Hopdoddy leading the charge in the modern burger evolution

Chipotle jumping on high protein trend

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The 4,000-unit chain is launching a menu next week featuring items with protein content ranging from 15 to 81 grams

Zipporah Allen steps up as Sweetgreen co-founder Nathaniel Ru steps down

December 18, 2025

Sweetgreen Inc. Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer Nathaniel Ru will retire from his executive role effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Panera invites app users to 'circle back'

December 18, 2025

Panera Bread is leveraging its digital loyalty platform to reward the "office procrastinator" this holiday season with the launch of the "Circle Back Meal," an…

Smalls Sliders expands South Carolina footprint with 5-unit deal

December 17, 2025

Smalls Sliders, a cheeseburger slider concept based in modular shipping containers, is expanding its presence in Upstate South Carolina following a multi-unit…

Fatburger returning to Japan

December 17, 2025

Los Angeles-based restaurant company FAT Brands Inc. has opened a Fatburger location in Okinawa, marking the burger chain's return to the Japanese market. It…

Fusion hires marketing director

December 17, 2025

Ohio-based sushi chain Fusian has appointed industry veteran Tyson Yirak as marketing director, a move aimed at bolstering brand infrastructure and fueling…

DSA Signage appoints Meredith Yerkes as senior vice president

December 17, 2025

DSA Signage has appointed Meredith Yerkes as senior vice president of commercial strategy and growth.

The Advantages of Franchising

Franchising offers a proven path to growth, but success requires more than a strong concept. This whitepaper breaks down the advantages of franchising while…

Presented by Franchise Growth Partners

Kraft Heinz hires Steve Cahillane as CEO

December 16, 2025

Kraft Heinz has chosen Steve Cahillane, former Kellanoa chief, as CEO come Jan. 1, 2026.

2026's Top 7 food-packaging trends revealed

by Tomia Smith — Vice President, National Account Sales, Sabert Corporation

As margins become tighter and consumers scrutinize their spending more closely, the fast casual segment must ensure that customers feel they are getting real…

Blaze Pizza partners with Bikky to unify guest insights

December 16, 2025

Blaze Pizza, the fast-casual chain known for its quick-fire artisanal pizzas, has partnered with customer data platform Bikky to unify its guest insights and…

The power of why: no budget needed

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Founders are encouraged to anchor their leadership, decision-making and momentum to their "why," which is presented as their most powerful, zero-cost asset for…

See & Be Kitchen launches competition to find 1st franchisee

December 16, 2025

A Catskills-based artisan bakery is taking an unconventional approach to its expansion, launching an eight-week competition to select its first franchise owner.

Inside the Founder shift: What 2025 sparked and why 2026 is ready to ignite

In our final Founderology podcast episode of the year, Cherryh and I sat down to reflect on the moments that mattered, the shifts that shaped us and the…

Jimmy John's expanding in Canada

December 15, 2025

Jimmy John's is open its newest location this week in Toronto's entertainment district.

Potbelly adding 50 locations in 2026

December 15, 2025

Potbelly Sandwich Works plans to open 50 locations in 2026, a significant expansion that will push the chain past the 500-store milestone as it pursues a…

The Retail Nomad explores the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show

Nick Harbaugh (aka "The Retail Nomad") takes viewers inside the recent Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show in Tampa.

Rock N’ Roll Sushi expands in home state

December 15, 2025

Rock N' Roll Sushi, the Mobile, Alabama-founded dining concept known for its American-style rolls and loud atmosphere, expanded its footprint in its home state…

Smashburger's comeback: A conversation with Tom Ryan and Jim Sullivan