Spring beverage trends going back to the basics

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Embracing spring's trendiest flavors via beverages is one easy way for restaurants to boost check spend. Those trends are a return to historical, more familiar…

HuHot franchisee proves life goes on after Olympics end

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Jay Warick, a bronze medalist in Taekwondo at the 1988 Olympics, has used his passion for training and hard work to build a successful career in the restaurant…

Why Smiling Moose is betting on full-service concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli — based in Colorado with 16 units in seven states — unveiled a prototype last month in Denver for a casual dining version of…

Fazoli's testing voice-ordering capabilities

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

February 21, 2018

Fazoli's customers can now order meals via Alexa at some locations, thanks to its partnership with Orderscape, an order automation and voice technology…

Valentine's Day LTOs include $500 Pizza from Firenza, KFC's chicken scratch-and-sniff cards, sweet treats from Starbucks

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Hoping to attract Valentine's Day customers, limited-service brands around the world are offering a variety of sweet deals.

Former Buffalo Wild Wings CEO joins board of Digi International

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

February 6, 2018

The $2.9 billion acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings by Arby's Restaurant Group is now complete, which puts Arby's CEO Paul Brown in the top position of the…

Franchise Focus: 2 cousins sink teeth into fast casual pizza business

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The restaurant business runs in the blood of Artichoke Basille Pizza Owners Francis Garcia and Sal Basille. The cousins grew up in New York working in their…

11 ways to implement predictive scheduling without killing your bottom line

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Not complying with predictive scheduling mandates can quickly add up to significant penalties.

Turkish-American sisters now franchising Flatbread Grill

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Turkish-American Sisters — Arzu, Fusun, and Gonca Esendemir — are now franchising their fast casual concept —  Flatbread Grill.

Caliburger customers can order, pay with a smile

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

January 16, 2018

Caliburger rolls out AI-enabled self-service kiosks using NEC facial recognition technology.

Franchise Focus: Irish burger joint rocketing to success

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Rocket's plans include expansion throughout Europe and beyond.

Top 10 stories of 2017 will carry over to 2018

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Stories about Panera, Chipotle and Boloco are among FastCasual's Top 10 most read stories of the year.

Dickey's, Freshii, Boloco leaders predict 2018 fast casual trends

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

An increased focus on delivery, the elevation of vegetarian and vegan concepts and finding ways to operate in smaller areas are just a few predictions from 1…

Franchise focus: Pork & Mindy's CEO focused on 'extending the register'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Founder and CEO Kevin Corsello discusses why he loves operating in food halls and pop-up locations and what he wishes he would have known before launching his…

Fast casuals innovating desserts, snacks to boost post-lunch traffic

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

More customers than ever are ordering dessert between 2-4 p.m.

Dog Haus, Pancheros betting on simplicity

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Rodney Anderson, CEO and founder of Pancheros Mexican Grill, and Hagop Giragossian, a partner at Dog Haus, agreed that a simple business model and menu lead to…

Franchise Focus: Nature's Table president talks what it takes to keep winning after 40 years

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Rich Wagner, VP of the Florida-based chain, gives an inside look at his brand's continued success despite the plethora of other brands moving in on his turf…

'Tis the season for LTOs

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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…