Smalls Sliders to open in West Virginia, Ohio

August 11, 2025

Smalls Sliders has inked its first-ever development deal for West Virginia. The deal will bring three of the brand's signature "Cans" — its units — lead by…

1st co-branded Round Table Pizza, Fatburger opens in California

August 11, 2025

FAT Brands Inc., parent company of 18 restaurant concepts, has opened its first co-branded Fatburger and Round Table Pizza in Rancho Cordova, California…

How AI turning labor from cost center into growth driver for QSRs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

In a free webinar titled "Labor Forecasting 2.0: Predicting Future Demand and Staffing for Efficient Growth with AI" viewers will learn how AI is powering…

How Fast Fresh Brands CEO is scaling healthy eating

Cody Pepper, founder of Fast Fresh Brands, which owns Bee Healthy Cafe and Nature's Table, said growth accelerated when he partnered with DIA Equity Partners…

Dave & Buster's pushing international expansion

August 11, 2025

Dave & Buster's is expanding its global footprint with the opening of its second location in India. The 22,000-square-foot entertainment venue is located…

Speaker Spotlight: Filippo Fiori, Due Cucini Italiana head chef, CEO

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

From Italy to China to the U.S., Filippo Fiori has gained a lot of wisdom from his travels, which he plans to share at the Fast Casual Executive Summit.

Is market volatility fueling interest in restaurant franchise ownership?

Although Tim Koch, president and COO at Franchise FastLane, said restaurant franchising isn't for everyone, it can be a powerful way to reclaim control in a…

Gregorys Coffee partnering with Craveworthy Brands

August 8, 2025

Craveworthy Brands, a multi-restaurant platform company, along with Branded Hospitality, Kitchen Fund and Harborfield Management Co., has become a managing…

Fransmart launches platform for early-stage restaurant, franchise brands

August 7, 2025

Fransmart, a franchise development company, has launched an investment platform that allows individual accredited investors to co-invest alongside the firm in…

Dillas Quesadillas hires Michael Mabry to head franchise development

August 7, 2025

North Texas-based Dillas Quesadillas has named restaurant industry veteran Michael Mabry as its head of Franchise Development.

Taco Bell Joins 5610 Interstate Food Co. to Continue Growth in Austin

Taco Bell® franchisee Tacala Companies has officially joined 5610 Interstate Food Co., bringing Taco Bell to Austin residents through a new ghost kitchen…

Scaling fast casual: Cava's depth vs. Sweetgreen's breadth in Q2 2025

by Shira Petrack — Content Manager, Placer.ai

Cava's overall visits grew year-over-year n Q2 '25 while average visits per location remained relatively stable (-1.0%). Sweetgreen also experienced overall…

Naya lands capital to accelerate growth

August 6, 2025

Naya, specializing in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, is poised for national expansion after a major financial transaction from TriSpan. The private…

Innovate, don't react: 12 reasons your competitors are heading to Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Your competition will be there; will you?

Salad Station reports record growth, $1M sales milestone

August 6, 2025

Salad Station reported record growth and a sales milestone for 2024, reporting a 6.5% increase in average gross revenue among its top-performing locations and…

How Slutty Vegan Founder turned $20M in debt into a $100M comeback

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

In this episode of "Founderology – Built to Breakthrough," Pinky Cole Hayes shares her “PhD. lessons” and mindset that fueled her comeback.

Smashburger promotes Jim Sullivan to CEO

August 5, 2025

Denver-born Smashburger has promoted Jim Sullivan to chief executive officer. Sullivan, who has served as president since February, will lead the company's…

Portillo's sees net income rise despite traffic dip

August 5, 2025

Portillo's Inc. reported a 17.7% increase in net income for Q2 despite facing a tough traffic environment, Michael Osanloo, president and CEO, said in a…

Michelin‑starred restaurateur bets on fast casual tacos brand

August 4, 2025

Lola's Taco Bar is set to open its first location in suburban Detroit in September, blending high-end culinary expertise with fast-service efficiency, thanks…

Zaxbys debuts ghost kitchen in Dallas

August 4, 2025

Zaxbys has opened its first-ever ghost kitchen in Dallas. The delivery-only location, powered by CloudKitchens, is near the Design District at 921 W Commerce…