Do Americans prefer bagels or doughnuts?

January 9, 2026

Over half of Americans believe bagels are superior to doughnuts, according to a report by Einstein Bros. Bagels ahead of National Bagel Day, which is Jan. 15.

Smoothie King, Tropical Smoothie Cafe join the 'proteinization' of the fast casual industry

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Both beverage brands join Starbucks, Nekter Juice Bar and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in the focus on protein

The 'proteinization' of the fast casual industry: Starbucks, Nekter, Coffee Bean & Tea bulk up winter menus

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

While the "New Year, New Me" resolution season often focuses on restriction, smart brands are leaning into satiety and muscle recovery to drive traffic.

Cava enters 2026 with elevated menu

January 5, 2026

Washington D.C.-based Cava has launched its largest menu expansion to date, headlined by the return of white sweet potatoes following a persistent years-long…

Shake Shack launches 'Good Fit' menu

December 30, 2025

The brand is also highlighting its Gluten-Free Double ShackBurger, which features two patties on a dedicated gluten-free bun, providing 47 grams of protein.

Pizza Brands to Watch in 2026

Dominating the landscape is a shift toward “experiential” and “fusion” dining, where classic pepperoni is being challenged by global flavors like…

Presented by PizzaMarketplace.com

Chipotle jumping on high protein trend

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The 4,000-unit chain is launching a menu next week featuring items with protein content ranging from 15 to 81 grams

Cheba Hut introduces limited-time holiday cocktail

December 11, 2025

Cheba Hut has launched the holiday drink, "Sleigh'd and Confused," available at its locations through Dec. 31.

Straight up with a twist: A cocktail’s reality check

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Gallup found drinking still hasn't returned to pre-pandemic levels — only 62% of adults drink now, down from 65% before COVID. Morning Consult says 59% kept at…

Chef Michael Symon serving holiday LTOs at Kitchen Works

November 20, 2025

James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Symon is bringing a taste of gourmet holiday cheer to workplaces nationwide with his limited-edition Festive Dark…

From café to national movement: Clean Eatz Founders on scaling wellness without losing heart

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Clean Eatz is a franchise co-founded by Don and Evonne Varady that solves the time vs. health dilemma by offering convenient, macro-balanced meals, from…

Hungry Howie's differentiates itself with flavored crust, fresh dough, ingredients

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

VP of Public Relations Jennifer Jackson discusses the Hungry Howie's pizza brand's strategic marketing and operational planning, including cross-functional…

Dave & Buster's adds 100 menu items

November 12, 2025

Dave & Buster's is debuting its most extensive menu revamp in company history, rolling out over 100 food and beverage items alongside the return of several…

The Efficiency Flywheel: 4 Kitchen Upgrades to Drive Compounding Returns

In a busy kitchen, every second counts. For a fast-casual restaurant serving 250 tickets a day, saving just 20 seconds per ticket adds up to over 500 hours of…

Barry Bagels expands with major deal in Texas, uses hub-and-spoke model for growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Barry Bagels' history dates back to 1972. Today, the brand has locations in Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio,

Graze Craze launches 'Wine Pairing Board' with sommelier collaboration

November 6, 2025

Graze Craze, a fast casual charcuterie franchise, has launched a Wine Pairing Board in collaboration with certified sommelier and wine educator Warner Boin…

Transparency: Key to consumer acceptance of gene-edited foods

November 6, 2025

Consumer willingness to buy gene-edited foods, products made from plants, animals or microorganisms whose DNA has been altered using new genetic technologies…

Apple Pie Spice: The sequel no one saw coming (except us)

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Although pumpkin remains dominant, apple, caramel and cinnamon blends are surging. Is there room for all three on this year's fall menus?

Shake Shack rolls out protein-packed 'Big Shack'

November 3, 2025

Shake Shack is upping its burger game, announcing the nationwide launch of the "Big Shack," a deluxe, three-bun version of its signature ShackBurger.

Inflight intelligence: Decoding flavor at 30,000 feet

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

A foresight expert and a fast casual operator decode how drivers shape tomorrow’s menu.