Chipotle COO Jason Kidd reveals strategy behind tech-driven back-of-house overhaul

Chipotle COO Jason Kidd joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to break down how the 4,100-unit brand is winning and retaining the…

Presented by Star Micronics America

Wonder, Dave’s Hot Chicken Real Estate VPs reveal growth strategies

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Real estate strategy is central to growth for restaurant brands, and Wonder and Dave's Hot Chicken are taking different approaches to scale. In a podcast…

Shipley Donuts signs 3-unit franchise deal in Ohio

June 19, 2026

Shipley Donuts is expanding into Ohio through a three-unit franchise agreement with Koelache Co. LLC, marking the Houston-based doughnut chain's entry into the…

Huey Magoo’s expands in Texas with 5-unit DFW development agreement

June 17, 2026

Huey Magoo's continues its Texas expansion with a five-unit development agreement covering the Dallas-Fort Worth area, part of the fast-casual chicken chain's…

How Jae Kim is Scaling Chi’Lantro

Jae Kim emptied his $30,000 in savings and maxed out his credit cards to launch a Korean food truck in Austin in 2010. Now he is leading 13 Chi'Lantro…

The Great Greek expands international footprint in Australia, Canada and Egypt

June 16, 2026

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill continues to grow its international presence with restaurant openings in Australia, Canada and Egypt. The news follows a…

What Is the Best Team Communication App for Multi-Location Restaurant Groups?

Everything multi-location restaurant groups need to know about choosing the right work chat app.

Spread Bagelry promotes John Gonzalez to chief operating officer

June 12, 2026

Spread Bagelry, a Montreal-style bagel chain based in Philadelphia, has promoted John Gonzalez to chief operating officer.

Cheba Hut fires up new joint in Fort Worth

June 11, 2026

Cheba Hut, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, is opening its newest location in north Fort Worth, Texas. The counterculture toasted sub shop will open June 15 at…

7 Brew continues pouring it on, opens 777th stand in San Antonio

June 11, 2026

7 Brew Coffee has reached a milestone of 777 stands in the United States. The triple-seven location at 9219 Potranco Road in San Antonio is now serving…

70 years old and 'restarting': Shakey’s Pizza VP outlines fresh strategy for expansion

In this episode of the Pizza Marketplace podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace, chats with Sonia Barajas-Najera, vice president of…

The 'anti-burger' blueprint: How Teriyaki Madness is out-scaling the giants

In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Jodi Boyce, CMO of Teriyaki Madness, and John Smolen, SVP of Sales…

Presented by Atmosphere

Dalmoros to open first transit-hub location at Boston's South Station

June 10, 2026

Dalmoros Fresh Italian, formerly known as DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go, will open its first location this week at Boston's South Station, a transportation hub…

JEFF'S BAGEL RUN MAKES ITS UTAH DEBUT WITH SEVEN-STORE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT

Jeff's Bagel Run, the fast-growing bagel brand known for its scratch-made hot bagels, freshly whipped spreads and craft coffees and beverages, today announced…

Dog Haus adds franchise veterans to executive team

June 8, 2026

Dog Haus has appointed franchise industry veterans Chris Rigassio and Garen Khodaverdian to its executive team as the fast-casual brand pursues its…

Chicken Salad Chick lands in Utah

June 8, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick will enter its 23rd state when it opens a restaurant Tuesday in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

Little Greek plans up to 30 Florida restaurants under franchise agreement

June 5, 2026

Little Greek Fresh Grill has signed a deal with longtime franchise partner Foti Gianniosis to develop up to 30 locations throughout Florida over the next…

Swig signs 6 unit franchise deal to fuel South Texas growth

June 4, 2026

Swig continues its Texas expansion with a new six-unit franchise agreement that will bring the beverage brand to communities across South Texas. The St.

Layne’s Chicken Fingers to open 50th restaurant in Lubbock

June 4, 2026

Layne's Chicken Fingers will reach a major growth milestone with the June 13 opening of its 50th restaurant, located at 7902 University Avenue in Lubbock…

Slutty Vegan makes franchising push with deals in Atlanta and Washington, DC

June 3, 2026

Slutty Vegan is accelerating its national franchising strategy by inking new development agreements in Atlanta and Washington, D.C.