Perfect Pitch winner TAP joins 9 brands in 2026 'Fast Casual Frontrunners'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

There are plenty of restaurant brands trying to be the next big thing, but discovering those that could actually shape where fast casual goes next is a…

Angry Chickz to open 48th restaurant nationwide in Sacramento

September 24, 2026

Angry Chickz will open its first Sacramento, California, restaurant Sept. 25 at 4740 Natomas Road, marking the chicken chain's 40th California location and…

Why Dillas Quesadillas simplified its menu to prepare for growth

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

Dillas Quesadillas is simplifying its menu to improve speed, accuracy and the customer experience as it prepares for future growth. In this episode of the…

The $10 cocktail: Will it work on fast casual menus?

Bartender and James Beard nominee Ivy Leyenda joins Fast Casual Nation to break down whether cocktails belong on the fast casual menu.

4 fall menu items that have nothing to do with pumpkin spice

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

From lobster-shaped lollipops to Dr Pepper-dusted chicken, these fast-casual brands are taking a different approach to fall menus.

Cheba Hut rolls into Virginia with Midlothian opening

September 23, 2026

Toasted sub brand Cheba Hut will make its Virginia debut Sept. 25 in Midlothian, marking the eighth location for franchisee WAHi Brands Inc.

85°C Bakery Cafe reaches 100 U.S. locations with Colorado debut

September 23, 2026

85°C Bakery Cafe has entered Colorado with the Sept. 18 opening of its Aurora location, bringing the bakery-cafe brand to 100 locations in the U.S.

Starbird bringing 15 locations to Pacific Northwest

September 23, 2026

Fast casual chicken concept Starbird Chicken is expanding into Washington state through a franchise agreement with Mehta Investment Group that will bring 1…

Canopee Tech names Bruno Lo-Re chairman, president

September 22, 2026

Miami-based Canopee Tech has appointed Bruno Lo-Re as chairman and president as the restaurant technology company enters its next phase of growth.

Tijuana Flats brings back 2-pound Mega-Freakin’-Juana Burrito

September 22, 2026

Tijuana Flats is bringing back its viral, two-pound Mega-Freakin'-Juana Burrito for a limited time; members of the brand's Flathead Rewards loyalty program…

Just Salad launches 1st campaign with Jalen Brunson

September 22, 2026

Just Salad has launched its first creative campaign featuring New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, building on the fast-casual chain's partnership with…

What is driving Kona Ice’s success?

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Tony Lamb is the Founder and visionary behind Kona Ice, the tropical shaved-ice brand that turned an ice cream truck nightmare into experiences that customers…

Breadless launches franchise expansion with first multi-unit agreement

September 22, 2026

Detroit-based Breadless signed a multi-unit development agreement with Third Coast Harvest LLC, officially launching the brand's franchise expansion strategy.

HB Protein Smoothies signs 6-unit South Florida franchise deal

September 22, 2026

HB Protein Smoothies signed a six-unit development agreement with franchisee Bob Morris to expand in South Florida. The deal marks the Scottsdale…

Beyond the algorithm: Don’t follow AI off a cliff

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Artificial intelligence can analyze trends but cannot predict the future.

KPOT taps Deliverect to manage 3rd-party delivery orders across 140 locations

September 21, 2026

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot has partnered with restaurant technology company Deliverect to handle third-party delivery order aggregation and menu management…

Webinar: Order accuracy as the next loyalty battleground

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

In this “Accuracy is the New Loyalty” webinar, Star Micronics’ Craig Kaliebe discusses how labeling, smart scales and other verification tools help operators…

Chicken Salad Chick continues Florida expansion with Sarasota debut

September 21, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick will open a restaurant in Sarasota, Florida, on Sept. 29 as part of its continued expansion across the state.

Bread Head plans 4th Southern California location

September 21, 2026

Bread Head will open its fourth Southern California location in December 2026 at Topanga Village in Woodland Hills, California, less than 2½ years after the…

Meet the 6 brands taking the stage at the 2026 Perfect Pitch

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Bronx Burger Co., Dizzy Bird, PLOMO Quesadillas, Griller Bros, Redhead Burger and Tiki Bagel will compete in the 2026 competition.