Canopee Tech names Bruno Lo-Re chairman, president

September 22, 2026

Miami-based Canopee Tech has appointed Bruno Lo-Re as chairman and president as the restaurant technology company enters its next phase of growth.

Tijuana Flats brings back 2-pound Mega-Freakin’-Juana Burrito

September 22, 2026

Tijuana Flats is bringing back its viral, two-pound Mega-Freakin'-Juana Burrito for a limited time; members of the brand's Flathead Rewards loyalty program…

Just Salad launches 1st campaign with Jalen Brunson

September 22, 2026

Just Salad has launched its first creative campaign featuring New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, building on the fast-casual chain's partnership with…

What is driving Kona Ice’s success?

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Tony Lamb is the Founder and visionary behind Kona Ice, the tropical shaved-ice brand that turned an ice cream truck nightmare into experiences that customers…

Breadless launches franchise expansion with first multi-unit agreement

September 22, 2026

Detroit-based Breadless signed a multi-unit development agreement with Third Coast Harvest LLC, officially launching the brand's franchise expansion strategy.

HB Protein Smoothies signs 6-unit South Florida franchise deal

September 22, 2026

HB Protein Smoothies signed a six-unit development agreement with franchisee Bob Morris to expand in South Florida. The deal marks the Scottsdale…

KPOT Rolls Out Deliverect Across 140 U.S. Restaurants to Manage Third-Party Marketplace Ordering

Korean BBQ and hot pot chain partners with Deliverect for third-party order aggregation and menu management as it standardizes digital operations across its…

Beyond the algorithm: Don’t follow AI off a cliff

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Artificial intelligence can analyze trends but cannot predict the future.

KPOT taps Deliverect to manage 3rd-party delivery orders across 140 locations

September 21, 2026

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot has partnered with restaurant technology company Deliverect to handle third-party delivery order aggregation and menu management…

Webinar: Order accuracy as the next loyalty battleground

by Valerie Gritton

In this “Accuracy is the New Loyalty” webinar, Star Micronics’ Craig Kaliebe discusses how labeling, smart scales and other verification tools help operators…

Chicken Salad Chick continues Florida expansion with Sarasota debut

September 21, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick will open a restaurant in Sarasota, Florida, on Sept. 29 as part of its continued expansion across the state.

Bread Head plans 4th Southern California location

September 21, 2026

Bread Head will open its fourth Southern California location in December 2026 at Topanga Village in Woodland Hills, California, less than 2½ years after the…

Meet the 6 brands taking the stage at the 2026 Perfect Pitch

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Bronx Burger Co., Dizzy Bird, PLOMO Quesadillas, Griller Bros, Redhead Burger and Tiki Bagel will compete in the 2026 competition.

Paris Baguette partners with ‘Dancing with the Stars’ on drinks, prizes

September 18, 2026

Paris Baguette has partnered with ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" for the first time, introducing two beverages tied to the television show's 35th season.

Zaxbys signs 2 franchise agreements to expand in Mississippi

September 18, 2026

Zaxbys has signed two franchise agreements with brothers Alan and Eddie Gant to bring the Atlanta-based chicken chain to Winona and Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Your drive-thru isn’t broken; it’s invisible

by Michael MacLennan — Co-CEO & Co-Founder, Arc

Mike MacLennan, co-founder and co-CEO of Arc, a voice AI platform that helps restaurant operators measure and optimize the drive-thru, explains how to upsell…

The restaurant of tomorrow takes center stage at #QSRNext 2026

by Valerie Gritton

#QSRNext 2026 will bring together restaurant executives and industry leaders to explore the forces reshaping quick service, including AI, drive-thru…

The Gyro Project making Hell’s Kitchen debut

September 17, 2026

The Gyro Project will open its 10th location on Oct. 15 at 600 9th Ave., in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, marking its seventh unit in New York City.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe reveals brand transformation

September 17, 2026

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has unveiled a comprehensive brand transformation, redefining its concept of "tropical" as a state of mind rather than a location while…

Smalls Sliders makes college-campus debut with 2 openings

September 17, 2026

Sandy Springs, Georgia-based Smalls Sliders will make its college-campus debut with openings at the University of Central Florida in September and the…