Crust Pizza Co., L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Gong cha, Juice It Up execs talk the future of franchising

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Executive insights from the Fast Casual Executive Summit reveal that the franchising model is rapidly evolving due to technology, changing consumer and…

Chipotle taps NCR Voyix to launch rollout of next-gen POS

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 6, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill signed a six-year exclusive agreement with NCR Voyix Corp, deepening a partnership that spans more than 25 years, NCR Voyix CEO Jim…

Graze Craze launches 'Wine Pairing Board' with sommelier collaboration

November 6, 2025

Graze Craze, a fast casual charcuterie franchise, has launched a Wine Pairing Board in collaboration with certified sommelier and wine educator Warner Boin…

EveryBite joins Olo to power personalized dining

November 6, 2025

EveryBite, a restaurant-technology company behind SmartMenu, is joining Olo's partner ecosystem. The move is designed to help restaurants deliver more…

Five Guys testing ordering platform co-created by Flybuy, Deliverect

November 6, 2025

Five Guys International is leveraging an integration, created by Deliverect and Flybuy, to provide restaurants with smarter and faster handling of customer and…

&pizza acquires Tijuana Flats, creates holding company

November 6, 2025

Washington DC-based &pizza has acquired Tijuana Flats and formed a the holding company, Latitude Food Group, to oversee both brands.

Strategies to lead through a cultural transformation in the workplace

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

November 6, 2025

How to successfully navigate the inevitable challenges of organizational culture change by emphasizing clear communication, leading by example, empowering…

Shake Shack's 1,500-store quest: CDO discusses scaling culture, tech, suburban drive-thrus

Transparency: Key to consumer acceptance of gene-edited foods

November 6, 2025

Consumer willingness to buy gene-edited foods, products made from plants, animals or microorganisms whose DNA has been altered using new genetic technologies…

Noodles & Co's 3 steps to profitability: Menu innovation, closures, digital growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although the company announced a net loss of $9.2 million, or 20 cents per diluted share, recent sales growth and the decision to close underperforming…

Apple Pie Spice: The sequel no one saw coming (except us)

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Although pumpkin remains dominant, apple, caramel and cinnamon blends are surging. Is there room for all three on this year's fall menus?

Leading with flavor, heart, vision: The Tacodeli way

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

In this episode of the Founderology Podcast, Roberto Espinosa, the Founder of Tacodeli, discusses how his taco shop has grown into one of the most authentic…

Top 3 learnings from Cava's Q3 earnings about growth in tight economy

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Cava reported Q3 2025 revenue of $289.8 million, up 20% year over year, with same-restaurant sales growth of 1.9% and restaurant-level profit margin of 24.6%.

Fast casuals embracing micro-meals, protein as traditional dayparts disappear

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

This focus on smaller, frequent meals reflects a major cultural shift, often referred to as the “death of the daypart,” where consumers are increasingly…

Portillo's net income plunges 91% in Q3 amid slowdown in same-store sales

November 4, 2025

Portillo's lowered its same-restaurant sales forecast for the full fiscal year to a decline of between 1% and 1.5%, down from previous guidance

Fast casual brands plan to expand local marketing in 2026

by Kate Finley — Founder, President, Belle Communication

How regional campaigns and micro-influencers are fueling more in-store traffic and online orders.

Dave's Hot Chicken franchisee fights labor lawsuits with biometrics

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Cody Wong, president of CW Strong, a franchisee of Dave's Hot Chicken and Carl's Jr, dicusses how implementing a labor management platform is saving his…

Shake Shack rolls out protein-packed 'Big Shack'

November 3, 2025

Shake Shack is upping its burger game, announcing the nationwide launch of the "Big Shack," a deluxe, three-bun version of its signature ShackBurger.

Toast, Uber partner to drive restaurant demand, streamline operations

November 3, 2025

Toast and Uber Technologies Inc. are collaborating on product innovation and go-to-market initiatives designed to help restaurants grow sales and simplify…

Portillo's opening 100th unit

October 31, 2025

Portillo's, serving Chicago-style street food, will celebrate a significant corporate milestone on Nov. 18, with the grand opening of its 100th restaurant in…