Shake Shack launches 'Good Fit' menu

December 30, 2025

The brand is also highlighting its Gluten-Free Double ShackBurger, which features two patties on a dedicated gluten-free bun, providing 47 grams of protein.

FastCasual extends nomination deadline for '25 Brands to Watch: 2026'

December 29, 2025

Nominations close Jan. 3.

How Onigilly scaled from founder-led concept to a 20-unit franchise pipeline

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Founder and CEO Koji Kanematsu said the brand's corporate locations are expected to generate approximately $2 million in revenue this year.

Del Taco begins growth phase under new ownership

December 29, 2025

Del Taco began operations last week under its new parent company, Yadav Enterprises.

UK's Hero Brands growing via 'creator economy'

December 26, 2025

Hero Brands, the hospitality platform behind German Doner Kebab and Sides, reported steady growth for the 2024 fiscal year as it pivots toward creator-led…

Cold Stone expanding Alabama footprint

December 24, 2025

Cold Stone Creamery is expanding in Birmingham, Alabama, and surrounding suburbs, with the goal of opening three to six stores over the next three years.

Mixue makes American debut in Hollywood

December 23, 2025

Mixue, a Chinese beverage giant known for its ultra-low prices and "Snow King" mascot, has officially entered the American market with the opening of its first…

Barrio Burrito Bar opens in Delaware

December 23, 2025

Canada-born Barrio Burrito Bar has opened in Delaware, marking the latest expansion for the Tex-Mex franchise.

From skies to sandwiches: Former pilot opens Capriotti's

Jonathan Heslop explains why he left his helicopter pilot's job to become a Capriotti’s franchisee in St. Louis.

Teriyaki Madness makes Fresno debut

December 22, 2025

Colorado-based Teriyaki Madness opened its first Fresno, California, location last wee, marking the Seattle-style teriyaki brand's 26 location in the state.

Pizza Marketplace’s 'Brands to Watch 2026' released

December 19, 2025

The report lists 25 pizzerias doing great things as we go into the new year.

QSR is losing its lunch to monofoods – here's what they can do about it

by George Gottl — Chief Creative Officer, Spatial Design, FutureBrand

Traditional QSRs are losing market share to specialized "monofood outlets" that excel in unique flavor, simplicity and customer experience, and must therefore…

Ten Ramen sold to Vandelay Companies

December 18, 2025

Vandelay Companies has acquired Ten Ramen, a staple of the Dallas dining scene for a decade, and announced plans to expand the brand to the West Village…

Hopdoddy leading the charge in the modern burger evolution

Chipotle jumping on high protein trend

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The 4,000-unit chain is launching a menu next week featuring items with protein content ranging from 15 to 81 grams

Zipporah Allen steps up as Sweetgreen co-founder Nathaniel Ru steps down

December 18, 2025

Sweetgreen Inc. Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer Nathaniel Ru will retire from his executive role effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Panera invites app users to 'circle back'

December 18, 2025

Panera Bread is leveraging its digital loyalty platform to reward the "office procrastinator" this holiday season with the launch of the "Circle Back Meal," an…

Smalls Sliders expands South Carolina footprint with 5-unit deal

December 17, 2025

Smalls Sliders, a cheeseburger slider concept based in modular shipping containers, is expanding its presence in Upstate South Carolina following a multi-unit…

Fatburger returning to Japan

December 17, 2025

Los Angeles-based restaurant company FAT Brands Inc. has opened a Fatburger location in Okinawa, marking the burger chain's return to the Japanese market. It…

Fusion hires marketing director

December 17, 2025

Ohio-based sushi chain Fusian has appointed industry veteran Tyson Yirak as marketing director, a move aimed at bolstering brand infrastructure and fueling…