Joining Forces: Bringing plant-based innovation to restaurant menus

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Networld Media Group and the Plant Based Food Association are partnering to help restaurant operators stay up-to-date with consumer demand for crave-worthy…

Freddy's adding 15 locations via 3 franchise deals

January 14, 2025

Wichita-based Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is opening 15 locations in Nebraska, North Dakota and Maryland thanks to the signing of three…

HMS Growth founder named La Madeleine's president

January 14, 2025

La Madeleine, a French-founded neighborhood cafe and bakery, has named John Dillon as president. Dillon most recently served as founder and principal lead at…

Canadian burrito chain rebrands in US

January 14, 2025

Canada-based BurritoBar USA Inc. debuted its rebranded experience on Dec. 24, 2024, when it opened in Murfreesboro, Tennesee. Originally introduced to the U.S.

Just Salad opens 1st drive-thru location

January 13, 2025

Just Salad, which has over 90 locations, has opened the first of many drive-thru locations planned for the year, said Nick Kenner, founder and CEO.

Using customer data to boost loyalty

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

A panel at the upcoming Restaurant & Innovation Summit in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from March 11 to 13 will examine how restaurants can leverage data to…

6 steps to building a debt-free restaurant

by Robby Berg — Sr. Director of Ops, Accounting, and HR, Fresh Restaurant Group

Multi-unit Genghis Grill franchisee reveals six strategies for opening a second location with no debt.

Shake Shack to hit 1,500 units

January 13, 2025

Shake Shack Inc. CEO Rob Lynch said the chain has the potential to hit 1,500 company-operated units, versus the prior target of 450 provided in conjunction…

Garden Catering fights childhood cancer

January 10, 2025

New York-based Garden Catering is inviting the community to support "Queen Willa's Countdown to the Bell" by selling $5 coupon booklets with 100% of proceeds…

Speaker Spotlight: David "Rev" Ciancio, Salad House and more

Rev Ciancio, marketing and chief eating officer for Salad House, Crazy Pita, Handcraft Burgers & Brew and Branded Strategic, shares a look at his career, his…

Shake Shack names CIO

January 10, 2025

Shake Shack Inc. has appointed Justin Mennen, Rite Aid's former EVP and chief digital and technology officer, to oversee its technology initiatives.

FAT Brands donating 10K meals to LA wildfire evacuees, responders

January 10, 2025

Through its food truck, the Fatmobile, FAT Brands Inc., the parent company of LA-based Fatburger, is donating 10,000 meals to first responders and fire…

New York-based bagel shop 'popping up' in Boston

January 10, 2025

New York-based PopUp Bagels is opening its first Boston location Friday in Boston Seaport's The Superette at 70 Pier 4 Blvd. The 770-square-foot shop is also…

Dunkin' franchisee opening 20 Qdobas

January 9, 2025

Qdoba, the second-largest Mexican fast casual restaurant chain in the U.S. with 800 locations, is expanding its footprint through several franchise agreements…

Gold medalist sprinter Gabby Thomas inspires Cava LTOs

January 9, 2025

Cava is teaming up with Olympic gold medalist sprinter and public health advocate Gabby Thomas to encourage consumers to embrace the Mediterranean spirit of…

Chopped Leaf starts 2025 with rebrand

January 9, 2025

Canada-based Chopped Leaf has rolled out a brand refresh featuring a new logo and updated interior design at its original location in Kelowna, British…

Gen Z driving 2025 fast casual menu trends

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Younger consumers want swicy, swalty and newstalgic menu items.

Birdcall hatches franchise offering

January 8, 2025

Denver-based Birdcall, which has 12 corporate-owned stores, is now franchising the concept with an initial focus on the Western and Southwestern states.

Sammy's slides into franchising in 2025

January 8, 2025

Sammy's Sliders, a slider franchise founded by restaurateur Sam G. Ballas and chef Sammy Gianopoulos, is ready to expand in 2025, after opening its second…

Philz Coffee, Simon Sinek collab on Optimism Coffee

January 8, 2025

Philz Coffee, a 70-unit brand based in San Francisco, is collaborating with Podcaster and New York Times bestselling author Simon Sinek to kick off the year…