Fast casuals embracing micro-meals, protein as traditional dayparts disappear

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

This focus on smaller, frequent meals reflects a major cultural shift, often referred to as the “death of the daypart,” where consumers are increasingly…

Portillo's net income plunges 91% in Q3 amid slowdown in same-store sales

November 4, 2025

Portillo's lowered its same-restaurant sales forecast for the full fiscal year to a decline of between 1% and 1.5%, down from previous guidance

Fast casual brands plan to expand local marketing in 2026

by Kate Finley — Founder, President, Belle Communication

How regional campaigns and micro-influencers are fueling more in-store traffic and online orders.

Dave's Hot Chicken franchisee fights labor lawsuits with biometrics

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Cody Wong, president of CW Strong, a franchisee of Dave's Hot Chicken and Carl's Jr, dicusses how implementing a labor management platform is saving his…

Shake Shack rolls out protein-packed 'Big Shack'

November 3, 2025

Shake Shack is upping its burger game, announcing the nationwide launch of the "Big Shack," a deluxe, three-bun version of its signature ShackBurger.

Toast, Uber partner to drive restaurant demand, streamline operations

November 3, 2025

Toast and Uber Technologies Inc. are collaborating on product innovation and go-to-market initiatives designed to help restaurants grow sales and simplify…

Portillo's opening 100th unit

October 31, 2025

Portillo's, serving Chicago-style street food, will celebrate a significant corporate milestone on Nov. 18, with the grand opening of its 100th restaurant in…

Own your financials: 5 metrics that drive business growth

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Gaining strong financial visibility by overcoming common hurdles and focusing on key metrics like sales, COGS, and net operating income is essential for…

Slice House by Tony Gemignani to open 1st Idaho location

October 30, 2025

Slice House by Tony Gemignani will enter Idaho with an opening in Meridian on Nov. 1, according to a press release.

Speaker Spotlight: Guy Carmeli, Pasta di Guy founder/chef

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Guy Carmeli, founder and chef at Pasta di Guy, is participating in a panel talk on crafting kiosk experiences at the upcoming Automated Retail & Kiosk…

How 1 founder is building a better-burger brand from scratch

Chipotle lowers sales forecast as younger diners cut back

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 30, 2025

Despite the quarterly volatility, the company remains confident in its long-term goals of surpassing $4 million in average unit volumes and expanding to 7,00…

Shake Shack's 'operational excellence' fuels earnings beat

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 30, 2025

Shake Shack Inc. demonstrated its resilience and operational prowess, reporting a stellar third quarter for 2025 that blew past Wall Street expectations and…

Starbucks' turnaround plan takes hold

October 30, 2025

The chain reported its first global comp growth in seven quartersfueled by service and international markets.

Limited-service visits decline as customer service, value perceptions hit new lows

October 29, 2025

There may be a growing crisis for the limited-service restaurant industry, according to the 2025 QSR Reputation Ranking Report by Chatmeter, which analyzed…

Customer Service and Food Quality at Quick-Serve Restaurants Continue Decline, Chatmeter Report Finds

SAN DIEGO, CA–October 29, 2025–Chatmeter, the leader in multi-location intelligence, today released its 2025 QSR Reputation Ranking, ranking the best 1…

Toast expands Toast IQ with conversational AI assistant

October 29, 2025

Toast has expanded its Toast IQ intelligence ecosystem with the launch of a conversational AI assistant for restaurants and food and beverage retailers. The…

Onigilly: More than just sushi

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Onigilly has seven restaurants in the San Francisco Bay area.

Delta, Starbucks brew 'In-Air Coffeehouse' for loyalty members

October 29, 2025

The In-Air Coffeehouse is the first Group Drop event, with more unique experiences planned for next year.

Epson TrueOrder adds order filtering, customization to simplify restaurant operations

October 29, 2025

Epson has enhanced its TrueOrder Kitchen Display System software, delivering features aimed at helping restaurants streamline operations across complex order…