Velvet Taco names Chris Schultz CEO

December 3, 2025

Velvet Taco named Chris Schultz as its chief executive officer on Wednesday, tapping a veteran of Voodoo Doughnut and Starbucks to oversee the brand's domestic…

Ruby Jean’s Founder: Why ‘slow growth is fast growth'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Ruby Jean's operates three locations in Kansas City, offering all-natural, nutrient-dense juices, wellness shots, smoothies and shakes.

Jeff’s Bagel Run reports 26% sales growth, doubles store count

December 2, 2025

Jeff's Bagel Run reported a 26% increase in same-store sales as the Orlando-based chain continues a rapid expansion across the U.S.

From Shark Tank to Goldbelly: The strategic expansion of Topsail Steamer

As the visionary behind Topsail Steamer, Danielle stepped into entrepreneurship with a clear purpose: connection creates meaning and growth. Her leadership…

The high cost of 'almost accessible:' Why hardware is only half the battle for kiosk compliance

by Katie Kochelek — Senior Marketing Specialist, Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc.

Although many companies using kiosks have some level of accessibility built in -- compliant height, reachable screens or appropriate clearance --- stopping…

GoTo Foods appoints Omer Gajial as CEO; Holthouser to retire

December 2, 2025

GoTo Foods, the parent company of restaurant brands including Auntie Anne's and Cinnabon, named Omer Gajial as its chief executive officer.

Jersey Mike’s names former Wyndham exec as CFO

December 2, 2025

Jersey Mike's Subs named Michele Allen as its chief financial officer on Tuesday, tapping the former hotel executive to oversee the chain's financial strategy…

Teriyaki Madness appoints Scott Shotter as chief restaurant officer amid expansion

December 1, 2025

Teriyaki Madness has appointed industry veteran Scott Shotter as its chief restaurant officer. Shotter joins the Denver-based fast casual chain as it prepares…

Taco John’s using data-driven analytics to guide menu, marketing strategies

December 1, 2025

Taco John's has entered a partnership with customer data platform Bikky to shift its corporate strategy from intuition-based decision-making to data-driven…

Chipotle offering free food, BOGO deals throughout December

December 1, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill has launched several holiday promotions that will gift customers free food, including buy-one-get-one-free entrée offers on the first…

PreciTaste, Par partner to streamline AI kitchen management onboarding

December 1, 2025

PreciTaste, a restaurant artificial intelligence platform, and Par Technology Corp., a foodservice technology provider, are partering to simplify the adoption…

2026 restaurant outlook signaling challenges for fast casuals

December 1, 2025

Consumer spending on restaurants is holding steady, but fast casual operators must redouble efforts to deliver clear, consistent value to maintain momentum…

From gifting guru to fast casual powerhouse: Edible Brands CEO reveals brand's evolution

Somia Farid Silber, CEO of Edible Brands, discusses how the brand is expanding beyond its traditional gifting niche to deliver new experiences for consumers.

Exploring link between employee engagement, exceptional customer experiences

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Here's a leadership truth that transcends industries: you can't expect world-class customer experiences from a disengaged team. The energy your people bring to…

Chopped Leaf launches loyalty program

November 25, 2025

Chopped Leaf, a Canadian fast casual restaurant chain specializing in fresh salads, wraps and bowls, rolled out the Feel Good Rewards Program. If features:

Mr. Pickle’s unifying loyalty, ordering, guest data with Par

November 25, 2025

Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop is integrating its customer loyalty and digital ordering systems to drive repeat business and prepare for national expansion.

Dirty Dough owner succeeds on transparency, great cookies

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Restaurant Operator Podcast host Mandy Detwiler talks to Bennet Maxwell, owner of Dirty Dough, about the cookie brand's launch and what keeps it successful.

Will NYC's added-sugar ruling force national menu reform?

by Michael Schwab — Partner and Head of the Food & Beverage Group, Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP

Given that many municipalities often follow New York City’s lead, restaurant operators should anticipate the possibility of similar regulations being adopted…

Shake Shack CFO stepping down, company reaffirms 2025 financial outlook

November 25, 2025

Shake Shack Inc. Chief Financial Officer Katherine Fogertey will step down, effective March 4, 2026, according to a company press release that also reiterated…

Smashburger launches 'flavor-driven rebrand'

November 25, 2025

Smashburger has unveiled a comprehensive brand campaign and refreshed visual identity, emphasizing a renewed commitment to great taste, variety and value, said…