Which Wich stacks UK expansion with London franchise deal

April 16, 2026

Dallas-based Which Wich is boosting its U.K. expansion through a multi-unit franchise agreement with franchisee Reza Hassanadeh.

Bean & Brews pours on expansion with 7 openings in Q1

April 16, 2026

Bean & Brews Coffee House continued its national growth plans, opening seven locations in the first quarter of 2026, according to a company press release.

ConverseNow and Deliverect Announce Partnership to Bring Voice AI Ordering into Unified Restaurant Order & Men

Integration Enables Restaurants to Seamlessly Manage AI-Powered Voice Orders Across Digital Channels

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Secures Tampa Expansion as Growth Strategy Gains Speed

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has secured its entry into the Tampa market, marking a significant step forward in the brand’s national expansion strategy and…

Jimmy John’s gets lit with celeb-built 4/20 menu

April 14, 2026

Jimmy John's will tap into cannabis culture through the launch of its "Dream Rotation," a limited-time menu celebrating the April 20 holiday. The Champaign…

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, Connect Media

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.