Just Salad offering upscale dinner options

March 20, 2025

Just Salad has created a dinner category, Market Plates, designed for health-conscious consumers. The permanent menu addition will feature from-scratch…

Tous les Jours' beverage expert reveals 3 trends to watch

Alex Hager, beverage research and development manager, at Tous les Jours, predicts a surge on cake-inspired beverages like the Tiramisu Latte and drinks with a…

Jollibee North America president says company is ready for next-level growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

At the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit in Myrtle Beach, Maribeth dela Cruz, president North America for QSR chicken brand Jollibee, said the brand…

Panera serving 'Pot of Gold'

March 11, 2025

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, Panera is serving up a little extra luck with its "Pot of Gold Bread Bowl." a green Bread Bowl filled with mac 'n' cheese. The…

Your Pie debuts Pizza Shop Sandwiches

March 7, 2025

Your Pie, a fast casual pizza chain, had added handcrafted sandwiches made with the brand's signature dough, according to a press release.

Chipotle embracing hot honey trend

March 6, 2025

Chipotle is putting its spin on hot honey, the top menu trend of the year, with its Chipotle Honey Chicken, available to rewards members via the Chipotle app…

Lion's Choice CEO offers secrets to brand's success

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Lion's Choice CEO Fred Burmer offers secrets to the brand's operations and cooking up delicious roast beef sandwiches.

Protein Bar & Kitchen exec: 'Fast casuals must balance health, flavor, innovation'

by Laura Camerer — Senior Manager of Culinary, Supply Chain & Facilities, Protein Bar & Kitchen

Laura Camerer, senior manager of Culinary, Supply Chain & Facilities at Protein Bar & Kitchen, discusses the rise of flexible eating and global flavors as well…

Jollibee Partners with Botrista to Launch Signature Sips Nationwide

Jollibee has partnered with Botrista to launch the new Signature Sips menu nationwide, bringing premium, craft beverages to its U.S. locations. Powered by…

Stoner's Pizza Joint CEO talks economy, that kitschy name

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Stoner's Pizza Joint CEO John Stetson talks to podcast host Mandy Detwiler about weathering the economy, competing in a saturated market and that eponymous…

TundraFMP Revolutionizes Restaurant Chain Expansion with LaunchPad NRO Program

TundraFMP, a Diversified Foodservice Supply (DFS) company, announces the launch of its comprehensive New Restaurant Opening (NRO) program, LaunchPad. This…

Clutch Coffee co-founder offers secrets to competing in saturated market

Restaurant Operator Podcast host Mandy Detwiler learns secrets to competing in a saturated coffee market with Darren Spicer, co-founder of Clutch Coffee.

True Food Kitchen goes 100% seed oil-free

February 4, 2025

Phoenix-based True Food Kitchen is transitioning its kitchens and menus to become 100% seed oil-free. All 46 locations in 18 states now use heart-healthy…

Can Ziggi’s Coffee clean up with dirty soda?

January 29, 2025

Colorado-based Ziggi's Coffee is testing a Dirty Soda menu in Mead, Colorado, and will expand it to 13 pilot locations in February.

Graeter's, Skyline Chili create Graeter's Skyline Spice Ice Cream

January 27, 2025

Graeter's Ice Cream and Skyline Chili have created a co-branded ice cream, Graeter's Skyline Spice Ice Cream, available for purchase now in-stores. The…

Juice It Up unveils protein smoothies, build-your-own waffles

January 27, 2025

California-based Juice It Up is expanding its protein-packed smoothie lineup with The Strawberry Zone and The Berry Zone. Both contain 32 grams of protein in a…

20 Fast Casual Brands to Watch in 2025

We are honored to introduce the 2025 class of “20 Brands to Watch,” and predict they will continue to help elevate the fast casual industry.

Presented by Oracle

Fast Casual reveals 2025 '20 Brands to Watch'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

January 23, 2025

FastCasual's fifth annual report, "20 Brands to Watch," reveals the industry's up-and-coming leaders.

Blaze Pizza sparks interest with Spicy Hot Chicken Pickle Pizza

January 23, 2025

Blaze Pizza has launched a Spicy Hot Chicken Pickle Pizza. The pizza features Blaze's white sauce, shredded mozzarella, chicken, basil and pickles and it is…

Gen Z driving 2025 fast casual menu trends

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Younger consumers want swicy, swalty and newstalgic menu items.