From Maine to Milan: The global journey of Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

How do you take a Maine lobster roll and build a brand that stretches from the East Coast to the heart of Milan, Italy? That’s the kind of breakthrough story…

Craveworthy CEO denies wrongdoing in franchise lawsuit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 19, 2025

A franchise development company has filed a lawsuit against Craveworthy Brands and Dirty Dough, alleging breach of contract.

SynergySuite Secures $12 Million to Lead the AI-First Future of Restaurant Operations

SynergySuite raises $12M led by Oyster Capital to accelerate its AI-powered restaurant operations platform. The funding supports global expansion for their…

Why mukbang belongs in your restaurant marketing playbook

by Shannon O'Shields — Vice President of Marketing, Rubix Foods

For the modern-day foodie, flavor is a multisensory experience. It's the snap of a shell, the slurp of sauce, the echoing crunch you can practically feel…

Sambazon to open 10 shops in Cincinnati

August 18, 2025

Sambazon has partnered with veteran franchise operator Parin Chokshi to open 10 açaí bowl shops in the Cincinnati area over the next five years.

Cava invests in Hyphen's automated makelines

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 18, 2025

Hyphen, a company that provides automated meal production for restaurants, has secured $25 million in Series B financing to expand its operations. The funding…

How la Madeleine cracked the growth code

La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe CEO John Dillon joins Fast Casual Nation to discuss the 43-year-old brand's strategic renaissance

Paris Baguette testing inventory automation, order forecasting and RFID.

August 15, 2025

Paris Baguette is focused on growth this year, having awarded over 170 franchises and opened nearly 50 locations across North America so far in 2025. The…

Smalls SIiders to enter Oklahoma City

August 14, 2025

Smalls Sliders has signed a multi-unit agreement for Oklahoma City. The deal was inked with franchisees Michael Gamble and Paul Pogue, according to a press…

Noodles CEO leaves 3-step turnaround plan with successor

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

As part of the broader turnaround, the company is closing up to 32 underperforming restaurants by year's end and 12 to 17 in 2026.

Taco boom: Velvet Taco VP breaks down the elevated taco experience

GoTo Foods partners with DoorDash for drone delivery service

August 13, 2025

GoTo Foods has partnered with DoorDash to provide drone delivery. The fast-mile delivery service, enabled by Wing, is currently live in three Texas markets…

How Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza pairs great food, service with mega pavilions

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza proves that gas station food can be great. Lead by brothers Todd and Curtis Saroki, the brand has 19 locations in mega gas…

From Nigeria to DC: A founder's quest to take African food mainstream

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Nigerian-native Ada Osakwe, an angel investor and former banker, is bringing her African fast casual concept, Nuli, to Washington, D.C.

Some restaurant sales sizzle, others fizzle

August 12, 2025

Summer sales have been hot and cold for U.S. restaurants this summer, with some areas seeing significant growth while others struggled, according to Toast's…

Leasecake launches AI-powered tool to help restaurants identify risks, improve lease terms

August 12, 2025

Leasecake, a company that manages commercial leases, has launched Leasecake LIFT, an AI-powered tool designed to help businesses identify risks and improve…

Vicious Biscuit's app sweetens catering, loyalty programs

August 12, 2025

Vicious Biscuit rolled out Vicious Biscuit Rewards, a mobile app designed to boost guest interactions and streamline operations, with a particular focus on…

Ziosk hires CTO

August 12, 2025

Ziosk, a hospitality platform for restaurants, has appointed Jacob Feinstein as chief technology officer to oversee the company's engineering division and lead…

Thriving through uncertainty: The power of resilience

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Let's be honest — uncertainty is here to stay. From industry shake-ups to disruptive tech, shifting markets, and yes, even global crises, unpredictability is…

Bubbakoo's rolling into Utah

August 11, 2025

Bubbakoo's Burritos, a Mexican-fusion restaurant chain, will open its first Utah location this week in Orem, offering free burritos to the first 50 guests.