News & Media
Kutlerri.ai raises $4M to expand AI agents for restaurant sales, costs
September 30, 2026
Kutlerri.ai has raised $4 million from Houston-based Narahari Investments to accelerate development of its AI-powered agents, which are designed to increase…
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Survey: Restaurant operators are optimistic, but equipment costs squeeze cash flow
by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media
A survey reveals that a percentage of restaurant owner/operators are optimistic, even in the face of rising costs and concerns over replacing equipment.
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Grubhub moves into dine-in, betting on restaurant traffic and rewards
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
The new weekly program gives diners Grubhub credit for eating at participating restaurants, including beta debuts in New York City and Chicago with Tacombi…
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Mendocino Farms expands presence in Texas
September 29, 2026
Mendocino Farms expanded its presence in Texas on Tuesday with the opening of its third Austin restaurant, located at 1100 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 1125.
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Matternet unveils autonomous drone delivery system through Dave’s Hot Chicken partnership
September 29, 2026
M3 Portal Drop Box, courtesy of Matternet Matternet has unveiled M3, a next-generation autonomous drone delivery system designed to handle high-volume…
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Mokas Coffee & Eatery opens 1st franchise-owned location
September 29, 2026
Mokas Coffee & Eatery will open its first franchise-owned location Sept. 30 in Olathe, Kansas.
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Original ChopShop promotes Kyle Frederick to CEO, Jason Morgan moves to advisory role
September 28, 2026
Original ChopShop has named Kyle Frederick CEO as the fast-casual brand prepares for its next phase of growth.
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The people behind restaurants need care, too
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
The deaths of Traveler’s Cart’s Thy and Matthew Mitchell and the loss of their two young children are a painful reminder that behind every restaurant are…
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Dig Inn appoints Dylan Mendelsohn as culinary director
September 28, 2026
Fast-casual restaurant chain Dig Inn has appointed Dylan Mendelsohn as culinary director, alongside the launch of the brand's new fall menu, available now…
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Mo’ Bettahs expands in home state with Highland, Utah opening
September 28, 2026
Fast casual Hawaiian lunch plate brand Mo' Bettahs is continuing its expansion in its home state of Utah with the opening of a restaurant at 10969 N. Town…
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Ziggi’s Coffee offers free drinks for National Coffee Day
September 28, 2026
Denver-based Ziggi's Coffee will celebrate National Coffee Day by offering a small Daily Brew, Iced Coffee or Cold Brew for free with the purchase of another…
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Stop taking so long: 5 lessons from Bar Rescue's Jon Taffer
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
Here are five takeaways from Jon Taffer's keynote International Franchise Association event this week.
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Restaurant employees see industry as long-term career path, study finds
September 25, 2026
New research from the National Restaurant Association finds that restaurant employees largely view the industry as a place to build long-term careers, develop…
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Urbane Cafe expands Southern California footprint with Glendale opening
September 25, 2026
Urbane Cafe will open its first Glendale, California, location Sept. 28 at 249 N. Glendale Ave., expanding the Ventura-based chain's Southern California…
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CAVA reaches 500 restaurant milestone with Minneapolis opening
September 25, 2026
Fast-casual Mediterranean brand CAVA has reached 500 restaurants with the opening of its newest location in Minneapolis, marking the Washington, D.C.-based…
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Flying Biscuit Café signs franchise agreement for Charlotte market
September 25, 2026
Flying Biscuit Café has signed a franchise agreement with David Mumby and Jimmy Mumby to bring the breakfast-and-brunch concept to the Charlotte, North…
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Starbucks announces 250 store closures
September 24, 2026
Starbucks has confirmed in an email to FastCasual.com that it is closing 250 underperforming U.S. stores this week, even as its North American business returns…
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Square integrates Apple Business to boost restaurant visibility on Apple Maps
September 24, 2026
Square has launched a new integration with Apple Business, allowing restaurant operators and other local businesses to manage their presence across Apple Maps…
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Scooter's Coffee overhauls digital ordering system
September 24, 2026
Scooter's Coffee has overhauled its digital ordering system, migrating its mobile app and more than 900 drive-thru locations onto Olo's software platform in…
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Love & Honey Fried targeting East Coast growth
September 24, 2026
Love & Honey Fried Chicken, a Philadelphia-founded fast-casual restaurant brand known for its chef-driven menu, is expanding into Massachusetts as part of…
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