Great Harvest unveils new branding after 50 years

August 17, 2026

Source: Great Harve Great Harvest unveiled new branding as the 50-year-old chain launches broader systemwide initiatives.

Graze Craze reports 65% year-over-year sales growth

August 17, 2026

Graze Craze reported a 65% year-over-year increase in same-store sales during the first half of 2026, marking the charcuterie brand's 20th consecutive quarter…

HTeaO expands Arkansas footprint with upcoming Fort Smith opening

August 14, 2026

Iced tea franchise HTeaO will open a location in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on Saturday, Aug. 22, according to a press release.

Slutty Vegan signs wave of franchise deals, marks Florida debut

August 14, 2026

Slutty Vegan, a plant-based burger chain founded by entrepreneur Pinky Cole Hayes, closed out the first half of 2026 with a string of franchise agreements, an…

H&H Bagels expands Florida footprint

August 14, 2026

H&H Bagels will open its newest Florida location Aug. 17 at 12465 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. Franchise owners and operators Marc Schultz and…

Insomnia Cookies offers free six-pack to college freshmen

August 14, 2026

Insomnia Cookies is offering incoming college freshmen a free Freshman 6-Pack of cookies as part of a back-to-school promotion. Eligible students can claim the…

Bonchon to be acquired by Minor Food, Serruya Private Equity

August 13, 2026

Bonchon, known for its Korean fried chicken, is to be acquired by Minor Food and Serruya Private Equity from existing shareholders VIG Partners and Mr. Seo…

HTeaO breaks ground on 1st South Texas location in Brownsville

August 13, 2026

Iced tea franchise HTeaO is expanding into South Texas with its first location in the Rio Grande Valley, according to a press release.

Smoothie King posts 9% July same-store sales growth, expands franchise pipeline

August 13, 2026

Smoothie King is seeing strong momentum from menu expansion and franchisee investment, reporting 9% same-store sales growth in July and its highest number of…

Flytrex, Nash focus on flexible delivery, not just drones

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Flytrex and Nash have partnered to provide the best delivery service from restaurant to home, whether via drone or food courier.

Chipotle opening in Saudi Arabia

August 13, 2026

Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening its first restaurant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia later this month in partnership with Alshaya Group, at Sidra, a dining…

Women's Foodservice Forum teams up with Culture Partners for 2026 workshops

August 12, 2026

The Women's Foodservice Forum has partnered with consultancy Culture Partners to provide culture and accountability training to its more than 8,000 members…

Cava reports strong Q2 results, fueled by traffic growth, restaurant openings

August 12, 2026

Cava Group has delivered a strong Q2 quarter, with revenue, same-store restaurant sales and guest traffic all posting solid gains as the mediterranean chain…

Restaurant turnover isn't a hiring issue — It's a culture problem, say Fast Casual Executive Summit panelists

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Tiki Taco's Eric Knott and Training Simplified's Sam Worobec preview their session at the 2026 Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 4–6 in Arlington, Texas.

Inspire doubles down on first Buffalo Wild Wings-Jimmy John’s co-brand

August 12, 2026

Inspire Brands is expanding its co-branding strategy with the Aug. 18 opening of its first Buffalo Wild Wings GO and Jimmy John's location at 5241 69th St. E…

The 7 Best WhatsApp Alternatives for Restaurant Teams

A ranked look at seven WhatsApp alternatives for restaurant teams, compared on work-life boundaries, organized group chats, admin control, mobile ease, and…

US Foods Direct adds PleatPak innovative burger wrappers to platform

August 11, 2026

PleatPak, which makes foodservice packaging designed for burgers and sandwiches, is now available to restaurant operators nationwide through the US Foods…

Healthy fast casual goes convenient: Konala, Clean Eatz redefining drive-thru, grab-and-go

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Two brands, two models — one goal: making nutritious food as fast and effortless as fast food.

Jeff’s Bagel Run taps Hungry Howie’s franchisees for South Carolina expansion

August 11, 2026

Jeff's Bagel Run has signed a three-store agreement with franchisees Jennifer Yanakiev and Brian Edelen to enter the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, market.

Ziggi’s, Philadelphia Cream Cheese make beverage debuts with savory latte

August 11, 2026

Ziggi's Coffee and Philadelphia Cream Cheese have teamed up on an Everything Bagel Latte, giving both brands a beverage first, while using the limited-time…