Sweetgreen names Cindy Olsen chief strategy officer

May 28, 2026

Sweetgreen, Inc. has appointed Cindy Olsen to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief strategy officer, effective immediately.

Wingstop takes flight with upgraded loyalty program

May 28, 2026

Wingstop Inc. is launching its new loyalty program, Club Wingstop, and has tapped reality TV personality Maura Higgins to support the June 1 debut.

Tractor Beverage Company showcases Haymaker award-winning drinks at NRA Show

Tractor Beverage Company's John Murphy discusses what makes the company standout in the restaurant field and why you should choose their award-winning…

Presented by Tractor Beverage Co.

Cousins Subs promotes Maja Gettrust to VP of marketing

May 27, 2026

Cousins Subs promoted industry veteran Maja Gettrust to vice president of Marketing. She will oversee brand strategy, creative development, media, loyalty…

Huey Magoo’s signs 10-unit Kansas City-area development deal

May 27, 2026

Orlando, Florida-based Huey Magoo's signed a 10-unit development agreement with Wichita, Kansas-based Midwest Restaurant Group to expand its brand throughout…

Chicken Salad Chick, Paris Baguette continue expansion with upcoming openings

May 26, 2026

Paris Baguette and Chicken Salad Chick have announced restaurant openings scheduled within the next 10 days as both brands continue their U.S. expansion…

Report: 61% of restaurant workers are skipping meals due to financial stress

May 26, 2026

Instant Financial and the Center for Generational Kinetics released a 2026 report titled "Underserved: The Financial Reality of America's Hourly Restaurant…

Stop relying on hope: Marketing blueprints from Ziggi's Coffee, Lee's Chicken, Pita Pit, Budget Branders

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Panelists provide marketing insights ahead of FastCasual's upcoming "Restaurant Marketing Workshop" on June 2-3 in Boston.

Jeff’s Bagel Run, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice scoop up summer collaboration

May 22, 2026

Jeff's Bagel Run has partnered with Jeremiah's Italian Ice for a limited-time "Ice Cream Summer" menu featuring specialty cream cheeses and beverages available…

Smalls Sliders debuts first-ever loaded fries, 2 dessert shakes

May 21, 2026

Smalls Sliders has launched its first-ever Loaded Fries and two hand-spun dessert shakes, Key Lime Pie and Banana Pudding, available for a limited time at…

Clean Juice launches Sparkler drinks amid refresher boom

May 21, 2026

Clean Juice has entered the growing refresher beverage category with the limited-time launch of Sparklers, a line of sparkling fruit-based drinks made with…

Smashburger builds executive bench with CMO hire

May 21, 2026

Smashburger has hired Kate Savelli as chief marketing officer. The move comes as the company continues to build nationwide momentum.

Habit Burger debuts in Humboldt County with Eureka opening

May 20, 2026

Habit Burger & Grill, part of Yum! Brands' portfolio, has expanded into Humboldt County, California, with the opening of a Eureka restaurant.

Penn Station rebrands, updates menu as franchise expansion accelerates

May 20, 2026

Fast-casual sandwich chain Penn Station East Coast Subs has rebranded as Penn Station Sandwiches as part of a broader growth strategy focused on franchise…

Jeff's Bagel Run Launches Ice Cream Summer with Jeremiah's Italian Ice Collaboration and Fan-Favorite Returnin

Jeff's Bagel Run is kicking off the season with its most indulgent summer lineup yet. Beginning May 25 and running through August 23, the brand is introducing…

Chicken Salad Chick signs 25-unit development deal in New York

May 18, 2026

Atlanta-based Chicken Salad Chick has signed a 25-unit franchise agreement for Upstate New York — Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and the Upper Hudson…

Rōti Modern Mediterranean launches London ghost kitchens, expands Atlanta footprint

May 18, 2026

Rōti Modern Mediterranean has opened four ghost kitchens in the United Kingdom and suburban Atlanta as part of its continued expansion strategy. The brand…

2026 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers

Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Each year, this report serves as a pulse check for the industry, celebrating the…

Presented by Elo Touch Solutions, Inc.

Mo’ Bettahs to open 2nd Arizona location

May 15, 2026

Bountiful, Utah-based Mo' Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food will open its second Arizona restaurant May 18 at 50 W. Jefferson St., in downtown Phoenix.

PJ’s Coffee to open near original Maple Street location

May 15, 2026

New Orleans-based PJ's Coffee plans to open at 7700 Maple St., New Orleans, down the street from the site of its original location, which debuted nearly 5…