How CORE provides financial lifeline for food, beverage workers in crisis

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

This episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast features CORE’s Jill Chapman, who explains how the growing non-profit provides critical financial assistance to…

Presented by CORE

Chicken Salad Chick, Paris Baguette continue expansion with upcoming openings

May 26, 2026

Paris Baguette and Chicken Salad Chick have announced restaurant openings scheduled within the next 10 days as both brands continue their U.S. expansion…

Report: 61% of restaurant workers are skipping meals due to financial stress

May 26, 2026

Instant Financial and the Center for Generational Kinetics released a 2026 report titled "Underserved: The Financial Reality of America's Hourly Restaurant…

Part 1: Cool technologies at the NRA Show 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Editor Mandy Wolf Detwiler spent time in the tech pavilion at the National Restaurant Association Show.

Stop relying on hope: Marketing blueprints from Ziggi's Coffee, Lee's Chicken, Pita Pit, Budget Branders

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Panelists provide marketing insights ahead of FastCasual's upcoming "Restaurant Marketing Workshop" on June 2-3 in Boston.

Beharry Group brings Great Greek Mediterranean Grill to Caribbean

May 22, 2026

International conglomerate Beharry Group of Georgetown, Guyana, has signed a master franchise agreement with The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill to develop and…

Jeff’s Bagel Run, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice scoop up summer collaboration

May 22, 2026

Jeff's Bagel Run has partnered with Jeremiah's Italian Ice for a limited-time "Ice Cream Summer" menu featuring specialty cream cheeses and beverages available…

Inside Pokeworks’ real estate strategy: From hoodless kitchens to suburban expansion

In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Peter Yang, co-founder and head of Development at Pokeworks, to…

Smalls Sliders debuts first-ever loaded fries, 2 dessert shakes

May 21, 2026

Smalls Sliders has launched its first-ever Loaded Fries and two hand-spun dessert shakes, Key Lime Pie and Banana Pudding, available for a limited time at…

Clean Juice launches Sparkler drinks amid refresher boom

May 21, 2026

Clean Juice has entered the growing refresher beverage category with the limited-time launch of Sparklers, a line of sparkling fruit-based drinks made with…

Smashburger builds executive bench with CMO hire

May 21, 2026

Smashburger has hired Kate Savelli as chief marketing officer. The move comes as the company continues to build nationwide momentum.

Blaze Pizza partners with Folds of Honor for Memorial Day fundraiser

May 20, 2026

Blaze Pizza will donate $1 from every 11-inch pizza sold at participating U.S. locations on May 25 to support military and first responder families, according…

Powerhouse Dynamics’ Open Kitchen to eliminate execution errors during menu rollouts

May 20, 2026

As fast-casual brands increasingly rely on seasonal offerings and limited-time menu innovations to drive customer traffic, Powerhouse Dynamics is introducing…

The success formula that took Everbowl from 1 to 400 locations

I sat down with Jeff Fenster, who built five eight- to nine-figure companies, exited three, and grew Everbowl to more than 100 open locations with almost 40…

Habit Burger debuts in Humboldt County with Eureka opening

May 20, 2026

Habit Burger & Grill, part of Yum! Brands' portfolio, has expanded into Humboldt County, California, with the opening of a Eureka restaurant.

Penn Station rebrands, updates menu as franchise expansion accelerates

May 20, 2026

Fast-casual sandwich chain Penn Station East Coast Subs has rebranded as Penn Station Sandwiches as part of a broader growth strategy focused on franchise…

The 'dirt' on dirt: 4 restaurant real estate trends revealed at ICSC

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Interviews at the International Council of Shopping Centers conference revealed top trends in real estate. Success in the restaurant industry isn't just about…

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks enters Washington DC with multi-unit franchise deal

May 19, 2026

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, a fast-casual concept known for its authentic West Philly flavors, has signed its first franchise agreement in Washington, D.C. The…

Jeff's Bagel Run Launches Ice Cream Summer with Jeremiah's Italian Ice Collaboration and Fan-Favorite Returnin

Jeff's Bagel Run is kicking off the season with its most indulgent summer lineup yet. Beginning May 25 and running through August 23, the brand is introducing…

SynergySuite Wins Three Gold Stevie’s for Restaurant AI

SynergySuite earned three Gold Stevie Awards at the 2026 American Business Awards for its AI-driven restaurant technology innovations. The recognition…