Insomnia Cookies offers free six-pack to college freshmen

August 14, 2026

Insomnia Cookies is offering incoming college freshmen a free Freshman 6-Pack of cookies as part of a back-to-school promotion. Eligible students can claim the…

Smoothie King posts 9% July same-store sales growth, expands franchise pipeline

August 13, 2026

Smoothie King is seeing strong momentum from menu expansion and franchisee investment, reporting 9% same-store sales growth in July and its highest number of…

Flytrex, Nash focus on flexible delivery, not just drones

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Flytrex and Nash have partnered to provide the best delivery service from restaurant to home, whether via drone or food courier.

Restaurant turnover isn't a hiring issue — It's a culture problem, say Fast Casual Executive Summit panelists

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Tiki Taco's Eric Knott and Training Simplified's Sam Worobec preview their session at the 2026 Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 4–6 in Arlington, Texas.

Inspire doubles down on first Buffalo Wild Wings-Jimmy John’s co-brand

August 12, 2026

Inspire Brands is expanding its co-branding strategy with the Aug. 18 opening of its first Buffalo Wild Wings GO and Jimmy John's location at 5241 69th St. E…

Healthy fast casual goes convenient: Konala, Clean Eatz redefining drive-thru, grab-and-go

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Two brands, two models — one goal: making nutritious food as fast and effortless as fast food.

Jeff’s Bagel Run taps Hungry Howie’s franchisees for South Carolina expansion

August 11, 2026

Jeff's Bagel Run has signed a three-store agreement with franchisees Jennifer Yanakiev and Brian Edelen to enter the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, market.

Ziggi’s, Philadelphia Cream Cheese make beverage debuts with savory latte

August 11, 2026

Ziggi's Coffee and Philadelphia Cream Cheese have teamed up on an Everything Bagel Latte, giving both brands a beverage first, while using the limited-time…

Technology drives 100% franchisee adoption of Beyond Juicery + Eatery pricing strategy

August 10, 2026

Beyond Juicery + Eatery said all of its franchise owners have adopted pricing guidance developed in partnership with restaurant pricing and decision…

Pumpkin season arrives earlier than ever as fast casuals race to claim fall season

For coffee and bakery chains, capturing pumpkin-obsessed customers first, before rivals and before summer even ends, has become as much a part of the season as…

Chicken Salad Chick adding to North Carolina footprint

August 10, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick will open its newest restaurant Aug. 19 at 1016 Burkemont Ave., in Morganton, North Carolina, continuing the Atlanta-based chain's…

7th Annual State of Digital for Restaurants

The 2026 State of Digital & Beyond report by Qu examines how QSR and fast casual brands are approaching restaurant technology as the industry shifts from…

Presented by Qu

The MilkShake Factory expands with Fort Collins, Colorado opening

August 7, 2026

The MilkShake Factory has expanded its footprint with the opening of a new location in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Pittsburgh-based dessert brand opened the…

Tropical Smoothie names Joe Sieve chief development, growth officer

August 7, 2026

Tropical Smoothie Café has hired Joe Sieve as chief development and growth officer, replacing Cheryl Fletcher, who will retire at the end of August.

FDA, CDC say danger has passed after Chipotle, Qdoba pull jalapenos

August 6, 2026

Qdoba has "proactively" removed jalapenos from its menu after the FDA recalled fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus…

Konala opens 1st New Jersey restaurant as expansion continues

August 6, 2026

Konala opened its first New Jersey restaurant July 31 at 11 Franklin Ave., in Belleville, marking another step in the company's nationwide expansion.

Jeff's Bagel Run signs 10-unit Pennsylvania franchise deal

August 6, 2026

Jeff's Bagel Run is expanding into Pennsylvania after signing a 10-unit franchise agreement with Jay and Amy DeLuca, Eric Clark and Nadia Hankin.

Chipotle: 'Robust ingredient traceability system' flagged jalapeños tied to salmonella probe

August 5, 2026

Chipotle Mexican Grill has reiterated that jalapeños identified from a common lot remain the focus of its internal investigation into a salmonella outbreak…

How Tony Roma's is using fast-casual strategies to reinvent itself

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

CEO Mina Haque explains how the 54-year-old brand is adapting to changing consumer habits without abandoning its casual-dining roots.

Crisp & Green opens 3rd Omaha-area restaurant

August 5, 2026

Crisp & Green has opened its third Omaha-area restaurant in Papillion, Nebraska, as the Minneapolis-based fast-casual brand continues to expand its…