Inflation, labor and AI: 5 things fast casual operators need to know

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Toast’s latest industry survey reveals why restaurant operators are still betting on growth despite rising costs and hiring challenges.

Restaurant resales fall in 2026; turnkey, franchise deals surge

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

High interest rates and construction costs are reshaping the restaurant resale market, driving buyers toward equipped second-generation spaces and proven…

How Teriyaki Madness flips franchise growth by vetting real estate before the deal is signed

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Franchise Development Real Estate Manager Jake Lowell breaks down how the fast-casual chain cut opening timelines to 18 months and secured over 80 leases in 1…

Stop being reactive: How restaurants can double catering sales

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

August 21, 2026

CaterZen founder and former restaurant operator Michael Attias will share strategies for finding new catering customers, winning back former buyers and growing…

Panera takes points-based MyPanera loyalty program nationwide after pilot

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

August 19, 2026

Panera Bread is rolling out a redesigned, points-based version of its MyPanera loyalty program nationwide Wednesday, following a pilot the company ran earlier…

Jersey Mike's tops Chick-fil-A in customer satisfaction rankings

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

August 10, 2026

Jersey Mike's Subs, which announced IPO plans last month, has achieved something few restaurant brands have managed in the last decade: the fast-casual…

Sweetgreen turnaround plan: 5 strategies to drive restaurant traffic and profitability

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Following its Q2 2026 earnings report, Sweetgreen executives outlined how the fast casual chain plans to improve operations, increase transactions, leverage AI…

5 restaurant pricing trends operators must know from Q2 2026 consumer data

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Revenue Management Solutions’ latest consumer report reveals how restaurant guests are responding to higher prices, changing value expectations and shifting…

3 things fast casual operators can steal from Starbucks' turnaround quarter

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The company's latest earnings call shows how targeted store upgrades, daypart-focused operations and smarter loyalty perks helped fuel growth — and why the…

Fast Casual Hall of Fame honoring Geoff Alexander, Mark Brezinski, Darden Coors at Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The 2026 Fast Casual Hall of Fame will recognize three restaurant executives whose leadership has shaped innovation, technology adoption and growth across the…

How 1 Penn Station franchise is turning teen hires into tomorrow's leaders

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Restaurants seeing a shortage in young workers may want to take a page out of Genral Manager Taylar Richardson's book.

Biscuit Belly acquires 35 Maple Street Biscuit Company locations to triple footprint

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Co-founder Lauren Coulter opens up about the "once-in-a-lifetime" deal — from how it will reshape the brand's growth strategy to the plan for winning over…

4 ways AI-using restaurants are cutting food, labor costs to outpace competitors

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Restaurant365's mid-year survey of nearly 10,000 U.S. locations shows exactly how AI adopters are pulling ahead — creating what the company calls the…

Hot dogs jump 3.6%, coffee up 7.1%: Toast's June price data

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Toast's June 2026 data shows hot dogs, cold brew and coffee posting the steepest year-over-year price increases across the industry.

Ranch is no longer a side character on the menu

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

I wrote a few weeks ago about how Slim Chickens' timing on its ranch remix couldn't have been better, landing right as international soccer fans discovered…

Restaurant Catering Workshop keynote to reveal the 'hidden' drivers of catering growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The keynote opens a full day of education focused on helping restaurant operators build stronger catering businesses. Throughout the workshop, attendees will…

Pinkbox owner acquires Hot Dog on a Stick

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Stephen Siegel, the founder of Amazing Brands, said the acquisition of the 80-year-old brand will launch a new phase of national and international expansion…

Why Chipotle is funding these 6 emerging brands

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

July 8, 2026

The chain's Cultivate Next will fund Benchmark Labs, IMIO, Clean Crop Technologies, Athian, SIMPLi and PopID.

Nominations now open for Top 30 Movers & Shakers: Catering

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Nominations will close July 28, 2026.

Is the pumpkin-spice latte to blame for the fruity coffee trend?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Remember when we all thought adding a little pumpkin spice to our morning brew was the height of culinary rebellion? It turns out that was just the gateway…