Cheba Hut launches Thanx-powered mobile app, loyalty platform

September 16, 2025

Cheba Hut, a "toasted" sub shop, has launched a mobile app and loyalty platform in partnership with Thanx. The app, which includes a rewards program called…

Qu launches 'Qube' edge-powered platform for restaurants

September 15, 2025

Qu, a unified commerce platform, has launched Qu Business Edge, or Qube, an edge-powered intelligence platform that promises enhanced reliability, faster order…

Drinkable wellness: Why Juice It Up is betting on Aloe Vera

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The global market for aloe vera juice was valued at $13 billion in 2022 and is on track to hit $24.1 billion by 2032

Smalls Sliders inks another deal for Kentucky, Tennessee

September 12, 2025

Smalls Sliders has inked its latest deal for Kentucky and Tennessee with entrepreneur Matthew Robinson, according to a press release.

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill CEO reveals revival strategy

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill CEO Patrick Fore joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to discuss the brand's transformation, including a 30…

Your catering glow-up awaits: 10 takeaways planned for the Restaurant Catering Workshop

Tired of catering being a chaotic, complicated mess? Get ready to turn your off-premise business from a hassle into a hero at the Restaurant Catering Workshop…

SpeedLine launches cloud-based platform to help multi-unit operators streamline operations

September 11, 2025

SpeedLine Solutions, a leading provider of point-of-sale systems for the pizza and delivery industry, has launched SpeedLine Plus, a cloud-based platform…

Power Couple Pinky Cole, Derrick Hayes to ignite Founderology Growth Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

While most restaurant founders are focused on building a single successful brand, Pinky Cole and Derrick Haye have a grander goal: to build an empire, not just…

Chipotle expanding to Asia

September 10, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced a joint venture with SPC Group on Wednesday to open its first restaurants in Asia, with initial locations planned for South…

Betty Rae's Ice Cream opening 10th location

September 10, 2025

Kansas City-based Betty Rae's Ice Cream is opening its 10th location next year at 9711 N. Ash Ave., in Liberty.

HungerRush launches AI-powered text marketing for restaurants

September 10, 2025

HungerRush, a provider of restaurant technology, has launched a tool designed to help restaurants connect with customers and boost sales: HungerRush Text…

How Papa Murphy's '$10 Tuesdays' promotion evolved

Pizza Marketplace Podcast host Mandy Detwiler talks to Dallas Massey, SVP of marketing for Papa Murphy's Take N' Bake Pizza about the brand's $10 Tuesdays…

RaceTrac acquires Potbelly Corp for $566M

September 10, 2025

Convenience store giant RaceTrac announced Tuesday it has agreed to acquire sandwich chain Potbelly Corp. for $566 million, according to a company press…

High tech meets high touch at Woworks, powered by Qu

Check out this fast-moving collaboration that blends high tech with high touch.

Lean, smart, scalable: Fast Casual Executive Summit panel explores the future of self-service

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

This panel will explore cost-effective self-service options, menu optimization, staff training and strategies for guest adoption, all with a focus on keeping…

PAR rolls out AI-powered assistant to streamline restaurant operations

September 9, 2025

Instead of forcing restaurants to rely on complex spreadsheets and manual data analysis, PAR Technology has created an artificial intelligence tool, PAR AI, to…

Newk's Eatery CEO discusses tech, its food quality and third-party delivery

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb.com, chats with Frank Paci, CEO of Newk's…

Einstein Bros launching new store design

September 8, 2025

Einstein Bros. Bagels is rolling out a new store design, "Elevate the Morning," aimed at upgrading the customer experience and accelerating nationwide growth.

Is Waffle House's all-night delivery a threat to fast casuals?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Fast casuals that have invested heavily in their off-premise strategies will now face direct competition from a brand that is a household name, has a…

Catering's new era: Meet the Top 30 Innovators of 2025

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

In its second year, the 2025 "Top 30 Movers & Shakers: Catering" celebrates the individuals steering the transformation — those scaling programs, partnering…