&pizza launches protein-forward menu

March 6, 2026

&pizza, and its sister company Tijuana Flats, owned by Latitude Food Group, have put a protein-forward menu across both brands to better serve guests…

Big Dave’s locks in supply chain partnerships to supercharge expansion

February 27, 2026

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks is charging full-speed ahead with its national expansion, cementing its supply chain infrastructure through a double-shot of strategic…

Freddy's Frozen Custard launches senior meals

February 27, 2026

While most fast casuals focus their menu innovation on building the next generation of kid-sized meals, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is taking a…

Don't bet the house on GLP-1: Why 'Everyday Health' is the better menu strategy

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

The modern restaurant menu has become a casino floor. The lighting is dimmed to hide the margins, the air is thick with the scent of "better-for-you" trends…

Speaker Spotlight: Chris Noffze, director of direct franchising and operations, Gong cha

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

In today's Speaker Spotlight, we are highlighting Chris Noffze, director of direct franchising and operations at Gong cha Americas, who will be sharing…

The 10-25 Unit Playbook: Scale Without Chaos

Unlock the proven systems top restaurant operators use to scale without chaos. If you’re stuck juggling fires across 10–25 locations, this guide shows you the…

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Urban Plates expands grass-fed burger lineup

February 16, 2026

Urban Plates is expanding its grass-fed burger lineup with the introduction of three new chef-crafted burgers, Bacon Cheeseburger, Avocado Cheeseburger and…

Stoner's Pizza Joint celebrates National Pizza Day with $4.20 pizza, heart-shaped pizza

February 9, 2026

Recovering from the big game? Florida-based Stoner's Pizza Joint is serving up the ultimate post-game recovery with a can't miss National Pizza Day offer. The…

&pizza puts polarizing veggie on pizza

February 3, 2026

Washington D.C.-based &pizza has never shied away from adding unusual toppings on its pizzas. The list includes cracked eggs, elote sauce and corn and…

Barberitos, Garbanzo, Saladworks launch protein-packed LTOs

February 1, 2026

WOWorks, the parent company of several health-focused restaurant chains, has launched a suite of limited-time menu offerings across its Barberitos, Garbanzo…

Chipotle doubling pace of 'new product launches,' chicken al pastor returning

January 27, 2026

Chipotle Mexican Grill is bringing back chicken al pastor for a limited time, marking the first move in an aggressive 2026 menu strategy that will see the…

Original ChopShop reports 9th consecutive year of profitability

January 27, 2026

Original ChopShop reported record annual sales for 2025, marking its ninth consecutive year of profitability as it prepares for a four-store expansion across…

Häagen-Dazs launches updated Sorbet Smoothie Collection

January 21, 2026

Häagen-Dazs has released a new-and-improved Sorbet Smoothie Collection. The drinks are made with the brand's signature sorbet, real fruit and juices, according…

The Beverage revolution: Why drinks are the new dining destination

Fast Casual Nation explores how Taco Bell, craft innovators and the sober-curious movement are reshaping restaurant revenue.

Why the 'new' food pyramid is choosing opinion over evidence

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Suzy Badaracco's imagined dialogue between a registered dietitian and the personification of whole grains reveals how the "inverted" government food pyramid…

Riko's Pizza's unique style sets it apart as brand grows on East Coast

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Riko's Pizza's unique thin-crust pizza sets it apart from the heavy competition on the East Coast. The brand is growing and now has 12 locations.

Do Americans prefer bagels or doughnuts?

January 9, 2026

Over half of Americans believe bagels are superior to doughnuts, according to a report by Einstein Bros. Bagels ahead of National Bagel Day, which is Jan. 15.

Smoothie King, Tropical Smoothie Cafe join the 'proteinization' of the fast casual industry

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Both beverage brands join Starbucks, Nekter Juice Bar and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in the focus on protein

The 'proteinization' of the fast casual industry: Starbucks, Nekter, Coffee Bean & Tea bulk up winter menus

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

While the "New Year, New Me" resolution season often focuses on restriction, smart brands are leaning into satiety and muscle recovery to drive traffic.

Cava enters 2026 with elevated menu

January 5, 2026

Washington D.C.-based Cava has launched its largest menu expansion to date, headlined by the return of white sweet potatoes following a persistent years-long…