Lean, smart, scalable: Fast Casual Executive Summit panel explores the future of self-service

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

This panel will explore cost-effective self-service options, menu optimization, staff training and strategies for guest adoption, all with a focus on keeping…

PAR rolls out AI-powered assistant to streamline restaurant operations

September 9, 2025

Instead of forcing restaurants to rely on complex spreadsheets and manual data analysis, PAR Technology has created an artificial intelligence tool, PAR AI, to…

Newk's Eatery CEO discusses tech, its food quality and third-party delivery

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb.com, chats with Frank Paci, CEO of Newk's…

Einstein Bros launching new store design

September 8, 2025

Einstein Bros. Bagels is rolling out a new store design, "Elevate the Morning," aimed at upgrading the customer experience and accelerating nationwide growth.

Is Waffle House's all-night delivery a threat to fast casuals?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Fast casuals that have invested heavily in their off-premise strategies will now face direct competition from a brand that is a household name, has a…

Catering's new era: Meet the Top 30 Innovators of 2025

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

In its second year, the 2025 "Top 30 Movers & Shakers: Catering" celebrates the individuals steering the transformation — those scaling programs, partnering…

It's a vibe: The story behind Longboards' Filipino-inspired menu, surf culture success

Founder and chef Gilbert Macapagal, CEO John Bailey and Jeremy Capps, director of operations, discuss the Filipino-inspired menu, its innovative Shaka Pop…

Playa Bowls restructuring leadership team after acquisition

September 5, 2025

Playa Bowls, a national chain known for its superfruit bowls, is restructuring its leadership team to accelerate franchise growth and expand its footprint…

How small eateries leverage local appeal to boost business

September 5, 2025

In a world dominated by national chains, what makes a small, family owned restaurant truly stand out? The answer lies in the unique flavors, personalized…

Rhone acquires Freddy's to drive market expansion

September 5, 2025

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has been acquired by investment funds affiliated with Rhone, a global private equity firm. The Wichita-based…

Sweetgreen hires former Chipotle exec as CFO

September 5, 2025

Sweetgreen Chief Financial Officer Mitch Reback will retire after a decade with the company, and Jamie McConnell, most recently chief accounting and…

Rock N' Roll Sushi Expanding across southern US

September 4, 2025

Rock N' Roll Sushi is expanding its footprint this fall with four restaurants across the Southeast and Southwest, each led by a different franchise partner.

Andy Wiederhorn returns to CEO role at FAT Brands

September 3, 2025

Andy Wiederhorn is back at the helm of FAT Brands Inc., the parent company of Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Round Table Pizza, and 15 other restaurant concepts.

Wonder adds Grubhub-powered restaurants to app

September 2, 2025

Wonder, a mealtime platform that acquired Grubhub last year, is allowing customers to order from Grubhub's restaurant partners through the Wonder app…

Jersey Mike's names Stacy Peterson president, COO

September 2, 2025

Jersey Mike's Subs has named restaurant industry veteran Stacy Peterson as its president and chief operating officer. She previously served as CEO of Jeni's…

Breaking boundaries: Derrick Hayes on purpose, power, building Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

In this episode of Founderology – Built to Breakthrough, Derrick Hayes opens up about the decisions, setbacks, and breakthroughs that shaped his path. He…

Carne Asada available as LTO at Chipotle

September 2, 2025

Carne Asada, Chipotle's most-searched menu item on Google, is returning to the menu Thursday at U.S. and Canada locations. Available for a limited time, the…

Dave's Hot Chicken signs 180-unit European deal

September 2, 2025

Dave's Hot Chicken, a Los Angeles-based fast casual chain, has finalized an agreement with the UK-based Azzurri Group to develop 180 restaurants across 1…

Jimmy John's continues Canadian expansion

August 29, 2025

Jimmy John's has opened its second Canadian location inside Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls. The opening is part of a rapid expansion plan to open 12 stores…

Graze Craze's president discusses strategy behind 14 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth

Operating from small 500- to 1,000-square-foot locations, Oklahoma-based Graze Craze has scaled to nearly 100 units in under five years by focusing on…