The human touch: How kiosks are transforming retail, restaurants

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Self-service kiosks have evolved from a novelty to an essential tool in retail and restaurants, streamlining operations and improving customer experience by…

Shake Shack names brand chief, plans Hawaii expansion

September 22, 2025

Shake Shack Inc. announced two major moves this month as it prepares for its next phase of growth: the appointment of Michael Fanuele as its first chief brand…

Jimmy John's expanding in Canada

September 19, 2025

Jimmy John's opened its first Winnipeg location Friday, marking the sandwich chain's debut in the city with free sandwiches for its first 100 customers.

Stoner's Pizza Joint launches Honey Hot Pepperoni Pizza

September 19, 2025

Stoner's Pizza Joint has launched its Honey Hot Pepperoni Pizza for a limited time only. The pizza is available from now through Oct. 31 at participating…

San Francisco chef allegedly robs 3 bank branches due to financial struggles

September 19, 2025

Valentino Luchin, 62, a chef from San Francisco, is accused of robbing three bank branches in one day.

Speaker Spotlight: Aaron Noveshen, CEO, Starbird Chicken

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Aaron Noveshen, founder and CEO of Starbird Chicken, is participating in a Fast Casual Executive Summit panel on AI. Learn all about him in today's speaker…

The Peach Cobbler Factory launching loyalty program

September 18, 2025

The Peach Cobbler Factory is launching a loyalty program, "Peachy Points Loyalty Program," that will reward customers with exclusive deals and other perks.

Chicken Salad Chick: In a category of 1

Discover how Chicken Salad Chick CEO Scott Deviney transformed a 32-location startup into a 309-unit fast casual empire in under a decade.

Qdoba opening 50 locations in 5-state deal

September 18, 2025

Qdoba Mexican Eats is opening 50 restaurants across five states in the Southwest as part of an agreement with B Wild Investments.

Nature’s Table adding 10 franchised locations in Florida

September 18, 2025

Fast Fresh Brands, the parent company of Nature's Table, signed two agreements to open 10 franchise locations in Florida.

PAR Technology launches PAR Games to revolutionize loyalty programs

September 17, 2025

PAR Technology Corporation, a provider of foodservice technology, has launched PAR Games, an interactive loyalty platform designed to boost customer engagement…

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill relaunches franchise program

September 16, 2025

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, a fast casual brand with roots in South Beach, has relaunched its franchise program with a "Lime 2.0" model aimed at nationwide…

Scooter’s chief growth officer: 'Coffee franchises offer stability, scalability'

by Tim Arpin — Chief Growth Officer, Scooter’s Coffee

Scooter's Chief Growth Officer Tim Arpin said the demand for coffee has translated into a thriving franchise industry with no signs of slowing down.

7 Brew Drive-Thru opening 200 locations

September 16, 2025

Franchise Equity Partners has acquired a majority stake in 7 Crew, the second-largest franchisee of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee, in a deal aimed at fueling the…

Founderology Growth Summit: The Breakthrough Experience Founders MUST Attend

The Founderology Growth Summit is a breakthrough experience designed for Founders who are looking to scale. Every moment, from the first conversation to the…

Which Wich opening in Scotland

September 16, 2025

Texas-based Which Wich Superior Sandwiches is expanding into Scotland, marking the latest phase of its rapid growth across the United Kingdom.

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.