Panera takes points-based MyPanera loyalty program nationwide after pilot

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

August 19, 2026

Panera Bread is rolling out a redesigned, points-based version of its MyPanera loyalty program nationwide Wednesday, following a pilot the company ran earlier…

Shipley Donuts celebrates 90th birthday with LTOs, franchise growth

August 19, 2026

Houston-based Shipley Donuts is celebrating its 90th birthday with limited-time menu items and special offers through Oct. 18.

Firehouse Subs opens 1,500th restaurant

August 19, 2026

Firehouse Subs opened its 1,500th restaurant this week at 2608 Enterprise Dr., in Abilene, Texas. The firefighter-founded hot sub brand's newest location is…

Smoothie King gives pumpkin spice season GLP-1 makeover

August 18, 2026

Pumpkin spice is everywhere this fall, but Smoothie King says it's the first chain to make one specifically for guests on GLP-1 medications.

Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, opens first co-brand

August 18, 2026

Two restaurant brands are teaming up to open the first co-branded Buffalo Wild Wings Go and Jimmy John's location in the U.S., according to an article in…

Cincinnati gets Blaze Pizza in Oakley neighborhood

August 18, 2026

Blaze Pizza has opened a restaurant in Cincinnati's Oakley neighborhood at 3206 Vandercar Way, celebrating its grand opening today with free pizza for all…

Real talk, damn good biscuits and growing a national chain

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Lauren Coulter is co-Founder and chief biscuit eater of Biscuit Belly, the Louisville, Kentucky, brunch brand she built with her husband and co-Founder, Chad…

Pokeworks reports 10% year-over-year unit growth in Q2

August 18, 2026

Irvine, California-based Pokeworks opened five locations, has eight more under development and signed multiple-unit franchise agreements during the second…

MOOYAH Burgers inks master franchise agreement for UAE expansion

August 18, 2026

Plano, Texas-based MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes signed a master franchise agreement with Great Foods USA LLC to expand the brand in the United Arab…

How Bonchon is using AI to enhance operations, increase profit

Bonchon CEO Suzie Tsai joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to talk candidly about the Korean fried chicken brand's AI journey.

Wonder deploys free battery systems at NYC restaurants to cut energy costs

August 17, 2026

Food tech company Wonder is installing plug-in batteries at 21 of its New York City locations through a partnership with energy supplier David Energy, the…

Pizza Brands to Watch 2027 nominations extended to Aug. 28

August 17, 2026

Pizza Marketplace is seeking nominations for its "Pizza Brands to Watch in 2027" special report, aiming to highlight innovators, trailblazers and rising stars…

Palona AI debuts AI platform for restaurants after $20M funding round

August 17, 2026

Palona AI has launched what it calls a multimodal AI operating layer for physical businesses, debuting the technology in restaurants before expanding to other…

Wonder, Serve Robotics partner to expand autonomous delivery on Grubhub

August 17, 2026

Robot delivery is coming to Chicago, Los Angeles and Alexandria, Virginia, including Wonder's Potomac Yard location.

Great Harvest unveils new branding after 50 years

August 17, 2026

Source: Great Harve Great Harvest unveiled new branding as the 50-year-old chain launches broader systemwide initiatives.

Graze Craze reports 65% year-over-year sales growth

August 17, 2026

Graze Craze reported a 65% year-over-year increase in same-store sales during the first half of 2026, marking the charcuterie brand's 20th consecutive quarter…

HTeaO expands Arkansas footprint with upcoming Fort Smith opening

August 14, 2026

Iced tea franchise HTeaO will open a location in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on Saturday, Aug. 22, according to a press release.

Slutty Vegan signs wave of franchise deals, marks Florida debut

August 14, 2026

Slutty Vegan, a plant-based burger chain founded by entrepreneur Pinky Cole Hayes, closed out the first half of 2026 with a string of franchise agreements, an…

H&H Bagels expands Florida footprint

August 14, 2026

H&H Bagels will open its newest Florida location Aug. 17 at 12465 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. Franchise owners and operators Marc Schultz and…

Insomnia Cookies offers free six-pack to college freshmen

August 14, 2026

Insomnia Cookies is offering incoming college freshmen a free Freshman 6-Pack of cookies as part of a back-to-school promotion. Eligible students can claim the…