Birdcall’s Midwest expansion strategy backed by tech, real estate

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Fast-casual chicken chain said that proprietary technology, real estate optoins and a multichannel business model will help with its Midwest expansion.

How Velvet Taco CEO Chris Schultz scales a cult brand without losing its soul

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

During his keynote at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Texas, Chris Schultz will discuss restaurant growth, brand culture, leadership, international…

In franchising, the product is now your marketing

by Carla McLean — Marketing Executive, IFA World Franchise Show

The franchise sector continues to show steady growth, with output expected to rise to $921.4 billion and the number of franchise establishments increasing to…

Nick the Greek keeps rolling in Orange County with 7th opening

June 29, 2026

Nick the Greek has opened its seventh Orange County, California, location at 1313 W. 17th St., in Santa Ana.

Playa Bowls makes Canada debut

June 26, 2026

Playa Bowls has officially made its international debut, opening its first Canadian location at The Well in downtown Toronto. The 1,700-square-foot flagship…

Birdcall targets 100 Midwest locations in 5-year franchise expansion

June 26, 2026

Birdcall plans to expand into the Midwest with a goal of opening 100 franchised restaurants across six states over the next five years.

Smoothie King to open 1st Western New York location in Penfield

June 26, 2026

Smoothie King will open its first Western New York location on July 18 in Penfield as part of a three-unit development agreement. The restaurant, located at…

Haven Hot Chicken expands in Massachusetts with 3-unit agreement

June 25, 2026

Haven Hot Chicken has signed a three-unit franchise agreement that will expand the brand's presence in Massachusetts. The agreement with local entrepreneurs…

Gong cha debuts in Maine with South Portland location

June 24, 2026

Boston-based Gong cha will soon launch its first Maine location next week in South Portland, bringing the bubble tea brand to 200 Running Hill Road. The unit…

Houston TX Hot Chicken flies to UK with PizzaExpress franchise deal

June 23, 2026

Houston TX Hot Chicken has signed a master franchise agreement with PizzaExpress to bring its fast-casual chicken concept to the United Kingdom. Under the…

Former senator opening Juice It Up in Utah

June 22, 2026

Juice It Up! has entered Utah through a multi-unit development agreement with local franchisees Aaron and Nancy Osmond. The move expands the smoothie and raw…

Former McDonald’s operator opens Paris Baguette in Thousand Oaks

June 22, 2026

Former McDonald's owner-operator Gabriel Vesci has opened a Paris Baguette cafe in Thousand Oaks, California, as part of a Southern California expansion plan.

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.