VIA 313 using AI to manage phone ordering

August 27, 2025

VIA 313, a Detroit-style fast casual concept, has partnered with Kea, a conversational AI company for restaurants, to manage phone orders across its more than…

Big Dave's rolls out regional LTOs

August 27, 2025

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks is rolling out limited-time and regional menu items this fall, including the "Spicy Jawn" and the permanent regional additions…

Chef Bobby Flay's Burgers signs 65-unit deal for Canada

August 26, 2025

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay is bringing his fast casual concept, Bobby's Burgers, to Canada, thanks to a multi-year, 65-unit development deal with The Falcon…

FastCasual's 2024 Perfect Pitch winner inks major expansion deal

August 26, 2025

Co-founders Cassie Ghaffar and Sandy Nguyen, will serve as advisers at this year's Perfect Pitch, a round robin featuring eight founders vying to see which…

Honeygrow makes Columbus, Ohio debut

August 26, 2025

Following its entry into Ohio last year, Philadelphia-based Honeygrow is expanding into Columbus, with a secured lease at 4784 Morse Road in the Franklin…

Loman AI raises $3.5M to transform restaurant operations via voice AI

August 26, 2025

Loman AI, a Voice AI platform for the restaurant industry, has raised $3.5 million led by Next Coast Ventures with participation from TenOneTen Ventures and…

Chipotle launches 'Build-Your-Own' meal kit

August 25, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill is launching a "Build-Your-Own Chipotle" meal kit, a digital-exclusive offering designed to feed four to six people. The customizable…

Taco Bueno modernizing FOH operations

August 25, 2025

Taco Bueno is rolling out PAR Technology's point-of-sale and hardware solutions to all 140 of its locations. The move is intended to modernize the brand's…

Ziggi's launches 'swicy' latte featuring Mike's Hot Honey

August 21, 2025

Ziggi's Coffee has partnered with Mike's Hot Honey for its fall menu, which includes the hot honey brand's first-ever national coffee collaboration. The menu…

Qu unveils kiosk upgrades to boost revenue, ease staffing for restaurants

August 21, 2025

Qu, a provider of restaurant technology, has announced upgrades to its kiosk systems aimed at helping quick-service and fast-casual restaurants increase…

Chipotle rewarding college students with extra points, dorm decor

August 20, 2025

Chipotle is giving back to students with its new Chipotle U Rewards program, designed to reward every part of the college experience. It's the first-ever…

Craveworthy CEO denies wrongdoing in franchise lawsuit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 19, 2025

A franchise development company has filed a lawsuit against Craveworthy Brands and Dirty Dough, alleging breach of contract.

Sambazon to open 10 shops in Cincinnati

August 18, 2025

Sambazon has partnered with veteran franchise operator Parin Chokshi to open 10 açaí bowl shops in the Cincinnati area over the next five years.

Cava invests in Hyphen's automated makelines

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 18, 2025

Hyphen, a company that provides automated meal production for restaurants, has secured $25 million in Series B financing to expand its operations. The funding…

Paris Baguette testing inventory automation, order forecasting and RFID.

August 15, 2025

Paris Baguette is focused on growth this year, having awarded over 170 franchises and opened nearly 50 locations across North America so far in 2025. The…

Smalls SIiders to enter Oklahoma City

August 14, 2025

Smalls Sliders has signed a multi-unit agreement for Oklahoma City. The deal was inked with franchisees Michael Gamble and Paul Pogue, according to a press…

GoTo Foods partners with DoorDash for drone delivery service

August 13, 2025

GoTo Foods has partnered with DoorDash to provide drone delivery. The fast-mile delivery service, enabled by Wing, is currently live in three Texas markets…

Some restaurant sales sizzle, others fizzle

August 12, 2025

Summer sales have been hot and cold for U.S. restaurants this summer, with some areas seeing significant growth while others struggled, according to Toast's…

Leasecake launches AI-powered tool to help restaurants identify risks, improve lease terms

August 12, 2025

Leasecake, a company that manages commercial leases, has launched Leasecake LIFT, an AI-powered tool designed to help businesses identify risks and improve…

Vicious Biscuit's app sweetens catering, loyalty programs

August 12, 2025

Vicious Biscuit rolled out Vicious Biscuit Rewards, a mobile app designed to boost guest interactions and streamline operations, with a particular focus on…