Dave's Hot Chicken named Fast Casual's 2025 top brand

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The Los Angeles brand launched in 2018 and has grown to over 300 locations. It won the Top 100 two years ago, making it the second brand in history to earn the…

Huddle House rolling out fast casual model

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The brand is unveling new prototypes, portable menu items and a revitalized brand identity.

Potbelly reports positive Q1 sales, eyes continued growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

CEO Bob Wright said success stems from its digital platform and loyalty program, as well as menu upgrades and a focus on catering.

5 ways to turn your gift card program into a 6-figure revenue stream

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 7, 2025

Ralph Lewis, owner of Okeechobee Steakhouse, reported selling over $180,000 in gift cards in just six hours across two smaller locations after using the…

Portillo's fueling growth with loyalty program, improving operations, driving kiosk usage

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 6, 2025

The chain is also testing breakfast at five locations in Chicago.

How Red Chickz founder went from dishwasher to national brand builder

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

What if your next breakthrough idea came from a dishwasher-turned-Founder or a tech innovator who transformed chaos into a scalable business? Hear from Shawn…

Presented by EB-3

Kathleen Wood, Networld Media Group launching revamped Founderology Growth Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Registration is open for this Founders-only event.

Starbucks CEO, CFO predicting turnaround despite Q2 loss

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although she admitted that transactions did not meet expectations, CFO Cathy Smith said the company was on the right track with its "Back to Starbucks…

BurgerBots opens 1st restaurant, ready to expand

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The entire process takes just 27 seconds per burger.

Bagel Brands CEO prioritizing efficiency

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

CEO Jessica DePetro discusses egg prices, growth plans and the challenge she issued to her team to deliver a simplified process and execution strategy to…

Consumer economic uncertainty poses threat to Chipotle growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

April 24, 2025

CEO Scott Boatright looks to upgrade back-of-house technology and increase catering sales.

Perfect Pitch, ‘Fast Casual Frontrunners' open nominations for top emerging brands

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Nominations are now open but close June 1.

Fast Casual Top 100 Gala celebrating 10th birthday with 5 gifts for attendees

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Honors include the "Signal to Noise Award," "Emerging Fast Casual of the Year, ""Most-Loved Delivery Brand and "Fast Casual Woman of the Year." Attendees will…

Saroki’s Crispy Chicken & Pizza reimagining roadside cuisine

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Brothers Todd and Curtis Saroki are challenging preconceptions about mega-station food with their hand-breaded chicken tenders and NY-style brick oven pizzas.

From homelessness to restaurant heroes: Power couple keynoting Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

April 7, 2025

Chef Bryant "Baul" Williams and Daniella Williams, the husband-and-wife founders of Atlanta-based Binky's, specializing in soul food, and brunch hot spot Betty…

What Chef Robotics' $43M funding means for fast casual automation

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Since Sunbasket, a healthy meal delivery company, partnered with Chef Robotics in 2022, it has displaced 10% of production staff and increased consistency by…

James Walker takes helm at Lunchbox, promises clarity for restaurant operators

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Lunchbox CEO and former restaurant leader James Walker wants to help brands cut through the tech noise to help them scale.

6 digital trends driving fast casual profitability

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurants are done with relying on fragmented, third-party ordering platforms, according to the State of Digital Report created by Qu, a provider of a…

Grogan, Dardick keynoting Restaurant Catering Workshop

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

FastCasual is bringing you even more catering tips and tricks when we meet in Austin after the Fast Casual Executive Summit.

Sanguich: From startup to influencer-worthy concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Daniel Figueredo and Rosa Romero describe building a viral brand without spending a single dollar on influencer marketing.