6 ways for fast casuals to offset tariff pain

by Sharmah Seakar — Senior Procurement Lead at Efficio, Efficio

Brands must recalibrate procurement, rethink value menus and re-engineer the back of house.

Scooter’s VIP reveals 3 strategies for brewing growth

Tim Arpin, chief growth officer, discusses the importance of prioritizing menu innovation, streamlining operations, and creating meaningful community…

Harnessing the Combined Power of Mobile Apps and Kiosks for QSRs

While self-service programs offer countless advantages for quick service restaurants (QSR), it’s no secret they can be a costly investment up front. As a…

Blaze Pizza rolls out optimized app, loyalty program

April 15, 2025

Fast casual pizza chain Blaze Pizza has launched an enhanced app and loyalty program in partnership with Thanx, according to a press release.

Turning your restaurant customers into brand ambassadors

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

When customers feel genuinely valued, they don't just return — they bring others with them.

From a Closet to a Scaling Franchise System: Meet Evonne and Don Varady of Clean Eatz

In this episode of Founderology, host Kathleen Wood sits down with two powerhouse founders—Don and Evonne Varady, the creators of Clean Eatz. Their story…

Scooter's revamps loyalty platform

April 15, 2025

Scooter's Coffee has redesigned its rewards program to offer more flexible redemption options, faster ways to earn rewards and enhanced status levels and…

Lunchbox offering free order aggregation

April 14, 2025

Lunchbox is providing its clients with free Order Aggregation, which automatically routes third-party platforms like EzCater, DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub…

Fast Casual Top 100 Gala celebrating 10th birthday with 5 gifts for attendees

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Honors include the "Signal to Noise Award," "Emerging Fast Casual of the Year, ""Most-Loved Delivery Brand and "Fast Casual Woman of the Year." Attendees will…

Ellianos Coffee entering Mississippi

April 14, 2025

Ellianos Coffee, a 65-unit southeast-based drive-thru specialty coffee brand, is opening in Mississippi, marking entry into its sixth state.

Dave’s Hot Chicken prescribing 'Davezempic'

April 14, 2025

The newest menu item at Dave's Hot Chicken is small on size but huge on flavor. By Tuesday, the company will debut Mini Sliders across its 300 locations. Each…

Tacotarian rolling out franchise program

April 14, 2025

Tacotarian, a plant-based Mexican eatery known for serving vegan tacos, is launching a franchise program.

Eggs Up Grill, Hot Palette Holdings, Jeff's Bagel Run execs talk leadership skills

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Leaders from Eggs Up Grill, Jeff's Bagel Run and Hot Palette Holdings discussed leadership skills at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in Myrtle…

How culture can make or break your catering operations

by Terry Matthews — Managing Partner, Off Premises Growth Academy

The culture of your catering business is always reflected in the experience of your customers

Portillo's testing breakfast menu

April 11, 2025

Portillo's is testing breakfast service at five locations in Chicago.

Noodles & Co launches 'Taste Tour' for rewards members

April 11, 2025

Noodles & Co. is taking Noodles Rewards members on a taste tour featuring 14 days of daily deals. Members who join the free program will unlock access to…

Kura Sushi rolling out premium LTOs

April 11, 2025

Kura Sushi USA is rolling out Kura Reserve, a limited-time platform that offers seasonally inspired premium creations to complement its permanent menu. Curated…

How great leaders manage emotions, build trust

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Leaders, managers, and employees must recognize that change isn’t just about logistics—it’s about how people feel throughout the process.

NAYA CEO on Fast Casual Nation: From NYC start-up to national expansion

Kfoury shares how the Lebanese-inspired brand has grown to 31 locations with plans for 200 by 2030

Playa Bowls opens 300th location

April 10, 2025

New Jersey-based Playa Bowls, specializing in acai bowls, smoothies, juices and cold brew, celebrated its 300th opening on March 29 in Atlanta's Buckhead…