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…

Guaca Go unveils 'Florida Fresh Mex' menu

November 24, 2025

Guaca Go, founded in South Florida, has launched a "Florida Fresh Mex" menu, a culinary refresh aimed at cementing its regional identity and elevating its…

How Fazoli’s continues to build traffic amid market uncertainty

Tisha Bartlett, VP of Marketing at Fazoli’s, shares the winning value formula for unrivaled hospitality, quality food offerings, family friendly price point…

How fast casuals can thrive despite 50-year low consumer sentiment

Make your guests count to increase your guest counts

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

The economy is shifting, guests spending is changing, and the marketplace continues to be dynamic. One metric that matters the most in this environment is…

Straight up with a twist: A cocktail’s reality check

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Gallup found drinking still hasn't returned to pre-pandemic levels — only 62% of adults drink now, down from 65% before COVID. Morning Consult says 59% kept at…

Chef Michael Symon serving holiday LTOs at Kitchen Works

November 20, 2025

James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Symon is bringing a taste of gourmet holiday cheer to workplaces nationwide with his limited-edition Festive Dark…

Potbelly names Jennifer Durham SVP franchising, development

November 20, 2025

Potbelly has hired Jennifer Durham to be senior vice president of franchising and development. She will accelerate franchise recruitment and overseeing market…

Former Popeyes, Krispy Kreme executive leading Jersey Mike's international growth

November 20, 2025

Jersey Mike's Subs has named Andrew "Andy" Skehan as president of international. The restaurant industry veteran will spearhead the company's global expansion…

Shake Shack testing robot deliveries in Chicago

November 19, 2025

Shake Shack is partnering with Coco Robotics to introduce autonomous, zero-emission robot delivery service for its customers in Chicago, facilitated through…

Founder shares how he went from tacos to tech

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Come hear El Arroyo founder Ellis Winstanley how he moved to tech at the Founderology Growth Summit.

Nominations open for 25 Fast Casual Brands to Watch

November 19, 2025

Nominations are open for the 25 Fast Casual Brands to Watch special report, which highlights the most promising new concepts in the restaurant industry.

How Stonefire Grill turned top side dish into national holiday

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

CEO David Youngberg reveals the strategy, operational discipline, and emotional connection that transformed a menu staple into a national cultural moment.

The next great restaurant differentiator: Staying 'always on'

by Amir Hudda — CEO, Qu

Jack in the Box, Golden Corral, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Blaze Pizza and Golden Chick didn't miss a beat in October when a massive cloud outage brought parts of…

Wagamama USA hires Jonathan Rohland to lead culinary operations

November 19, 2025

Wagamama, a pan-Asian restaurant brand, has hired Jonathan Rohland as senior director of culinary operations to oversee menu innovation, culinary operations…

With rising costs, restaurants can’t afford to ignore retention

by Tal Clark — CEO, Instant Financial

Replacing a single frontline hourly employee averages $5,684, once you factor in recruiting, onboarding, training and lost productivity.

Starbucks self-order kiosks arrive in Seoul

November 18, 2025

Starbucks Korea has debuted two self-order kiosks at its Myeong-dong branch in central Seoul.

The essential insights every Founder needs to scale with clarity, strength and intentionality

Zane Tarence shares perspectives with the speed of someone who has spent decades in the trenches and still wakes up hungry for the next challenge. He moves…

Panera CEO unveils 'RISE' strategy to change company trajectory

November 18, 2025

Panera Bread CEO Paul Carbone has revealed an ambitious transformation plan, "Panera RISE," in hopes of guiding the company's next phase of growth and…

Clay Dover leaving Velvet Taco

November 18, 2025

Velvet Taco CEO Clay Dover is leaving Velvet Taco to take on a new opportunity.