The 'dirt' on dirt: 4 restaurant real estate trends revealed at ICSC

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Interviews at the International Council of Shopping Centers conference revealed top trends in real estate. Success in the restaurant industry isn't just about…

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks enters Washington DC with multi-unit franchise deal

May 19, 2026

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, a fast-casual concept known for its authentic West Philly flavors, has signed its first franchise agreement in Washington, D.C. The…

Jeff's Bagel Run Launches Ice Cream Summer with Jeremiah's Italian Ice Collaboration and Fan-Favorite Returnin

Jeff's Bagel Run is kicking off the season with its most indulgent summer lineup yet. Beginning May 25 and running through August 23, the brand is introducing…

SynergySuite Wins Three Gold Stevie’s for Restaurant AI

SynergySuite earned three Gold Stevie Awards at the 2026 American Business Awards for its AI-driven restaurant technology innovations. The recognition…

The Power of Financial Planning, Financial Visibility leads to business sustainability

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

To achieve sustainable growth and avoid the "stuck zone," Founders must overcome the emotional avoidance of their financials by owning their P&L, hiring expert…

Chicken Salad Chick signs 25-unit development deal in New York

May 18, 2026

Atlanta-based Chicken Salad Chick has signed a 25-unit franchise agreement for Upstate New York — Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and the Upper Hudson…

Rōti Modern Mediterranean launches London ghost kitchens, expands Atlanta footprint

May 18, 2026

Rōti Modern Mediterranean has opened four ghost kitchens in the United Kingdom and suburban Atlanta as part of its continued expansion strategy. The brand…

Cava named No. 1 Brand of 2026 at Fast Casual Top 100 Gala

Cava secured the top honors following a year of monumental growth, including a 22.5% revenue increase and reaching $1.1 billion in annual sales.

2026 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers

Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Each year, this report serves as a pulse check for the industry, celebrating the…

Presented by Elo Touch Solutions, Inc.

Blaze Pizza offers zero delivery fee for National Pizza Party Day celebration

May 15, 2026

Atlanta-based Blaze Pizza is waiving delivery fees to celebrate National Pizza Party Day, offering customers a way to share its fast-fire'd pizzas without the…

Off-premise blitz: Turning pandemic survival tactics into long-term growth engines

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Industry leaders at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit highlighted how the shift from convenience to a permanent off-premise model requires a…

Ovation, Tap leaders share tips on crafting a guest feedback strategy

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

A panel talk at the upcoming Restaurant Marketing Workshop will deliver insight on not only getting a guest feedback approach up and running but tips and…

Mo’ Bettahs to open 2nd Arizona location

May 15, 2026

Bountiful, Utah-based Mo' Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food will open its second Arizona restaurant May 18 at 50 W. Jefferson St., in downtown Phoenix.

PJ’s Coffee to open near original Maple Street location

May 15, 2026

New Orleans-based PJ's Coffee plans to open at 7700 Maple St., New Orleans, down the street from the site of its original location, which debuted nearly 5…

Deliverect, DataCandy partner for loyalty

May 14, 2026

Deliverect has partnered with loyalty and gift card provider DataCandy to allow quick service and enterprise restaurant operators to reward customers through…

Jimmy John’s adds wraps to Canadian menu

May 14, 2026

Jimmy John's has introduced wraps to its Canadian menu for a limited time at participating locations.

Love & Honey enters Florida with 20-unit development deal

May 14, 2026

Philadelphia-based fast-casual chicken chain Love & Honey is expanding into Florida through a 20-unit development agreement. The restaurants mark the…

Deliverect Partners with DataCandy to Connect Digital Ordering, Loyalty and Gift Cards Across Every Restaurant

Integration unifies third-party, first-party, and in-store orders with loyalty and gift card programs to drive retention and personalized engagement

Custom Channels and Thanx Partner to Drive Guest Frequency and In-Store Engagement for Restaurant Brands

Connecting in-store audio with loyalty and guest engagement platforms activates guests at the moment that matters most

Innovation in every sip: How Tractor Beverage Co. is changing the beverage landscape

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

John Murphy, chief revenue officer of Tractor Beverage Co., discusses the company's award-winning revival of the 17th-century "switchel" and how its organic…

Presented by Tractor Beverage Co.