meat — is on a mission to "correct all the inaccuracies…

Top execs discuss perks and pitfalls of private vs public ownership

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Panera Bread CEO Ron Shaich's decision earlier this year to sell the brand to JAB Holdings for $7.5 billion has spurred some to ask, "Just how much impact does…