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…

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…

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…

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.

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.

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

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…

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.

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…

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.

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

The Secret Weapon Top Restaurant Chains Use to Win Back Margins

Top restaurant chains like Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Church's Chicken are pulling 2-8% extra margin by replacing spreadsheets & disconnected systems with…

Jimmy John's expanding in Canada

September 19, 2025

Jimmy John's opened its first Winnipeg location Friday, marking the sandwich chain's debut in the city with free sandwiches for its first 100 customers.

Stoner's Pizza Joint launches Honey Hot Pepperoni Pizza

September 19, 2025

Stoner's Pizza Joint has launched its Honey Hot Pepperoni Pizza for a limited time only. The pizza is available from now through Oct. 31 at participating…

San Francisco chef allegedly robs 3 bank branches due to financial struggles

September 19, 2025

Valentino Luchin, 62, a chef from San Francisco, is accused of robbing three bank branches in one day.

Speaker Spotlight: Aaron Noveshen, CEO, Starbird Chicken

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

Aaron Noveshen, founder and CEO of Starbird Chicken, is participating in a Fast Casual Executive Summit panel on AI. Learn all about him in today's speaker…