Bubbakoo’s Burritos taps Bikky to power data strategy, fuel growth

April 13, 2026

Bubbakoo's Burritos has partnered with Bikky to centralize customer data and strengthen its technology as a foundation for growth.

Teriyaki Madness ups protein game with Two-By-Two Bowl

April 10, 2026

Denver-based Teriyaki Madness has boosted the protein presence on its menu by adding the Two-By-Two Bowl, a limited-time offering that builds on the…

Phoenix heats up with 2nd Houston TX Hot Chicken location

April 10, 2026

Houston TX Hot Chicken is doubling its Arizona presence.

'Stuff it': Panera Bread introduces bread rolls filled with salads

April 9, 2026

Panera Bread has introduced Salad Stuffers, a handheld version of the brand's green offerings. The item features a specially made, hollowed-out Italian roll…

Deliverect launches AI agents and smart assistants to supercharge restaurant sales

The intelligent engine for digital revenue, now available to UK clients, with Australia, New Zealand and North America to follow.

Saucy by KFC adds Drips by Pepsi beverages to menu

April 8, 2026

Saucy by KFC, KFC's fast casual brand, has upped its beverage offerings with the addition of Drips by Pepsi to the menu. The 16-ounce drinks combine PepsiCo…

Little Caesars VP of franchise development talks brand growth, solid operations

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Podcast host Mandy Detwiler talks to Bryan Ketelhut, VP of franchise and business development for Little Caesars.

Resilient but restless: Fast casuals outpace industry as 2026 competition heats up

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Networld Media Group

In 2025, fast-casual brands outperformed despite challenges. Predictions for 2026 include sector expansion with a focus on health, pricing, and competition.

Playa Bowls launches 1st Canadian location

April 6, 2026

Playa Bowls is opening its first Canadian location as part of a cross-country expansion plan.

Starbucks betting on mango

April 2, 2026

Mango flavors have earned a permanent place on the Starbucks drink menus, according to a company press release.

The Melt heats up growth with franchising strategy

April 1, 2026

San Francisco-based The Melt is seeking experienced multi-unit restaurant operators to help expand its presence in California and Arizona, where it owns and…

Birdcall to open at Coors Field

April 1, 2026

Birdcall will open its newest restaurant at Coors Field in Denver when the Colorado Rockies host the Philadelphia Phillies for their April 3 home opener.

7 Brew announces 1st on-campus stand development

April 1, 2026

7 Brew Coffee plans to open its first on-campus stand — and third walk-through location — at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The unit is scheduled…

Vicious Biscuit revamps cocktail menu after guest feedback

March 27, 2026

Fast-casual brunch chain Vicious Biscuit updated its cocktail menu in response to guest feedback and internal testing that showed higher demand for…

NAYA to open 17 restaurants in 2026

March 27, 2026

Lebanese fast-casual brand NAYA plans to open 17 new locations this year.

The protein pivot: How customizable fast casuals win without reinventing the menu

By Peter Wiley, Vice President of Marketing and IT at Hot Head Burritos, explains fast casual brands don't have to build something new when it comes to pushing…

Hidden Profit Loss in Multi-Unit Restaurants

Multi-unit restaurant brands often lose profit not from major cost swings, but from small, inconsistent daily decisions across locations. This eBook reveals…

Presented by SynergySuite

How Juice It Up leads the modern beverage boom

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In this podcast episode, Juice It Up CEO Susan Taylor discusses how the brand has maintained its leadership in the booming beverage franchise market by…

Rice Mediterranean Kitchen opens 10th location in Coconut Grove

March 24, 2026

Rice Mediterranean Kitchen launched its 10th South Florida location at 3015 Grand Ave. in Coconut Grove, Florida. The restaurant began operations in February…

Walk-On’s partners with Cole Swindell, plans Nashville location

March 20, 2026

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux has expanded its franchise efforts by teaming up with Jamie Daniel of Daniel Hospitality Group, according to a company press release.