It's 'Stick Season' at Piada

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

January 16, 2025

When Noah Kahn wrote the song "Stick Season," he probably wasn't thinking about Piada Italian Street Food's Stickscription program, but it may be the perfect…

Togo's launching franchising incentives

January 16, 2025

Togo's is offering incentive programs to fuel fuel franchise growth. The chain, which has opened stores in Nevada and Washington over the last year, hopes to…

Freddy's adding 15 locations via 3 franchise deals

January 14, 2025

Wichita-based Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is opening 15 locations in Nebraska, North Dakota and Maryland thanks to the signing of three…

HMS Growth founder named La Madeleine's president

January 14, 2025

La Madeleine, a French-founded neighborhood cafe and bakery, has named John Dillon as president. Dillon most recently served as founder and principal lead at…

Canadian burrito chain rebrands in US

January 14, 2025

Canada-based BurritoBar USA Inc. debuted its rebranded experience on Dec. 24, 2024, when it opened in Murfreesboro, Tennesee. Originally introduced to the U.S.

Just Salad opens 1st drive-thru location

January 13, 2025

Just Salad, which has over 90 locations, has opened the first of many drive-thru locations planned for the year, said Nick Kenner, founder and CEO.

Shake Shack to hit 1,500 units

January 13, 2025

Shake Shack Inc. CEO Rob Lynch said the chain has the potential to hit 1,500 company-operated units, versus the prior target of 450 provided in conjunction…

Garden Catering fights childhood cancer

January 10, 2025

New York-based Garden Catering is inviting the community to support "Queen Willa's Countdown to the Bell" by selling $5 coupon booklets with 100% of proceeds…

Shake Shack names CIO

January 10, 2025

Shake Shack Inc. has appointed Justin Mennen, Rite Aid's former EVP and chief digital and technology officer, to oversee its technology initiatives.

FAT Brands donating 10K meals to LA wildfire evacuees, responders

January 10, 2025

Through its food truck, the Fatmobile, FAT Brands Inc., the parent company of LA-based Fatburger, is donating 10,000 meals to first responders and fire…

New York-based bagel shop 'popping up' in Boston

January 10, 2025

New York-based PopUp Bagels is opening its first Boston location Friday in Boston Seaport's The Superette at 70 Pier 4 Blvd. The 770-square-foot shop is also…

Dunkin' franchisee opening 20 Qdobas

January 9, 2025

Qdoba, the second-largest Mexican fast casual restaurant chain in the U.S. with 800 locations, is expanding its footprint through several franchise agreements…

Gold medalist sprinter Gabby Thomas inspires Cava LTOs

January 9, 2025

Cava is teaming up with Olympic gold medalist sprinter and public health advocate Gabby Thomas to encourage consumers to embrace the Mediterranean spirit of…

Chopped Leaf starts 2025 with rebrand

January 9, 2025

Canada-based Chopped Leaf has rolled out a brand refresh featuring a new logo and updated interior design at its original location in Kelowna, British…

Birdcall hatches franchise offering

January 8, 2025

Denver-based Birdcall, which has 12 corporate-owned stores, is now franchising the concept with an initial focus on the Western and Southwestern states.

Sammy's slides into franchising in 2025

January 8, 2025

Sammy's Sliders, a slider franchise founded by restaurateur Sam G. Ballas and chef Sammy Gianopoulos, is ready to expand in 2025, after opening its second…

Philz Coffee, Simon Sinek collab on Optimism Coffee

January 8, 2025

Philz Coffee, a 70-unit brand based in San Francisco, is collaborating with Podcaster and New York Times bestselling author Simon Sinek to kick off the year…

Your Pie releases appetizer-inspired pizzas, wings

January 7, 2025

Your Pie has released its latest Craft Series lineup inspired by classic appetizers, according to a press release.

Swig snags Sonic president to lead growth

January 7, 2025

Swig has hired former Sonic Drive-In President Todd Smith as chief commercial officer. Smith started his career over 20 years ago at Yum! Brands in brand…

Madras Dosa Co making NYC debut in Times Square

January 6, 2025

Madras Dosa Co. is opening its first New York City location next week in Times Square at 1450 Broadway Ave. Founded in Boston in 2021, Madras Dosa will serve…