John Montgomery returns as MAD Greens CEO amid menu overhaul

April 13, 2026

Salad Collective has rehired John Montgomery as CEO of MAD Greens, bringing back the former president as it revamps its menu.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos taps Bikky to power data strategy, fuel growth

April 13, 2026

Bubbakoo's Burritos has partnered with Bikky to centralize customer data and strengthen its technology as a foundation for growth.

Chipotle relaunches loyalty program to capture younger, rewards-driven diners

April 13, 2026

Less than a month after Starbucks announced changes to its loyalty program, Chipotle Mexican Grill shared similar news.

Teriyaki Madness ups protein game with Two-By-Two Bowl

April 10, 2026

Denver-based Teriyaki Madness has boosted the protein presence on its menu by adding the Two-By-Two Bowl, a limited-time offering that builds on the…

Blaze Pizza, Farmer Boys, Mike's Red Tacos, HigherMe experts discuss recruitment, retention

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Industry experts at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit emphasized that sustainable restaurant profitability and successful scaling depend on…

Phoenix heats up with 2nd Houston TX Hot Chicken location

April 10, 2026

Houston TX Hot Chicken is doubling its Arizona presence.

Meet the Top 30 Movers & Shakers: Restaurant Marketing

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

We’re proud to honor the 2026 Restaurant Marketing Top 30 Movers & Shakers, who will be recognized at the Restaurant Marketing Workshop on June 2–3 in Boston.

Chicken Salad Chick franchisees prep for 2 Florida openings

April 9, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick will open two Florida locationson on April 21 — one at 1206 Solaris Dr., in Cape Coral on the state's southern Gulf Coast and another at…

'Stuff it': Panera Bread introduces bread rolls filled with salads

April 9, 2026

Panera Bread has introduced Salad Stuffers, a handheld version of the brand's green offerings. The item features a specially made, hollowed-out Italian roll…

Deliverect AI debuts autonomous workforce to manage menus, protect digital revenue

April 9, 2026

Deliverect, a global restaurant technology platform serving more than 95,000 locations across 78 countries, has launched Deliverect AI: a digital workforce of…

Deliverect launches AI agents and smart assistants to supercharge restaurant sales

The intelligent engine for digital revenue, now available to UK clients, with Australia, New Zealand and North America to follow.

Saucy by KFC adds Drips by Pepsi beverages to menu

April 8, 2026

Saucy by KFC, KFC's fast casual brand, has upped its beverage offerings with the addition of Drips by Pepsi to the menu. The 16-ounce drinks combine PepsiCo…

Fluffy Fluffy Cafe launching US growth plans

April 8, 2026

Toronto-based franchisor Fuwa Labs LLC has partnered with Boston-based Franchisor Advisory Partners to expand Fluffy Fluffy Café's Japanese soufflé fast-casual…

PAR Technology launches PAR Intelligence AI Platform for multi-unit operators

April 8, 2026

PAR Technology Corp. has launched PAR Intelligence, an artificial intelligence layer designed to automate operational tasks for multi-unit restaurant and…

Little Caesars VP of franchise development talks brand growth, solid operations

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Podcast host Mandy Detwiler talks to Bryan Ketelhut, VP of franchise and business development for Little Caesars.

The birria playbook: How Mike’s Red Tacos is using the Dave’s Hot Chicken strategy to scale

In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, host Cherryh Cansler sits down with Lance Salsman, SVP of Operations & Training at Mike's Red Tacos, recorded live at…

Resilient but restless: Fast casuals outpace industry as 2026 competition heats up

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

In 2025, fast-casual brands outperformed despite challenges. Predictions for 2026 include sector expansion with a focus on health, pricing, and competition.

Bango: From a 300-square-foot acai shop to leading a 'Better for You' movement

On this episode of the Founderology — Built to Breakthrough podcast, I talk with Ryan Thorman, Founder and CEO of Bango and a contributor to the Founderology…

Gregorys Coffee partners with Craveworthy to perk interest in franchises

April 6, 2026

Gregorys Coffee has joined forces with Craveworthy Brands, the parent company of Shaquille O'Neal-founded Big Chicken, Bd's Mongolian Grill and 16 other…

Playa Bowls launches 1st Canadian location

April 6, 2026

Playa Bowls is opening its first Canadian location as part of a cross-country expansion plan.