Why 2022 is 'one sweet year' for Cinnaholic

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although 2022 is only half-baked, Cinnaholic is cooking with gas, opening 11 locations, with an additional 15 projected to open by year's end. This year's…

Famous Toastery relaunches franchising, doubling presence by 2024

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

After surviving the pandemic, Famous Toastery is poised to grow out of its home market of Charlotte, expanding into Virginia and Tennessee, and two of its…

Ready to respond: Inside 1 Marine’s journey from the barracks to barbecue

by Dan Hyman

In honor of Veteran's Day, Brandon Lowery shares how his military background helps him run 27 stores for Sonny's BBQ.

PJ's Coffee multi-unit franchisee does these 4 things before adding locations

Barry Prendergast, who owns six PJ's Coffee units, describes how decides when the time is right to expand with additional franchise locations.

Noodles & Co finally focusing on franchising: Why now?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

John Ramsay, the newly appointed VP of Franchise Sales at Noodles & Co., describes why the Colorado chain is leaning into franchising after 25 years.

Why South African pet retailers wrapped paws around Mutts Canine Cantina

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Pavan and Deeve Shree are opening the first franchised location of the fast casual cantina and dog park.

Sonny's BBQ: A dish-rags to riches story

Thirty-one years ago, an 18-year-old Josh McCall was done with the restaurant business until then he found his calling at Sonny's BBQ in Florida.

Green Market Cafe launching franchising amid pandemic

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although the pandemic isn't yet behind us, two restaurateurs are moving ahead with franchise plans for their up-and-coming concept, Green Market Cafe.

Why customers are investing in this NYC smoothie franchise

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

While most restaurant brands rely on private equity investors and VC firms to raise capital, Pure Green Founder Ross Franklin is taking his cause to the people…

UK chopped salad start-up launches with ambitious expansion plans

Choppaluna hasn't even opened but already has 12 franchise agreements in place with 60 more expected to close soon

Backcountry Delicatessen rebrands as Yampa Sandwich Company, ready to franchise

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The world needs another sandwich franchise, according to Peter Boniface, who opened Colorado's Backcountry Delicatessen 20 years ago with his high school…

Why Teriyaki Madness CEO is confident about 500-unit growth strategy

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Claiming to more than double your restaurant unit count in one year may seem pretty gutsy, but Teriyaki Madness CEO Michael Haith isn't afraid to say it aloud.

How Paris Baguette CEO plans to open 1,000 US locations

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Paris Baguette CEO Jack Moran describes international expansion as time-consuming, inefficient, frustrating and involving a lot of hard work. Is it worth it?

Crisp & Green delivering more than healthful food to employees, customers

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

While serving good food is an important part of the brand's equation, CEO Steele Smiley said what sets it apart from other brands is its commitment to wellness.

Sweetberry CEO predicts 300% growth in sales

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Predicting a 300 percent sales increase for a 1-year-old brand is a pretty gutsy statement for any new business, but Sweetberry Bowls CEO Desi Saran is…

Kansas City's Spin Pizza gearing up for the ride of its life

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Spin Pizza Founding Partner Ed Brownell discusses how the brand's recent rebranding will help it grow.