Freddy’s signs 10-unit deal in Georgia, South Carolina

October 2, 2026

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has signed a 10-unit franchise agreement with multi-brand operator ELJ Investments to expand the brand in Georgia…

la Madeleine signs 8-location deal to enter Kansas City

October 1, 2026

la Madeleine has signed an eight-location development agreement with Eddie Musallet of Express Stop and The Musallet Group to enter the Kansas City…

The Red Chickz signs franchise development agreements in DFW, Las Vegas

October 1, 2026

Los Angeles-based Nashville hot chicken concept The Red Chickz has signed franchise development agreements to expand in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and enter…

Fuku CEO chats about real estate decisions that can make or break a brand

On this episode of Fast Casual Nation, Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler talk with Claudia Lezcano, CEO of Fuku, about how the David Chang chicken brand is…

Mokas Coffee & Eatery opens 1st franchise-owned location

September 29, 2026

Mokas Coffee & Eatery will open its first franchise-owned location Sept. 30 in Olathe, Kansas.

Flying Biscuit Café signs franchise agreement for Charlotte market

September 25, 2026

Flying Biscuit Café has signed a franchise agreement with David Mumby and Jimmy Mumby to bring the breakfast-and-brunch concept to the Charlotte, North…

Love & Honey Fried targeting East Coast growth

September 24, 2026

Love & Honey Fried Chicken, a Philadelphia-founded fast-casual restaurant brand known for its chef-driven menu, is expanding into Massachusetts as part of…

Cheba Hut rolls into Virginia with Midlothian opening

September 23, 2026

Toasted sub brand Cheba Hut will make its Virginia debut Sept. 25 in Midlothian, marking the eighth location for franchisee WAHi Brands Inc.

What is driving Kona Ice’s success?

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Tony Lamb is the Founder and visionary behind Kona Ice, the tropical shaved-ice brand that turned an ice cream truck nightmare into experiences that customers…

Breadless launches franchise expansion with first multi-unit agreement

September 22, 2026

Detroit-based Breadless signed a multi-unit development agreement with Third Coast Harvest LLC, officially launching the brand's franchise expansion strategy.

HB Protein Smoothies signs 6-unit South Florida franchise deal

September 22, 2026

HB Protein Smoothies signed a six-unit development agreement with franchisee Bob Morris to expand in South Florida. The deal marks the Scottsdale…

Chicken Salad Chick continues Florida expansion with Sarasota debut

September 21, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick will open a restaurant in Sarasota, Florida, on Sept. 29 as part of its continued expansion across the state.

Zaxbys signs 2 franchise agreements to expand in Mississippi

September 18, 2026

Zaxbys has signed two franchise agreements with brothers Alan and Eddie Gant to bring the Atlanta-based chicken chain to Winona and Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Slutty Vegan plans 3rd Ohio opening

September 17, 2026

Plant-based burger fast-casual chain Slutty Vegan has signed a franchise agreement with Soul Republic Hospitality Group to open a restaurant in Cincinnati…

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks making Washington DC debut

September 16, 2026

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks has secured the site for its debut restaurant in the nation's capital, revealing its address at 730 7th St., NW in downtown Washington…

Flying Biscuit Café signs two-unit development agreement for Palm Beach County, Florida

September 16, 2026

The Flying Biscuit Café has signed a multi-unit development agreement to open its first two restaurants in Palm Beach County, Florida.

How Nekter's CTO is using AI to turn more guests into regulars

Nékter Juice Bar CTO Jon Asher joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to break down how AI is reshaping guest personalization, loyalty…

UFG adds 105 locations, signs 148 franchisee deals in 1H

September 15, 2026

United Franchise Group reported robust growth during the first half of 2026, adding 105 locations, signing 148 individual franchisee agreements and executing…

Belle Holdings opens 10th Buffalo Wild Wings GO in Virginia

September 14, 2026

Belle Holdings Inc., led by franchisee Kevin Donham, will open its 10th Buffalo Wild Wings GO location in Virginia on Sept. 17 in Henrico County. The…

Qdoba signs 17-unit development agreement in San Diego County

September 11, 2026

Qdoba Mexican Eats has signed a development agreement with Hyperion Brands to open 17 restaurants across San Diego County, California.