Jimmy John’s to open 20th Canadian restaurant in Guelph, Ontario

November 5, 2026

Jimmy John's will open its 30th Canadian location next week at 30 Clair Road West in Guelph, Ontario.

Pumpkin shares the fall spotlight with apple, squash and bolder flavors

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Pumpkin still anchors plenty of fall menus this year, but restaurant brands are also leaning on apple, squash and a few less traditional flavors to pull guests…

Freddy’s promotes Lindsey Kochanski to marketing VP

November 4, 2026

[MEDIA ITEM PHOTO #6571 (350px width / right align)] Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has promoted Lindsey Kochanski from director of brand marketing…

7Spice Cajun Seafood plans 5 Houston-area openings

November 4, 2026

7Spice Cajun Seafood, plans to open five restaurants across Greater Houston in late 2026 and early 2027, increasing its footprint to 25 locations.

HB Protein Smoothies signs five-unit Nevada and Utah development deal

November 3, 2026

Justin and Tarrah Long have signed a five-unit development agreement with Scottsdale, Arizona-based HB Protein Smoothies to open restaurants in the Las Vegas…

Maria Rivera joins The Salty Donut as CEO

November 3, 2026

[MEDIA ITEM PHOTO #6570 (350px width / right align)] The Salty Donut has named Maria Rivera CEO. She was appointed to the position in spring and has spent the…

Protein without the hype: Juice It Up execs on navigating modern beverage trends

In this episode, Susan Taylor, President & CEO, and Chris Britt, Co-Owner of Juice It Up!, dive into the realities of modern beverage trends.

Craveworthy Brands hires industry veteran Keith Kravcik as CFO

November 2, 2026

Craveworthy Brands has appointed Keith Kravcik to its position of chief financial officer. He will oversee the company's financial operations and help guide…

BurgerFi brings back Conflicted Burger permanently on Election Day

November 2, 2026

Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based BurgerFi is permanently bringing back its Conflicted Burger in time for Election Day on Nov. 4.

Rock N Roll Sushi to open in Lake Charles, Louisiana

October 30, 2026

Rock N Roll Sushi will open Nov. 2 at 4740 Nelson Road in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The Mobile, Alabama-based chain's 81st location nationwide will be its third…

How Dillas Quesadillas revamped operations to speed service

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

A stalled drive-thru prompted Dillas Quesadillas to overhaul operations, simplify its menu and adopt kitchen-prep technology. The changes cut service times by…

Paris Baguette opens 30th Texas café in Missouri City

October 30, 2026

Paris Baguette will open its 30th Texas cafe on Oct. 31 at 6266 Highway 6 in Missouri City, Texas. The location, in the Kroger-anchored Colony Lakes Shopping…

Urbane Café opens first Santa Barbara County restaurant

October 30, 2026

Urbane Café opened its 46th restaurant on Oct. 26 at 7000 Hollister Ave., Suite 102, in Goleta, California. The location marks the Ventura, California-based…

Blaze Pizza makes 5 fan favorites permanent menu fixtures

October 29, 2026

Blaze Pizza is bringing back five popular pizzas, the Meat Eater, White Top, Green Stripe, BBQ Chicken and Margherita, the company has announced in a news…

Cava makes Wisconsin debut with Greenfield restaurant opening

October 29, 2026

Cava opened its first Wisconsin restaurant Oct. 28 at 8833 Sura Lane in Greenfield, a Milwaukee suburb. The 3,000-square-foot location marks the Washington…

Nash & Smashed sees 70% higher checks at Qu kiosk-led locations

October 28, 2026

Fairfax, Virginia-based Nash & Smashed is working with Qu's restaurant technology platform to support its franchise expansion.

Sweetgreen announces incentive strategies and leadership growth plans

October 27, 2026

Sweetgreen is introducing its Head Coach Incentive plan, an incentive strategy allowing top-performing restaurant managers to potentially earn more than…

BLENDED to open second franchise location in Georgia

October 27, 2026

BLENDED Smoothie & Juice Bar will open its third store and second franchise location Oct. 31 at 3538 Highway 92 in Douglasville, Georgia. Katrina Bryant…

Cafe Rio names Adam Klaers COO, promotes Julie Boyster to chief brand officer

October 27, 2026

[MEDIA ITEM PHOTO #6567 (250px width / right align)] Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican has appointed Adam Klaers as chief operating officer and promoted Julie…

Shipley Donuts expands national footprint in Q3

October 26, 2026

Shipley Donuts grew its national footprint in the third quarter, signing franchise agreements for new locations in the Midwest, Southeast and Texas while…