YOLO to Solo: 5 things your restaurant guests want

by Jill Griep — Account Director, Bernstein Rein

The dining landscape is shifting fast, and today's guests are bringing new expectations with them every time they walk through the door. It's no longer just…

Slice House by Tony Gemignani to open in Boulder, Colorado

October 7, 2025

Slice House by Tony Gemignani will open in Boulder, Colorado, this December, according to a press release.

Swig promotes Todd Smith, hires Shannon Swenson to lead expansion

October 7, 2025

Swig, a company known for "dirty soda," has made leadership changes to fuel its nationwide growth and franchising efforts.

8 ways to BOOst your October catering sales

by Kelly Grogan — Founder, Crumbs

Everyone's already hitting fast-forward to the holidays, but savvy restaurant operators know that October is prime time for community engagement and catering…

Brazilian concept TAP wins The Perfect Pitch contest at the Fast Casual Executive Summit 2025

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Eight fledgling brands competed in the event, billed as a nicer version of "Shark Tank."

Reality star Karlie Redd talks good food, service, location at Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Love and Hip Hop Atlanta star Karlie Redd shared brand success insight with attendees at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Austin, Texas, on Sunday.

Taco lovers getting tatted up at Velvet Taco

October 6, 2025

To celebrate National Taco Day, Velvet Taco will partner with Rebel Muse Tattoo, in Dallas, to offer free, taco-themed tattoos at its Greenville Avenue…

Firehouse Subs hires Carolina Berti as CMO

October 6, 2025

Firehouse Subs announced Thursday the appointment of Carolina Berti as chief marketing officer for the U.S. and Canada.

Tariffs, rising wages forcing restaurants to hike menu prices

October 3, 2025

Facing a "double squeeze" from rising labor costs and external market pressures like tariffs, many U.S. food and beverage businesses are raising menu prices to…

Multi-brand mastery meets AI innovation: Inside Conscious Hospitality Group's growth strategy

Mo' Bettahs offering catering delivery with real-time tracking via Cartwheel

October 2, 2025

Mo' Bettahs is offering catering delivery with real-time tracking through a partnership with Cartwheel, an enterprise delivery management platform.

TAP brothers building a cultural bridge with Brazilian flavors

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The four-unit chain hopes to reach 20 corporate stores by 2030, with a stronghold in urban wellness hubs like NYC and Miami. Franchising will launch in 2026.

Torchy's Tacos 'Worthy' of "Torch the Defense" promo

October 2, 2025

Torchy's Tacos has teamed up with the Kansas City Chiefs and wide receiver Xavier Worthy to launch the "Torch the Defense" promotion, which will award fans…

Starbucks understands the protein assignment

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

October 1, 2025

Understanding more customers are looking to add more protein to their diets Starbucks has added a line of protein-boosted lattes, milks and cold foam drinks to…

Fusian honoring Breast Cancer Awareness with pink sushi

October 1, 2025

Fast casual restaurant chain Fusian is offering pink sushi rolls throughout October to raise money for the Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio.

Why fast casual is 'Partying like its 1995'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

California Tortilla and Noodles and Co are embracing throwback pricing promotions as part of a broader trend of brands using nostalgia to engage with customers…

Jersey Mike's hires 1st chief people officer

September 30, 2025

Jersey Mike's Subs has named Betsy Mercado as its first chief people officer, the company announced Monday.

Jimmy John's relaunches loyalty program

September 30, 2025

Jimmy John's is replacing its Freaky Fast Rewards loyalty program with JJ Rewards, shfting from a "visit-based" model to a more flexible, spend-based system.

Chipotle launching Red Chimichurri sauce

September 29, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill is adding a new sauce to its menu, a limited-time offering called Red Chimichurri.

Qdoba promotes VP to CMO of Marketing

September 29, 2025

Qdoba has promoted Jon Burke to chief marketing officer.