Zaxbys debuts ghost kitchen in Dallas

August 4, 2025

Zaxbys has opened its first-ever ghost kitchen in Dallas. The delivery-only location, powered by CloudKitchens, is near the Design District at 921 W Commerce…

Birdcall flocks to Boise with 1st franchise deal

August 4, 2025

Denver-based craft chicken chain Birdcall has signed its inaugural franchise agreement, bringing five restaurants to Boise's Treasure Valley.

Smalls Sliders to enter Tennessee

August 4, 2025

Smalls Sliders has inked its first deal for Tennessee. The multi-unit agreement will bring for units to the Knoxville metro region, according to a press…

Star Micronics leads the way in smart labeling for growing restaurants

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Smart labeling is a necessity in today's restaurants. Learn how Star Micronics is leading the charge in labeling technology.

Speaker Spotlight: Steve Felson, The Buona Companies Sr. VP, Operations & Training

August 1, 2025

The Buona Companies Sr. Vice President, Operations and Training Steve Felson will be sharing insight on the "Executive Perspectives: Inspiration for Today’s…

SoundHound AI, Acrelec partner on voice-enabled drive-thrus

July 31, 2025

SoundHound AI and Acrelec are partnering to bring advanced, voice-enabled drive-thru systems to restaurants worldwide by integrating SoundHound's Dynamic…

How Shake Shack CEO is tackling 3 industry challenges

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

To drive traffic in a "value-oriented market," Shake Shack is moving beyond its traditional word-of-mouth marketing. The company has embarked on a paid media…

How Dig Inn maintains quality at scale: A CMO's Guide to brand, loyalty, AI

Dig Inn CMO Jessica Serrano reveals how the chef-driven fast casual chain rebuilt its brand identity, scaled from Manhattan to suburban markets and leveraged…

Toast unveils handheld POS with cellular capabilities

July 31, 2025

Toast has released Toast Go 3, a handheld point-of-sale device, designed to enhance speed and service for restaurants operating in diverse environments. The…

McAlister's Deli expanding via 'Fast Casual Plus' model

July 30, 2025

McAlister's Deli, which is eyeing New Jersey and the metro New York-area for expansion, is ready to unveil its "Fast Casual Plus" hospitality model featuring a…

Cava highlights 'values-driven growth' in Impact Report

July 30, 2025

Cava, a Mediterranean fast casual restaurant brand, has released its first Impact Report, detailing how its mission-driven approach has fostered advancements…

Velvet Taco launches annual WTF taco contest

July 30, 2025

Velvet Taco, a fast casual restaurant known for its globally inspired tacos, has launched its fourth annual WTF (Weekly Taco Feature) Recipe Contest, inviting…

Starbucks CEO reveals 5-step recovery plan

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Despite a 2% decline in global comparable store sales and a 45% year-over-year decrease in EPS, CEO Brian Niccol is spearheading a turnaround strategy…

ezCater enhances employee meal program with self-serve features

July 30, 2025

ezCater, a food tech platform for workplaces, has launched self-serve features for its employee meal program, Relish by ezCater. The updates aim to provide…

Criminal charges dropped against Wiederhorn, FAT Brands

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

July 29, 2025

While the criminal charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice against Wiederhorn and FAT Brands have been dismissed, the SEC's civil fraud charges are…

Fat Boy's Pizza, Savvy Sliders bring co-branded unit to Fort Wayne, Indiana

July 29, 2025

Savvy Sliders and Fat Boy's Pizza will open a co-branded unit this fall in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The restaurants, located in a former BurgerFi, are located at…

Velvet Taco, Salad House, &pizza, Erik's DeliCafe leaders talk online engagement, smart promotions

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Top restaurant leaders share insight on fueling growth through online engagement and smart promotions at the upcoming Fast Casual Executive Summit.

Corbett's Burgers & Soda Bar franchising Carolinas

July 29, 2025

After honing operations at its five locations in North Carolina, Corbett's Burgers & Soda Bar is expanding its footprint across North and South Carolina…

Ovation launches tools to sharpen restaurant CX

July 29, 2025

Ovation, a guest experience platform for multi-unit restaurants, has launched several tools to help operators measure, manage and improve guest experience…

Nominations open for Top 30 Movers & Shakers: Catering

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

July 28, 2025

Nominations close on Aug. 17