Huey Magoo’s lays groundwork for 100 locations

April 2, 2026

Huey Magoo's is hoping to add 100 units in 2026. To advance the goal, the Orlando-headquartered company is looking westward and has inked a 15-unit franchise…

Starbucks betting on mango

April 2, 2026

Mango flavors have earned a permanent place on the Starbucks drink menus, according to a company press release.

Streamlining success: Randy Sharpe on pruning franchises, menus at Wahlburgers

In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Randy Sharpe, CEO of Wahlburgers, to discuss one of the more…

Oracle launches AI -backed system to consolidate back-office functions

April 2, 2026

Oracle has launched an artificial intelligence-backed system to consolidate back-office functions — including inventory, procurement, scheduling, production…

Starbucks revamps partner incentives: 3 lessons for the fast casual industry

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The initiative, part of the company’s "Back to Starbucks" transformation, introduces quarterly bonuses, expanded digital tipping, and a transition to weekly…

The Melt heats up growth with franchising strategy

April 1, 2026

San Francisco-based The Melt is seeking experienced multi-unit restaurant operators to help expand its presence in California and Arizona, where it owns and…

Birdcall to open at Coors Field

April 1, 2026

Birdcall will open its newest restaurant at Coors Field in Denver when the Colorado Rockies host the Philadelphia Phillies for their April 3 home opener.

7 Brew announces 1st on-campus stand development

April 1, 2026

7 Brew Coffee plans to open its first on-campus stand — and third walk-through location — at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The unit is scheduled…

Shake Shack launches digital overhaul to fuel 1,500-unit expansion

April 1, 2026

Shake Shack Inc. is doubling down on its digital future with Project Catalyst, a sweeping technology initiative designed to modernize its infrastructure as the…

Prince St. Pizza partners with Dave’s Hot Chicken franchisee for national expansion

March 31, 2026

Prince St. Pizza, a New York-based pizzeria known for its Sicilian-style square pies, has formed a partnership with restaurateur Lawrence Kourie to expand the…

ICSC LAS VEGAS debuting real estate conference geared toward female restaurant leaders

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Finding the perfect site is about more than just foot traffic; it's about having the right seat at the table. As restaurant operators descend on ICSC LAS VEGAS…

FastCasual opens nominations for 2026 'Perfect Pitch'

March 31, 2026

Nominations close June 8.

Michael Dixon joins Zaxbys as chief financial officer

March 31, 2026

Zaxbys has appointed Michael Dixon as chief financial officer.

'Don't go viral without this system:' Keynote to reveal growth framework at Restaurant Marketing Workshop

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The 2026 agenda is designed to cover every touchpoint of the modern guest journey. If a topic impacts your brand's bottom line, it is on the schedule.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken makes Honduras debut

March 30, 2026

Big Chicken, the fast-casual brand founded by former NBA player and entrepreneur Shaquille O'Neal, has opened two restaurants in Honduras, marking its…

Patrick Cunningham named Mike’s Red Tacos chief development officer

March 30, 2026

Mike's Red Tacos has appointed Patrick Cunningham as chief development officer, joining newly named company President Vincent Montanelli in the company's…

Shake Shack breaks into Top 50 US restaurants by consumer spending

March 27, 2026

Shake Shack has entered the top 50 U.S. restaurant brands as measured by total consumer spending, according to Circana's 2026 Definitive U.S. Restaurant…

How to build a thriving company culture that inspires and engages

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

A strong, intentional company culture drives success by boosting productivity, attracting top talent and fostering an environment where employees feel valued…

Vicious Biscuit revamps cocktail menu after guest feedback

March 27, 2026

Fast-casual brunch chain Vicious Biscuit updated its cocktail menu in response to guest feedback and internal testing that showed higher demand for…

NAYA to open 17 restaurants in 2026

March 27, 2026

Lebanese fast-casual brand NAYA plans to open 17 new locations this year.