News & Media
Wingstop, Crumbl franchisee adding Lola Beans to portfolio
September 26, 2025
A Crumbl and Wingstop franchise group will bring Lola Beans Coffee to the Dallas-Fort Worth area with a 15-unit deal.
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Slice House by Tony Gemignani to enter Idaho
September 26, 2025
Slice House by Tony Gemignani will open in Meridian, Idaho, in November, it's first entry into the state, according to a press release.
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Founderology Growth Summit: The breakthrough experience Founders must attend
by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners
Built for Founders. Powered by Founders.
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Fatburger returns to Japan
September 25, 2025
Fatburger is returning to Japan thanks to a deal with Green Micro Factory Inc. to open four locations over the next five years in Okinawa. The first will open…
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Panini Kabob opens 27th location, plans expansion
September 25, 2025
Panini Kabob Grill, a Mediterranean scratch kitchen chain, has opened its 27th location at the Mershops North County Mall, marking a continued expansion across…
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Starbucks shuttering stores, eliminating 900 jobs
by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
September 25, 2025
Starbucks is undergoing a significant corporate restructuring and rationalization of its North American store portfolio, announcing the elimination of nearly…
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Playa Bowls Taps SynergySuite to Power Next Phase of Growth
Playa Bowls, with 200+ locations, selected SynergySuite as their AI-powered back-of-house tech partner to enhance food & labor management, automate…
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Loyalty program fueling growth at Pokeworks
September 24, 2025
The updated program resulted in an 80% increase in members acquired through digital channels and double-digit loyalty sales growth every month since its launch.
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Yoshinoya opens 1st double drive-thru unit
September 24, 2025
Yoshinoya, a Japanese fast casual concept, has opened its 101st location in Compton, California, featuring its first double drive-thru.
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Jeff's Bagel Run, HugerRush talk tech, strategy on Restaurant Operator Podcast
In this episode of Restaurant Operator Podcast, Cherryh Canlser, publisher of FastCasual, offers an exclusive preview of the heavy-hitting CEO panel, moderated…
Presented by HungerRush, Jeff's Bagel Run
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Founders' Collaborative launches as free community for restaurant entrepreneurs
September 23, 2025
A free virtual community for founders called the Founders' Collaborative launched this week, powered by industry publications FastCasual and QSRWeb and…
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Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte still driving traffic
by Shira Petrack — Content Manager, Placer.ai
Starbucks' fall launch doesn't just boost its own traffic; it sets the benchmark for the entire industry.
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Swig boosting ratings with real-time guest feedback
September 23, 2025
In an effort to collect better customer feedback, Swig, a drive-thru chain known for its dirty sodas is partnering with Ovation, a guest experience and…
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Pepper Lunch opening in Arizona
September 23, 2025
Pepper Lunch, a Japanese fast casual chain, is celebrating the grand opening of its first Arizona location this weekend at Arizona State University.
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Portillo’s CEO stepping down
September 23, 2025
Chicago-based Portillo's Inc. announced Monday that its board of directors has appointed Chairman Michael A. Miles Jr. as interim CEO, effective immediately.
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Penn Station partners with Barstool, Virtual Dining Concepts on LTO
September 23, 2025
Penn Station East Coast Subs is collaborating with Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" podcast and Virtual Dining Concepts to introduce a menu item, the Mega…
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Blaze Pizza offers free pizza during grand opening in Linden, New Jersey
September 22, 2025
Blaze Pizza will offer a free 11-inch pizza at its newly constructed location in Linden, New Jersey on Sept. 30 in a grand opening celebration, according to a…
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The human touch: How kiosks are transforming retail, restaurants
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group
Self-service kiosks have evolved from a novelty to an essential tool in retail and restaurants, streamlining operations and improving customer experience by…
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Shake Shack names brand chief, plans Hawaii expansion
September 22, 2025
Shake Shack Inc. announced two major moves this month as it prepares for its next phase of growth: the appointment of Michael Fanuele as its first chief brand…
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