Yogurtland's AUVs climb 27%

July 6, 2026

Yogurtland's traditional store average unit volumes climbed to $934,959 in 2025, marking a 27% increase over a two-year period and placing the frozen dessert…

Tiki Taco adding KC location

July 6, 2026

Tiki Taco, a Kansas City-based independent restaurant brand, is expanding north of the Missouri River with the opening of its sixth location on July 7.

The top 3 priorities for Founder success in 2026

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

To succeed in 2026's highly competitive market, businesses must focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional customer experiences across all channels…

Smalls Sliders launches Soda Shakes, Coca-Cola’s new concentrated syrups

July 6, 2026

Smalls Sliders is rolling out two new beverages for the summer season. The company has announced its new line of Soda Shakes, featuring Fanta and Barq's Root…

Birdcall’s Midwest expansion strategy backed by tech, real estate

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Fast-casual chicken chain said that proprietary technology, real estate optoins and a multichannel business model will help with its Midwest expansion.

Zaxby's taps Russell Holland to lead development strategy

July 6, 2026

Zaxby's has named Russell Holland chief development officer, formalizing his leadership role. The move comes as the fast-casual chicken chain continues…

Is the pumpkin-spice latte to blame for the fruity coffee trend?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Remember when we all thought adding a little pumpkin spice to our morning brew was the height of culinary rebellion? It turns out that was just the gateway…

From 1M followers to 1.7M: How The Taco Spot used social media to fuel national franchise expansion

Raul Martinez, director of Marketing & Business Development, reveals how the brand turned organic content into a 400-unit pipeline.

Chicken chains rule the roost with summer LTOs

July 2, 2026

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, Houston TX Hot Chicken, Huey Magoo's and Wingstop are leaning into menu trends, including value meals and sweet and hot flavors.

Chicken Salad Chick creates 'National Chicken Salad Day'

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

July 2, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick has deemed July 16, "National Chicken Salad Day," and will mark it with free scoops and giveaways.

Buffalo Wild Wings names Scott Nelson chief marketing officer

July 1, 2026

Buffalo Wild Wings has named Scott Nelson as its new chief marketing officer, tapping a veteran marketer with experience in restaurant growth, brand strategy…

Tocaya unveils summer happy hour menu

July 1, 2026

Fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain Tocaya has introduced a summer happy hour menu featuring drink specials, small bites and tortas. The menu is available for…

Wonder, Zipline to launch Texas food drone delivery program

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Wonder and Zipline have partnered to bring drone food delivery to Texas.

Why Your Restaurant Staff Can Never Truly Clock Out From the Work Chat

When work and personal messages land in the same messaging app, your restaurant staff can never truly clock out. Here's what that costs you.

How Joe & the Juice is scaling without losing brand identity

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Joe & the Juice combines aggressive U.S. expansion plans with maintaining the identity that factored into its growth.

How Velvet Taco CEO Chris Schultz scales a cult brand without losing its soul

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

During his keynote at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Texas, Chris Schultz will discuss restaurant growth, brand culture, leadership, international…

Portillo's, Vienna Beef launch hot dog for America's 250th birthday

June 30, 2026

Portillo's has partnered with longtime supplier Vienna Beef to launch the Char'diniera Dog to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The hot dog will be available…

Earl of Sandwich opens permanent Downtown Disney location

June 30, 2026

Earl of Sandwich has opened a permanent restaurant in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort after operating from temporary locations for…

Free webinar will teach restaurant operators how AI can personalize offers

June 29, 2026

Restaurant operators have long relied on customer segmentation to tailor promotions, but advances in artificial intelligence are making true one-to-one…

Why Slim Chickens Ranch Remix is arriving at the perfect time

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Most of us are familiar with Gen Z's obsession with sauces, but the latest dipping craze is catching fire globally, thanks in part to international visitors…