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…

Networld Media Group launches Restaurant Marketing Workshop

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

This digital marketing workshop, co-hosted by FastCasual Editor Cherryh Cansler and Rev Ciancio, co-founder/CMO of Handcraft Burgers & Brew, Salad House CMO…

Wonder acquiring Grubhub for $650M

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 13, 2024

Wonder, a digital food hall offering multi-restaurant ordering, is acquiring Grubhub from Just Eat Takeaway.com for $650 million, including $500 million of…

Revenue up nearly 15% at Shake Shack

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 30, 2024

Shake Shack posted a solid Q3 earnings report Wednesday, featuring a revenue growth of 14.7% and same-store sales growth of 4.4%. It also saw a 28% jump in…

Perkins debuting fast casual concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Featuring a streamlined design and an elevated cafe experience, the 1,500-square-foot restaurant is half the size of a standard Perkins.

Chipotle Teamsters demanding 'fair contracts'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 28, 2024

Laurie Schalow, Chipotle's chief corporate affairs officer, said the Union is delaying bargaining meetings but her company is committed to ensuring a fair work…

Juicer cuts dynamic pricing strategy

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 26, 2024

Juicer, a restaurant revenue management company that helps guide menu strategy, is cutting its dynamic pricing platform for delivery to shift its focus toward…

Will SocialBites Food Hub reimagine fast casual?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Featuring multiple restaurant brands, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, interactive decor, weekly entertainment programming, a full bar, and private event…

Nominations open for FastCasual Top 30 Movers & Shakers in Catering

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 12, 2024

Nominations are open for the inaugural Top 30 Movers & Shakers in Catering in partnership with Lunchbox. Closing Sept. 1, the list will highlight the…

Wonder SVP keynoting Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Jason Rusk, SVP of operations for Wonder and a former Red Robin executive, will discuss growth and leadership in the evolving world of fast casual restaurants.

Fast Casual reveals 2024 food tour stops

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Attendees will visit three fast casuals, where they'll taste food and chat with leadership.