Zaxbys signs 2 franchise agreements to expand in Mississippi

September 18, 2026

Zaxbys has signed two franchise agreements with brothers Alan and Eddie Gant to bring the Atlanta-based chicken chain to Winona and Kosciusko, Mississippi.

The restaurant of tomorrow takes center stage at #QSRNext 2026

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

#QSRNext 2026 will bring together restaurant executives and industry leaders to explore the forces reshaping quick service, including AI, drive-thru…

Smalls Sliders makes college-campus debut with 2 openings

September 17, 2026

Sandy Springs, Georgia-based Smalls Sliders will make its college-campus debut with openings at the University of Central Florida in September and the…

Slutty Vegan plans 3rd Ohio opening

September 17, 2026

Plant-based burger fast-casual chain Slutty Vegan has signed a franchise agreement with Soul Republic Hospitality Group to open a restaurant in Cincinnati…

Qvinci launches RoyaltyHub to automate franchise royalty management

September 16, 2026

Qvinci Software has launched Qvinci RoyaltyHub, a new platform designed to automate the royalty management process for franchise brands, the company has…

Mo’ Bettahs to open 2nd Oklahoma City location

September 16, 2026

Mo' Bettahs will open a restaurant at 14020 N. Rockwell Ave., in Oklahoma City on Sept. 18. The location will be the Bountiful, Utah-based brand's second in…

Flying Biscuit Café signs two-unit development agreement for Palm Beach County, Florida

September 16, 2026

The Flying Biscuit Café has signed a multi-unit development agreement to open its first two restaurants in Palm Beach County, Florida.

How Nekter's CTO is using AI to turn more guests into regulars

Nékter Juice Bar CTO Jon Asher joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to break down how AI is reshaping guest personalization, loyalty…

GoTo Foods names Lucy Brady Jamba president, reshuffles additional portfolio roles

September 15, 2026

GoTo Foods has appointed Lucy Brady as president of Jamba and shifted leadership roles across its portfolio. The Atlanta-based company also named Nathan…

UFG adds 105 locations, signs 148 franchisee deals in 1H

September 15, 2026

United Franchise Group reported robust growth during the first half of 2026, adding 105 locations, signing 148 individual franchisee agreements and executing…

How Sankranti built its own fast-casual Indian food playbook

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Srinivasa “Nimms” Nimmagadda and his team spent years developing a fast-casual Indian food concept playbook through Sankranti Indian Kitchen. Now the company…

Belle Holdings opens 10th Buffalo Wild Wings GO in Virginia

September 14, 2026

Belle Holdings Inc., led by franchisee Kevin Donham, will open its 10th Buffalo Wild Wings GO location in Virginia on Sept. 17 in Henrico County. The…

Top 30 Movers & Shakers in Catering 2026

This annual initiative shines a spotlight on the visionary leaders, innovators, and brands redefining off-premises dining. From pioneering game-changing…

Presented by MONKEY Catering Platform

Rusty Taco expands nontraditional footprint through airport, entertainment venues

September 11, 2026

Rusty Taco is expanding its national footprint through nontraditional venues, including airports, convenience stores and entertainment destinations. The…

Wingstop kicks off football season with Lemon Pepper Trio

September 11, 2026

Wingstop is kicking off the 2026-27 football season with its limited-time Lemon Pepper Trio, featuring its original Lemon Pepper flavor alongside two new…

How Penn Station is winning over Gen Z without discounting

Penn Station President Lance Vaught and Curion's Thomas Gilbert join Fast Casual Nation to break down how the 40-year-old sandwich brand is winning over Gen Z…

Presented by Curion Insights

Wings Etc. wants to make Ranch more than a side: Enter the 'Ranch Flight'

September 10, 2026

Wings Etc. will launch a limited-time Ranch Flight Sept. 15, allowing customers to choose three of five ranch-based sauces. The lineup includes House Ranch…

Everbowl expands Arizona presence with South Peoria opening

September 10, 2026

Carlsbad, California-based Everbowl opened a location Sept. 3 at 8402 W. Thunderbird Road in South Peoria, Arizona.

National Restaurant Association launches 'Made in Restaurants' initiative

September 9, 2026

The National Restaurant Association has launched "Made in Restaurants," a national initiative designed to showcase the restaurant industry's role in shaping…

Sweetgreen to open 1st Jacksonville, Florida, location

September 9, 2026

Sweetgreen is expanding into northeast Florida with the upcoming opening of its first Jacksonville location at 4624 Town Crossing Drive. The 2,560-square-foot…