Thunderdome Restaurant Group: 9 restaurant concepts, 1 vision

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Editor's note: This is part 3 in a series featuring founders of restaurant concepts answering five questions about building their companies.

Teriyaki Madness debuts fully AI-generated ad campaign

October 15, 2025

Teriyaki Madness has launched what it says is the first fully AI-generated ad campaign in the fast casual restaurant industry, a move the company said slashes…

Ovation launches platform to help restaurants tackle online reputation crises

October 15, 2025

In a world where a single bad review can sink a restaurant's reputation, Ovation has created a platform to help brands fight back. Featuring integrated online…

El Pollo Loco opening 500th US location

October 14, 2025

El Pollo Loco is celebrating a major milestone, announcing the opening of its 500th restaurant in the U.S. The location, which opens Friday in Colorado…

Ziggi's expanding Atlanta footprint

October 14, 2025

Denver-based Ziggi's Coffee, a specialty coffee and beverage franchise, will open its latest location Tuesday in Conyers, Georgia, at 1730 Highway 138.

The human element of change: managing emotions and building trust

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Successful business change is primarily dependent on leaders acknowledging and managing the emotional impact it has on employees through empathy, transparent…

Tel Aviv Grill brings taste of Israel to San Fernando Valley

Or Peleg, managing partner of Tel Aviv Grill, discusses the growth of the business from a small kosher market booth into a multi-concept restaurant group…

Shipley Do-Nuts launches 'Hot Glazed Guarantee'

October 14, 2025

Houston-based Shipley Do-Nuts has launched a "Hot Glazed Guarantee," promising customers hot glazed donuts until 10 a.m. or later daily at nearly all of its…

7 Brew opens 500th location

October 14, 2025

7 Brew Coffee, a fast-growing drive-thru beverage brand, celebrated the opening of its 500th stand Saturday with a race-themed event in Toms River, New Jersey.

The value meal paradox: How restaurants use discounts to survive the consumer sentiment slump

by Mark Wasilefsky — Head of Restaurant and Franchise Finance, TD Bank

Amid historically low consumer sentiment, major restaurants are adopting value meals as a strategic, temporary measure to retain customers and gain market…

Pop's Beef fuels growth through multi-unit franchising

October 13, 2025

Illinois-based Pop's Beef, a fast casual franchise serving house-made Italian beef and sausages, is building on its legacy of family and community by embracing…

Restaurants bet on tech, growth despite inflation, labor challenges

October 10, 2025

Restaurants are increasingly turning to technology and strategic growth plans to weather ongoing inflation and labor shortages, according to Toast's Voice of…

Fueling delicious growth: Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream

In this episode of Founderology: Built to Breakthrough, we talk with Donna and Daniel Golik, Mother and Son Founders of Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream – craveable…

Cava unveils loyalty program with status matching

October 10, 2025

Cava has enhanced its loyalty program, Cava Rewards, with "status matching" as well as three status levels — Sea, Sand and Sun.

Cheba Hut intros Munchie Mob Rewards

October 10, 2025

Cheba Hut Toasted Subs has rolled out a mobile app and loyalty program, Munchie Mob Rewards, designed to streamline ordering and reward customer loyalty.

BRIX Holdings CEO shares vision for multi-brand growth, digital transformation

BRIX Holdings CEO Sherif Mityas joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to discuss managing eight restaurant brands including…

What fast casuals can learn from Europe’s street food culture

Walk down a narrow Parisian alley or a bustling Lisbon market, and a symphony of sights, sounds, and smells greets you. Steam rising from sizzling pans, fresh…

Old Scratch Pizza leads with 'Midwesternly Neapolitan' pizza

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The episode of the Pizza Marketplace Podcast features Old Scratch Pizza founder Eric Soller discussing his journey from a culinary and corporate background to…

Tulsa-based Bodhi's Bowl launches franchise program

October 8, 2025

Bodhi's Bowl, a fast casual restaurant specializing in chef-driven rice bowls, is launching a nationwide licensing and franchise program. The brand was founded…

Graze Craze opens 100th location

October 8, 2025

Graze Craze, a charcuterie franchise, has opened its 100th location. The store, located in Orlando, Florida, reflects a milestone reached less than five years…