Why Magic City Hoagies launched booze-free sports venue

The fast-casual concept teamed up with basketball star LeeLee Bell to create a family-friendly venue dedicated to women's sports.

Square launches AI voice-ordering kiosk for restaurants

October 14, 2026

Square has launched a self-service kiosk powered by conversational artificial intelligence, aiming to help restaurants streamline ordering and enhance customer…

Slutty Vegan gifts Brooklyn restaurant to longtime GM

October 14, 2026

Atlanta-based chain waives franchise and marketing fees for Destiny Correa, who managed the Fulton Street location for nearly five years

Cava channeling Greek Goddess energy with LTOs

October 14, 2026

Cava is tapping into Mediterranean heritage this fall with the debut of a Greek Goddess lineup across its nationwide fast-casual footprint, headlined by an…

Rock N Roll Sushi names Rick Gestring CEO

October 14, 2026

Rock N Roll Sushi has tapped Rick Gestring to lead the 80-unit concept into its next phase of growth, focusing on brand strengthening, franchisee support and…

Star Burger partners with University of Miami Athletics

October 14, 2026

Star Burger has partnered with University of Miami Athletics to become the official burger of the Miami Hurricanes for the 2026–2027 season, marking the…

Sunfly hoping to outmaneuver fast casual beverage competitors in North Texas

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Fork Hospitality co-founders Matt Bailey and John Brennan are on a mission to open 50 locations within five years.

Juice it Up grows Southern California Footprint with Santa Fe Springs opening

October 14, 2026

Juice It Up! has opened a location at 13344 Telegraph Road in Santa Fe Springs, California, expanding its Southern California footprint.

Dillas Quesadillas names Michael Mabry COO

October 14, 2026

Dillas Quesadillas has promoted Michael Mabry from head of franchise development to chief operating officer, effective Oct. 7. In the newly created role, Mabry…

Swig investor Savory Fund secures $200M to scale Hawkers, South Block

October 13, 2026

Savory Fund has closed its oversubscribed third fund at $201.5 million, topping its initial $200 million target as it looks to back the next wave of…

Crisp & Green to acquire 33 restaurants from Coors family’s Salad Collective

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

October 13, 2026

Deal for MAD Greens and Snappy Salads units puts Minnesota-based chain on track for 100 locations by year’s end

The 'Big Ass' shift: What Chipotle’s newest campaign says about brands getting real

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

While the specs of a 170-liter burrito bag are hilarious, the real story here isn't just about packaging or family-sized carnitas; it's about culture.

3 restaurant growth deals, and what the new SBA rules change about each

by Michael Davis — CEO & Founder, Homegrown

A capital provider walks through three anonymized deals: A partner buyout, a franchisee whose tax return shows a loss and a ground-up build to show what SOP 5…

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill launches 'Lime Lover' Loyalty program

October 13, 2026

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill has launched "Lime Lover," a customer loyalty program operating under the brand's "Lime Loves You Back" campaign to reward guests…

Wingstop, Sour Patch Kids create Wicked Punch wing flavor for Halloween

October 13, 2026

Dallas-based Wingstop has teamed up with Sour Patch Kids to create Wicked Punch, a limited-time wing flavor for Halloween.

Toast expands AI tools for labor management, marketing

October 13, 2026

Boston-based tech platformToast has introduced AI-powered labor management tools and expanded its digital marketing capabilities. The tech and upgrades are…

FastCasual extends deadline for 2027 'Brands to Watch' nominations

October 12, 2026

FastCasual has extended the deadline to nominate restaurant concepts for its eighth annual "Fast Casual Brands to Watch in 2027" report. Restaurant operators…

Uncommon Brands Taps former &Pizza execs, promotes executive to leadership team

October 12, 2026

Uncommon Brands, a Dallas-based group behind fast-casual concepts Fuego Tortilla Grill and The Rice Box, has appointed two former &pizza executives to its…

HTeaO co-founder steps down, names Brian Wise as CEO

October 12, 2026

HTeaO opened nine stores across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas in the third quarter and appointed Brian Wise as CEO, succeeding co-founder Justin Howe, who…

Chicken Salad Chick adds Pennsylvania, West Virginia locations

October 12, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick is expanding its Northeast footprint with development agreements in New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.