Why fast casual is 'Partying like its 1995'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

California Tortilla and Noodles and Co are embracing throwback pricing promotions as part of a broader trend of brands using nostalgia to engage with customers…

Fast casual brands putting loyalty first on National Coffee Day

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The day, which celebrates the popular caffeinated beverage, is also becoming a showcase for how coffee shops as well as other types of fast casual concepts are…

Starbucks shuttering stores, eliminating 900 jobs

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

September 25, 2025

Starbucks is undergoing a significant corporate restructuring and rationalization of its North American store portfolio, announcing the elimination of nearly…

Drinkable wellness: Why Juice It Up is betting on Aloe Vera

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The global market for aloe vera juice was valued at $13 billion in 2022 and is on track to hit $24.1 billion by 2032

Power Couple Pinky Cole, Derrick Hayes to ignite Founderology Growth Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

While most restaurant founders are focused on building a single successful brand, Pinky Cole and Derrick Haye have a grander goal: to build an empire, not just…

Is Waffle House's all-night delivery a threat to fast casuals?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Fast casuals that have invested heavily in their off-premise strategies will now face direct competition from a brand that is a household name, has a…

Catering's new era: Meet the Top 30 Innovators of 2025

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In its second year, the 2025 "Top 30 Movers & Shakers: Catering" celebrates the individuals steering the transformation — those scaling programs, partnering…

Why Tacomasa's founder built a debt-free company

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Editor's note: This is the first in a series featuring founders of restaurant concepts answering five questions about building their companies.

Speaker Spotlight: Sawsan Abublan, CEO and co-founder, Shawarma Press

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

As CEO of Shawarma Press, Sawsan Abublan discusses her journey from pharmacist to fast casual leader, sharing insights on the power of hands-on experience and…

Celebrating the 2025 Fast Casual Hall of Fame inductees

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Registration is open!

Craveworthy CEO denies wrongdoing in franchise lawsuit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 19, 2025

A franchise development company has filed a lawsuit against Craveworthy Brands and Dirty Dough, alleging breach of contract.

Cava invests in Hyphen's automated makelines

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 18, 2025

Hyphen, a company that provides automated meal production for restaurants, has secured $25 million in Series B financing to expand its operations. The funding…

Noodles CEO leaves 3-step turnaround plan with successor

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

As part of the broader turnaround, the company is closing up to 32 underperforming restaurants by year's end and 12 to 17 in 2026.

From Nigeria to DC: A founder's quest to take African food mainstream

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Nigerian-native Ada Osakwe, an angel investor and former banker, is bringing her African fast casual concept, Nuli, to Washington, D.C.

Innovate, don't react: 12 reasons your competitors are heading to Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Your competition will be there; will you?

How Shake Shack CEO is tackling 3 industry challenges

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

To drive traffic in a "value-oriented market," Shake Shack is moving beyond its traditional word-of-mouth marketing. The company has embarked on a paid media…

Starbucks CEO reveals 5-step recovery plan

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Despite a 2% decline in global comparable store sales and a 45% year-over-year decrease in EPS, CEO Brian Niccol is spearheading a turnaround strategy…

Criminal charges dropped against Wiederhorn, FAT Brands

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 29, 2025

While the criminal charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice against Wiederhorn and FAT Brands have been dismissed, the SEC's civil fraud charges are…

Nominations open for Top 30 Movers & Shakers: Catering

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 28, 2025

Nominations close on Aug. 17

Coffee, beer, burger prices inch up; wings, burritos hold steady

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Toast's Menu Price Monitor aggregates sales data from approximately 140,000 restaurants on the Toast platform, offering a granular look at menu inflation as of…