Women in the Lead 2025: Spotlighting 21 fast casual leaders

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Designated by the National Women's History Alliance, this year's theme is "Moving Forward Together," spotlighting "women educating and inspiring generations.…

Wings and Rings franchising fast-casual concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The idea for Noble Chicken began in 2019 as an entry into a local wing competition in Cincinnati.

Cava doubles earnings, misses expectations

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 26, 2025

Cava reported Q4 earnings of 5 cents per share Tuesday, which was twice as high as last year but it fell short of the 7 cents on revenue of $223.3 million…

Starbucks firing 1,100 workers

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 24, 2025

North American leaders will return to the office at least three days per week.

Lessons from a 'Mac and Cheese Millionaire'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Erin Wade, founder of Homeroom Mac+Cheese and the author of "The Mac and Cheese Millionaire," joins Kathleen Wood on the Founderology podcast.

Can Jollibee out-cluck Popeyes, Chick-fil-A?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Maribeth Dela Cruz will discuss how she plans to compete with the biggest chicken chains in North America, during her keynote, "Bringing Joy to North America…

Improved GM retention, tech investments drive Chipotle's solid Q4 performance

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 5, 2025

Chipotle will open up to 346 locations in 2025.

FastCasual launches 'Founderology' podcast with Kathleen Wood

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Episode 1 features Cameron McNie, co-founder and executive chairman of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, revealing the strategy behind covering health insurance for…

Fast Casual launches inaugural Top 30 Movers & Shakers: Marketing

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Nominations close Feb. 20, and winners will honored at an awards ceremony during the Restaurant Marketing Workshop, June 2-3, in Indianapolis.

It's 'peanut butter jelly time' at Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Hundreds of restaurant execs will kick off the annual summit by making over 2,000 sandwiches to help feed those in need in South Carolina.

Fast Casual reveals 2025 '20 Brands to Watch'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 23, 2025

FastCasual's fifth annual report, "20 Brands to Watch," reveals the industry's up-and-coming leaders.

Orlando Cat Cafe unleashes franchising opportunity

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

After eight years of serving coffee and facilitating nearly 3,000 cat adoptions in partnership with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals…

It's 'Stick Season' at Piada

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 16, 2025

When Noah Kahn wrote the song "Stick Season," he probably wasn't thinking about Piada Italian Street Food's Stickscription program, but it may be the perfect…

Joining Forces: Bringing plant-based innovation to restaurant menus

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Networld Media Group and the Plant Based Food Association are partnering to help restaurant operators stay up-to-date with consumer demand for crave-worthy…

Gen Z driving 2025 fast casual menu trends

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Younger consumers want swicy, swalty and newstalgic menu items.

FastCasual reveals 10 most-read stories of 2024

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Stories about Chipotle, Panera, Freddy's and Schlotzsky's landed on the top 10 list.

FastCasual opens Top 100 nominations, changes judging process

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The newly created Fast Casual Index will help determine the Top 100 rankings. Nominations are open now, close Feb. 3

Top 5 reasons to attend RFIS in Myrtle Beach

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The early bird deadline ends Friday, Dec. 20.

BurgerFi resold to founder of Happy's Pizza

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

December 13, 2024

A few weeks after BurgerFi and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza and Wings sold assets to TREW Capital, the companies are again in new hands.

I Heart Mac & Cheese founder launching coffee concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

December 10, 2024

Pilar Coffee Bar and Iced Treats is debuting its flagship location this month at The Cove in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The menu features specialty lattes, iced…