Restaurant catering doesn't need more tech. It needs better tech

Catering companies have plenty of tech options. The key is selecting the right ones for maximum efficiency.

Café Rio debuts LTO Utah Burrito as turnaround continues

July 30, 2026

Café Rio has introduced the limited-time Utah Burrito as part of its broader turnaround effort. The state-inspired menu item debuted July 24, Utah's Pioneer…

3 things fast casual operators can steal from Starbucks' turnaround quarter

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The company's latest earnings call shows how targeted store upgrades, daypart-focused operations and smarter loyalty perks helped fuel growth — and why the…

3 ways restaurants can reduce employee burnout during peak demand

by Paula Allen — Global Leader of Research and Insights, TELUS Health

The FIFA World Cup drove record traffic for many restaurants, but it also exposed the hidden costs of burnout. Here's what operators can learn before the next…

Fast Casual Hall of Fame honoring Geoff Alexander, Mark Brezinski, Darden Coors at Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The 2026 Fast Casual Hall of Fame will recognize three restaurant executives whose leadership has shaped innovation, technology adoption and growth across the…

PJ's Coffee among 1st tenants at former CVS

July 29, 2026

PJ's Coffee is one of the first tenants to open at a redeveloped former CVS Pharmacy in Baton Rouge this August. Wingstop, Marco's Pizza and Donuts and Burgers…

CaterZen, Star Micronics integrate workflow tools to reduce catering errors

July 29, 2026

Nashville, Tennessee-based CaterZen Catering Software has partnered with Star Micronics to help restaurant operators integrate kitchen display and labeling…

Why Taco Cabana is expanding its franchise beyond the Lone Star State

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler chats with Taco Cabana's director of franchise sales and development, John Ramsay…

How to deliver fast casual quality at 'QSR speeds'

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Customers expect QSR speeds with fast casual quality. A panel at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will share how restaurants can keep up.

Robotic food kiosk market projected to top $1.75B by 2036

July 28, 2026

The global market for robotic food kiosks and vending systems is projected to grow from $188 million in 2026 to $1.75 billion by 2036, representing a compound…

Hawaiian Bros signs 8-unit Louisville-area development deal

July 28, 2026

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is expanding in Kentucky with an eight-unit development agreement targeted for the greater Louisville market. A local franchisee…

Gong cha signs 50-unit Texas development deal

July 28, 2026

Gong cha Americas has signed an exclusive area development agreement with franchise operator Bakers Acres & Cattle Company to open 50 locations across…

Starbucks, Delta revive mileage-earning perk for linked loyalty members

July 27, 2026

Starbucks and Delta Air Lines are relaunching a loyalty benefit that lets customers earn frequent flyer miles on their coffee purchases.

How 1 Penn Station franchise is turning teen hires into tomorrow's leaders

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Restaurants seeing a shortage in young workers may want to take a page out of Genral Manager Taylar Richardson's book.

Newk's Eatery names 20-year company veteran Matt Wilson as COO

July 27, 2026

Newk's Eatery has promoted Matt Wilson, a 20-year veteran of the fast-casual chain, to chief operating officer, the company announced Monday.

Buffalo’s Express opens 1st standalone restaurant, expands beyond Fatburger co-brand model

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

FAT Brands' Jake Berchtold explains how the former co-located Buffalo's Express opened its first stand-alone restaurant in Washington State.

Flo Rida becomes equity partner in Beyond Juicery + Eatery

July 27, 2026

Beyond Juicery + Eatery has added Grammy-nominated recording artist and entrepreneur Flo Rida as an equity stakeholder in a multimillion-dollar deal aimed at…

Qu launches Qu Pay to unify restaurant payments and guest data

July 27, 2026

Qu, a commerce platform for enterprise quick-service and fast-casual restaurants, has launched Qu Pay, an embedded payment solution that combines processing…

Nominations open for Top Women in Retail Technology awards

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Connect Media is honoring the brightest and best women in retail technology leadership roles who are driving innovation. Get those nominations in! Deadline is…

AI is rewriting the rules of restaurant strategy — here's how to keep up

July 27, 2026

Consumer behavior is shifting. Privacy expectations are tightening. Data regulations are evolving by the month. For restaurant leaders trying to make smart…