Biscuit Belly CEO reveals practical survival kit for founders

What does it take for an emerging restaurant brand to scale without losing its identity? On this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh…

Presented by Mountaire Farms

Uber’s ezCater deal puts catering growth, margins and customer loyalty in focus

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Uber's agreement to buy ezCater could put workplace catering in front of a much larger audience. For restaurant operators, however, the announcement raises a…

I’m donut ? launches first-ever delivery service in New York City

October 6, 2026

Tokyo-based I'm donut ? has launched its first-ever delivery service, allowing New York City customers to order donuts and drinks from the brand's Times Square…

Uber to purchase ezCater in $2.3B deal

October 6, 2026

Uber has agreed to acquire workplace catering platform ezCater in an all-cash transaction valued at $2.3 billion, a move that will expand Uber Eats deeper into…

Bloomin’ leadership lessons with Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Outback Steakhouse co-Founder Tim Gannon shares how with only $37, a ripped-up $1 million check and two great partners, a legendary brand was built and the…

True Food Kitchen files for Chapter 11, closes 12 restaurants

October 5, 2026

Phoenix-based True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Oct. 4 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas as it…

Chipotle turns vegetables into musical instruments for new song

October 5, 2026

Trombone onion. Photo courtesy of Chipotle Chipotle Mexican Grill has teamed up with the five-member London Vegetable Orchestra to record an original…

FCES keynote: To go far, go together

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

Chicken Salad Chick’s story shows that scaling successfully isn’t necessarily about moving faster or constantly reinventing the brand. It’s about knowing what…

Zaxbys operator partners with Alabama’s Million Dollar Band

October 5, 2026

Zaxbys operator Roost & Rise Holdings has partnered with the University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band, with band members scheduled to make appearances…

Chipotle opens 1,500th Chipotlane in Florida

October 5, 2026

Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its 1,500th Chipotlane Sept. 29 at 16680 SR 64 East in Bradenton, Florida.

How Skyline Chili's purchasing co-op put 20 AI 'direct reports' to work

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Sky Co-op founder Tom Hannon explains how AI that monitors the business, rather than just answering questions, is helping catch margin leaks in weeks instead…

Bonrue Bakery making Utah County debut

October 2, 2026

Savory-backed Bonrue Bakery will make its Utah County debut next week at 1545 N. Canyon Road in Provo, marking the first of three planned locations along the…

Swig to enter Pacific Northwest with 11-unit deal

October 2, 2026

Swig will enter the Pacific Northwest with an 11-unit franchise agreement with Sean Collins, Jared Collins and Ramey Mills. The franchisees plan to open their…

Freddy’s signs 10-unit deal in Georgia, South Carolina

October 2, 2026

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has signed a 10-unit franchise agreement with multi-brand operator ELJ Investments to expand the brand in Georgia…

la Madeleine signs 8-location deal to enter Kansas City

October 1, 2026

la Madeleine has signed an eight-location development agreement with Eddie Musallet of Express Stop and The Musallet Group to enter the Kansas City…

The Red Chickz signs franchise development agreements in DFW, Las Vegas

October 1, 2026

Los Angeles-based Nashville hot chicken concept The Red Chickz has signed franchise development agreements to expand in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and enter…

7 ways diners are cutting the check — from skipping drinks to choosing carryout

October 1, 2026

U.S. restaurant-goers are spending an average of $100 per week on dining out, an increase from earlier this year, but still down $15 compared to June 2025, as…

Cava names John Ludeke chief marketing officer

September 30, 2026

Cava has named John Ludeke chief marketing officer. He will lead the fast-casual chain's marketing organization as it continues to expand.

FAT Brands rebranding as OHG

September 30, 2026

FAT Brands is now called OHG (Original. Honest. Good.) following its acquisition by FBG Bid Co., in June 2026, marking a fresh start after the multi-brand…

Fuku CEO chats about real estate decisions that can make or break a brand

On this episode of Fast Casual Nation, Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler talk with Claudia Lezcano, CEO of Fuku, about how the David Chang chicken brand is…