Bobby's Burgers names Patrick Cunningham CDO

June 10, 2025

Bobby's Burgers by Bobby Flay has appointed Patrick Cunningham as chief development officer, a hire aimed at accelerating the brand's national expansion…

How Big Chicken Is Using Guest Feedback to Fuel Franchise Growth

Big Chicken uses Ovation to identify system-wide issues and improve the guest experience across its growing franchise network. By catching trends like missing…

Presented by Ovation Up, Inc.

Paris Baguette promotes Nick Scaccio to CDO

June 9, 2025

Paris Baguette, a French-inspired bakery cafe franchise, has promoted Nick Scaccio to chief development officer. Scaccio, who previously served as the brand's…

Restaurants using AI tools from NCR Voyix for guest retention, operational efficiency

The company's Aloha Consumer Marketing Solution uses AI to help restaurants personalize outreach and track results, and Aloha Menu and Aloha Smart Manager will…

Presented by NCR Voyix

Chipotle debuting Adobo Ranch

June 9, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill is adding its first new dip in five years to menu. Adobo Ranch, featuring dobo pepper, sour cream and a blend of herbs and spices, is…

Snacking: The death of the daypart?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Snacking is driving morning sales for Juice It Up and late-night sales for Zaxby's.

Restaurant leaders using AI to replicate own voices for ordering

June 6, 2025

Palona AI has created Restaurant AI, an artificial intelligence sales assistant designed specifically for the pizza, fast casual and quick-service restaurant…

Esper's tech designed to streamline IT Ops for restaurants

At the National Restaurant Association Show, Cherryh Cansler interviews Esper's Keith Szot about the company's expansion into Linux-based device management.

Presented by Esper.io, Inc.

Smalls Sliders launches Strawberry Swirl Shake

June 6, 2025

Smalls Sliders' latest limited-time treat is the Strawberry Swirl Shake, and it's here for just the summer. The shake is available from now through Aug. 31…

Pinky Cole hires President for Slutty Vegan

June 6, 2025

Pinky Cole, founder and CEO of Atlanta-based Slutty Vegan, has named entrepreneur, investor and marketer Lauren Maillian as brand president.

Socializing for success: 13 takeaways from Restaurant Marketing Workshop

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurant marketers spent an hour swapping social media trips, tricks and no-nos when crafting social media plans.

Fazoli's makes Canadian debut

June 5, 2025

After annoucing last year that it signed a 25-unit deal to expand to Canada, Fazoli's, owned by FAT Brands, opened its first international location this week…

NBA Hall of Famer's fast casual concept launches franchising

June 5, 2025

Grown, an organic-certified fast-food restaurant founded by Shannon Ray and NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen, is launching a nationwide franchising program. The…

Botrista blends tech, flavor in new beverage line

Botrista launches automated beverage platform.

Presented by Botrista Inc.

The science behind Gen Z's obsession with Instagram-worthy drinks

Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler dive into the $243 billion functional beverage market with Noah Burgess, Research & Development…

DIG collaborates with Persian-American content creator

June 5, 2025

DIG, a fast-casual restaurant serving seasonal, scratch-cooked comfort food, has partnered with Persian-American content creator Cyrus Veyssi to launch Cyrus…

Mooyah hires former Capriotti's exec to lead growth

June 4, 2025

Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes has hired Michael Meche as its president. He previously served as chief restaurant officer for Capriotti's and Wing Zone…

Toast commits $5M to combat food insecurity

June 4, 2025

Toast Inc. announced Wednesday a $5 million philanthropic commitment over the next five years to combat global food insecurity, beginning with a U.S.

Five Guys launches ghost kitchen

June 4, 2025

Five Guys launched its first ghost kitchen Monday in San Francisco, California, partnering with CloudKitchens to expand its reach.

Sunrise Social Express aims to be infusion of Waffle House, Raising Cane’s

June 4, 2025

Sunrise Social Express, a fast casual version of Sunrise Social, a metro-Philly hotspot, is now open at 301 S. Main Road in Vineland.