Golden Corral closing, rebranding fast-casual concept

February 24, 2025

Golden Corral has shuttered Homeward Kitchen, its first iteration of a fast-casual spinoff and is reopening it in April as Golden Corral Favorites.

Starbucks firing 1,100 workers

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

February 24, 2025

North American leaders will return to the office at least three days per week.

Charlie Morrison joins Nothing Bundt Cakes' Board

February 24, 2025

Nothing Bundt Cake has added Charlie Morrison, former CEO of Wingstop and Salad and Go, to its board of directors.

Austin welcomes 2 Shipley Do-Nuts

February 24, 2025

Shipley Do-Nuts has opened two locations in the Austin area at 7714 SW Pkwy., in South Austin and 15101 Ronald Reagan Blvd., in Leander.

Nomination period extended for Fast Casual Top 30: Marketing

February 24, 2025

Nominations close Friday, Feb. 28.

Just Salad raises $200M to support growth

February 24, 2025

Just Salad has raised $200 million in capital from Wellington Management, alongside D1 Capital Partners, Neuberger Berman and Stripes. The company is now…

Shake Shack beats Q4 earnings despite cold weather, LA fires

February 21, 2025

The California wildfires and freezing January temperatures didn't stop customers from visiting their favorite Shake Shacks, according to CEO Rob Lynch, who…

Knuckies Hoagies hitting growth spurt

February 21, 2025

Georgia-based Knuckies Hoagies will add 14 locations by year's end by opening standalone stores and within Walmarts.

Smalls Sliders inks deal for Indiana

February 20, 2025

Burger brand Smalls Sliders has signed its first development deal for Indiana. The deal was inked with operating group Indy Craves led by Ellen Broyles and…

Currito looking to expand via franchising

February 19, 2025

Currito, which signed nine deals last year to open 16 locations in Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, is entering several markets by year's end.

Lucky Cat's poke added to Genghis Grill menus

February 19, 2025

Lucky Cat Poke Co., a virtual brand created in 2023 by Craveworthy Brands, is introducing in-store dining at nearly 20 Genghis Grill restaurants from Columbus…

Chipotle adding 20K employees via AI-powered hiring platform

February 19, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill is launching an AI-powered hiring campaign to hire over 20,000 workers, ensuring that its 3,700 restaurants are staffed for "Burrito…

Potbelly Sandwich giving 'exclusive franchise rights' in Southern markets

February 18, 2025

Potbelly is launching exclusive franchise opportunities to business owners who want to develop four to six locations in Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga…

Pita Pit growing Alaskan footprint

February 18, 2025

Pita Pit USA is expanding its presence in Alaska with two locations in Wasilla and Palmer, led by franchisee Kaleb Crawford, who spent several years managing…

Uncommon Brands assembles team to scale restaurant concepts

February 18, 2025

Uncommon Brands, a holding company investing in and scaling restaurant brands, is building a leadership team with the addition of seasoned professionals to its…

Pita Pit, Second Cup Café, Chocolato open co-branded location in Quebec

February 17, 2025

Foodtastic, a franchise company with over 1,200 restaurants in Canada, opened a multi-brand location, featuring Pita Pit, Second Cup Café and Chocolato, last…

Döner Haus launches US franchising program

February 14, 2025

New York City-based Döner Haus, a German-style Döner Kebab sandwich brand, is ready to hit markets across the U.S. via franchising.

Lola Beans hoping for a little growth magic

February 14, 2025

Tennessee-based Lola Beans, a drive-thru coffee and beverage brand, is launching its franchise program combining coffee, espresso, infused sodas and energy…

Penn Station hires former franchisee as sales EVP

February 13, 2025

Ohio-based Penn Station East Coast Subs has hired former franchisee Don Champion as SVP of Sales and Development.

Chicken Salad Chick opening 14th Louisiana store

February 13, 2025

Chicken Salad Chick will open its 14th Louisiana restaurant next week under the direction of franchise owners Chad and Amanda Ducote, who opened their first…