Pepper Lunch locks in 2nd Orange County location

January 30, 2025

Orange County will soon be home to a second Pepper Lunch, a Japanese-born restaurant opening Feb. 7 at the Irvine Spectrum Center

It's 'peanut butter jelly time' at Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Hundreds of restaurant execs will kick off the annual summit by making over 2,000 sandwiches to help feed those in need in South Carolina.

Freddy's co-founder leading franchise expansion at Mokas Coffee & Eatery

January 30, 2025

Under the direction of board president Scott Redler, co-founder of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Mokas Coffee & Eatery has signed its first…

Shake Shack hires CGO, CCO

January 30, 2025

Shake Shack Inc. has hired Steph So as chief growth officer and Luke DeRouen as chief communications officer. Both will report to CEO Rob Lynch. Shake Shack's…

Mountain Mike's Pizza Opens Second Ventura County Location in Moorpark

Leading Family-Style Pizza Chain Grows Presence in Southern California

How Earthbar 70X'd Their Feedback Volume

Earthbar, a California-based health and wellness brand with 40 locations, transformed its guest feedback process using Ovation. Previously reliant on a single…

Presented by Ovation Up, Inc.

Smoothie King appoints Claudia Schaefer as CMO

January 29, 2025

Smoothie King has hired Claudia Schaefer as its chief marketing officer, where she'll focus on defining the brand's purpose and positioning by leveraging…

Can Ziggi’s Coffee clean up with dirty soda?

January 29, 2025

Colorado-based Ziggi's Coffee is testing a Dirty Soda menu in Mead, Colorado, and will expand it to 13 pilot locations in February.

3 restaurant design trends taking over in 2025

Trends revolve around three key pillars: elevated experiences, indoor-outdoor integration and flexibility.

Huey Magoo's rolls out loyalty program

January 29, 2025

Florida-based Huey Magoo's has launched a loyalty program called, Magoo's Rewards, giving members points for every dollar spent. They may redeem them for free…

Jinya opening 70th location

January 28, 2025

Jinya Ramen Bar is celebrating its 70th restaurant when it opens this week in Pearland, Texas, a neighborhood south of Houston.

Newk's to continue growth in 2025

January 28, 2025

Founded in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk's Eatery, which has nearly 100 locations in 12 states, closed out 2024 on a positive note despite a challenging sales…

Swig opening 100th location

January 28, 2025

Swig, a beverage company founded in 2010 in St. George, Utah, is celebrating its 100th store by offering $1 drinks on Feb. 1.

Sweet Paris moving into Nashville

January 28, 2025

Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe, founded in 2012, is opening its first location in Tennessee at Nashville Yards on the first level of The Pinnacle, a music…

Salata entering South Carolina

January 28, 2025

Salata Salad Kitchen is entering the South Carolina market via a partnership with franchisees Brian and Keri Leachman. They will open three restaurants across…

Wing It On expanding Illinois footprint

January 28, 2025

Wing It On, a wing concept from Craveworthy Brands, is expanding in Illinois with two franchise agreements. The locations will open in Springfield and Carol…

Graeter's, Skyline Chili create Graeter's Skyline Spice Ice Cream

January 27, 2025

Graeter's Ice Cream and Skyline Chili have created a co-branded ice cream, Graeter's Skyline Spice Ice Cream, available for purchase now in-stores. The…

Juice It Up unveils protein smoothies, build-your-own waffles

January 27, 2025

California-based Juice It Up is expanding its protein-packed smoothie lineup with The Strawberry Zone and The Berry Zone. Both contain 32 grams of protein in a…

CC's Coffee launches franchising plans

January 27, 2025

CC's Coffee House, a 30-year-old, New Orleans-based coffee brand is launching a franchise program.

Jeff’s Bagel Run Introduces Loyalty Program to Reward Devoted Bagel Fans

Jeff’s Bagel Run, the celebrated bagel shop known for its handcrafted bagels, freshly whipped cream cheese, and craft coffees, has taken a bold step into the…