Guzman y Gomez dominates Taco Bell Down Under, eyes US takeover

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

New Yorker Steven Marks, who opened his fast casual Mexican concept in 2006 in Australia, has grown it to over 250 locations and is ready to take on the U.S.

Fast casual restaurants see June sales dip

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 2, 2025

Sales at small business restaurants, including many fast casual concepts, saw a slight year-over-year increase of 0.4% in June, but experienced a sharper 2.6…

Jamba CBO: Snacking is becoming the main course

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Nathan Louer, chief brand officer of Jamba, reveals the brand's 'snackification' strategy.

Shake Shack: 'Home of the Braves'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The location, which is the chain's second-largest unit, features seating for over 100, its first bar, a wall of free arcade games, kiosks and over a dozen TVs…

Fast casuals tapping into alcohol to boost profits

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Margaritas, in particular, have been a key driver in Taco Cabana's growth, proving that even in a fast casual setting, customers are eager for a refreshing…

From Naya's simplicity to Hook & Reel's scaled hospitality: Unpacking catering success at leadership summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The free summit features industry experts, including Alexis Ortiz, senior catering manager at Naya, and Margaret Monahan, of Vertex Hospitality Group, offering…

KYU igniting NYC lunch scene with to-go concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Featuring a walk-up window offering a selection of sandwich versions of the upscale restaurant's most popular dishes, desserts and custom-crafted beverages…

Snacking: The death of the daypart?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Snacking is driving morning sales for Juice It Up and late-night sales for Zaxby's.

Socializing for success: 13 takeaways from Restaurant Marketing Workshop

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurant marketers spent an hour swapping social media trips, tricks and no-nos when crafting social media plans.

Dave's Hot Chicken lands majority investment from Roark

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 2, 2025

The company's valuation is $1 billion.

Cheba Hut claims 'OG' status on Doritos LTO

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 28, 2025

After noticing that Subway recently added Doritos to the menu via Doritos Footlong Nachos — a move Cheba Hut made over 20 years ago when it created "Not'chose…

Top 35 Marketers to be honored at Restaurant Marketing Workshop

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

After a rigorous nomination process and enthusiastic social media voting, 35 leaders were selected for their exceptional contributions to brand growth, digital…

Garden Catering's Tina Carpentieri honored as 'Fast Casual Woman of the Year'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The recognition serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership is often measured not just in profit, but in the lives touched and the unwavering spirit…

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.