The legacy glow-up: How Paul Damico is tech-enabling Perkins, Huddle House

Pinky Cole stripping down Slutty Vegan’s business realities on ‘Real Housewives’

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

By bringing the fast casual world to one of reality TV's biggest stages, Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole is betting on the idea that authenticity — not just…

Strategic sizzle: Why Houston TX Hot Chicken prioritizes smart growth over rapid expansion

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Houston TX Hot Chicken is leveraging its "electric" brand energy and massive social media following to drive organic franchise leads and fuel a strategic…

Got marketing chops? Prove it: The 2nd Annual Top 30 Movers & Shakers Nominations are live

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Calling all restaurant marketing visionaries!

Mendocino launches 'Come Graze a While' menu

February 23, 2026

Mendocino Farms, a Southern California-founded fast casual chain, will debut its first seasonal menu of the year on Feb. 24, featuring a selection of dishes…

The Fast Casual Paradox: Why the future isn't either/or

Full-service restaurateur and fast casual operator Dan Simons examines the macroeconomic pressures driving the industry and explains why the winners won't be…

Greg Vojnovic leading franchise expansion at The Melt

February 23, 2026

The Melt, a California-based chain known for its "MeltBurger," has hired industry veteran Greg Vojnovic as head of franchising to lead its expansion beyond the…

Building unity through community

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

By fostering shared experiences and intentional connections, the restaurant industry serves as a vital "community connector" that accelerates growth for…

Speaker Spotlight: Liz Williams, CEO, El Pollo Loco

Liz Williams, CEO of El Pollo Loco, shares a look at her career, her achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at the Restaurant Franchising …

La Madeleine eyes accelerated growth following 'Ignite the Joy' turnaround

February 20, 2026

French-inspired bakery-cafe la Madeleine is entering 2026 with its strongest expansion pipeline in nearly a decade, following a year of operational…

Can Dave’s Hot Chicken leaders conjure magic from Mike's Red Tacos?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Mike's Red Tacos, a beef birria concept born just four years ago, has deals in place to open more than 200 locations. While the rapid expansion is turning…

Family owned Mickey’s Deli opening 2nd location after 70 years

February 19, 2026

Mickey's Deli, a 70-year-old brand in California, has opened a second location North Redondo Beach.

Jeff's Bagel Run sprinting past 30 units

February 19, 2026

Jeff's Bagel Run is leaping past the 30-location milestone this month, announcing a four-shop expansion that pushes the Florida-born brand into the Alabama and…

Scaling sweet success: How Rita’s Italian Ice navigates franchise growth

When Lawrence Brown, Chief Development Officer at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, joined Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler on Fast Casual Nation, he brought…

Philadelphia-based Spread Bagelry entering Atlanta

February 18, 2026

Philadelphia-based Spread Bagelry is bringing its honey-boiled, wood-fired bagels to Buckhead next month, marking the brand's first entry into the Atlanta…

Wingstop's Q4 earnings: The good, the bad, the X-Factor

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

While 2025 saw the brand’s first same-store sales decline in over two decades, leadership is betting on a transformational operational shift and a new loyalty…

5 ways QR codes help grow restaurant catering

by Kelly Grogan — Founder, CRUMBS

QR codes are one of the most underutilized tools in catering marketing. They're inexpensive, trackable, and they meet your guests exactly where they already…

Jeff's Bagel Run: From garage bagels to 30 and growing

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

On this episode of the Founderology — Built to Breakthrough podcast, I talk with Jeff Perera, co-Founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run and a member of the inaugural…

Las Palapas taps Paytronix for digital overhaul, adds mobile app

February 17, 2026

San Antonio-based Tex-Mex chain Las Palapas is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a digital overhaul, partnering with Paytronix to launch a new mobile app…

Beyond the balance sheet: why the future of franchising is proactive, not passive

At the upcoming Restaurant Innovation and Franchising Summit, industry experts will share strategies for moving beyond passive bookkeeping to maximize…