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.

What fast casuals can learn from Europe’s street food culture

Walk down a narrow Parisian alley or a bustling Lisbon market, and a symphony of sights, sounds, and smells greets you. Steam rising from sizzling pans, fresh…

Old Scratch Pizza leads with 'Midwesternly Neapolitan' pizza

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The episode of the Pizza Marketplace Podcast features Old Scratch Pizza founder Eric Soller discussing his journey from a culinary and corporate background to…

Reality star Karlie Redd talks good food, service, location at Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Love and Hip Hop Atlanta star Karlie Redd shared brand success insight with attendees at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Austin, Texas, on Sunday.

Starbucks understands the protein assignment

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

October 1, 2025

Understanding more customers are looking to add more protein to their diets Starbucks has added a line of protein-boosted lattes, milks and cold foam drinks to…

Fusian honoring Breast Cancer Awareness with pink sushi

October 1, 2025

Fast casual restaurant chain Fusian is offering pink sushi rolls throughout October to raise money for the Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio.

Chipotle launching Red Chimichurri sauce

September 29, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill is adding a new sauce to its menu, a limited-time offering called Red Chimichurri.

Playa Bowls Taps SynergySuite to Power Next Phase of Growth

Playa Bowls, with 200+ locations, selected SynergySuite as their AI-powered back-of-house tech partner to enhance food & labor management, automate…

Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte still driving traffic

by Shira Petrack — Content Manager, Placer.ai

Starbucks' fall launch doesn't just boost its own traffic; it sets the benchmark for the entire industry.

The Secret Weapon Top Restaurant Chains Use to Win Back Margins

Top restaurant chains like Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Church's Chicken are pulling 2-8% extra margin by replacing spreadsheets & disconnected systems with…

Stoner's Pizza Joint launches Honey Hot Pepperoni Pizza

September 19, 2025

Stoner's Pizza Joint has launched its Honey Hot Pepperoni Pizza for a limited time only. The pizza is available from now through Oct. 31 at participating…

Scooter’s chief growth officer: 'Coffee franchises offer stability, scalability'

by Tim Arpin — Chief Growth Officer, Scooter’s Coffee

Scooter's Chief Growth Officer Tim Arpin said the demand for coffee has translated into a thriving franchise industry with no signs of slowing down.

Drinkable wellness: Why Juice It Up is betting on Aloe Vera

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The global market for aloe vera juice was valued at $13 billion in 2022 and is on track to hit $24.1 billion by 2032

How Papa Murphy's '$10 Tuesdays' promotion evolved

Pizza Marketplace Podcast host Mandy Detwiler talks to Dallas Massey, SVP of marketing for Papa Murphy's Take N' Bake Pizza about the brand's $10 Tuesdays…

SynergySuite Recognized as a Utah Top Workplace for 2025

SynergySuite won the Top Workplaces 2025 award from Salt Lake Tribune for the second year running, based on employee feedback about culture. The restaurant…

Why 70% of Restaurant Managers Hate Inventory (and How to Fix It for Good)

70% of restaurant managers hate inventory because it wastes 4-6 hours monthly with manual counting, causes unexplained food cost spikes, and drives manager…

Newk's Eatery CEO discusses tech, its food quality and third-party delivery

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb.com, chats with Frank Paci, CEO of Newk's…