Sweetgreen names Cindy Olsen chief strategy officer

May 28, 2026

Sweetgreen, Inc. has appointed Cindy Olsen to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief strategy officer, effective immediately.

Clean Juice launches Sparkler drinks amid refresher boom

May 21, 2026

Clean Juice has entered the growing refresher beverage category with the limited-time launch of Sparklers, a line of sparkling fruit-based drinks made with…

Ziggi’s Coffee launches protein menu following consumer survey findings

May 13, 2026

Ziggi's Coffee has introduced a permanent protein menu in response to growing consumer demand for functional beverages, according to findings from a national…

Playa Bowls gears up for 400th opening

May 12, 2026

Playa Bowls, headquartered in Belmar, New Jersey, is preparing to mark a major milestone this week with the opening of its 400th location at 1900 Pacific Ave.…

Smoothie King CEO launches dual-lane chicken concept in Dallas

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Smoothie King's CEO is offering crispy and light chicken options through his fast-casual Flock & Fresh brand in Dallas.

Mahana Fresh debuts GLP-1-friendly menu

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

May 1, 2026

Fast-casual health brand Mahana Fresh has introduced a GLP-1-friendly menu designed for customers using weight-loss and diabetes medications. The menu rolled…

Crisp & Green takes root in Omaha, plans to grow more restaurants

April 30, 2026

Crisp & Green has opened its second Omaha location in five years at 16902 Wright Plaza. The first Omaha location, at 225 N. 80th St., debuted in 2021.

How 1 fast casual founder aims to build AI bridge between wearables, wellness

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

SUMMITS launched a new AI platform that bridges the gap between what wearable data tells people to eat and what ends up on their plates.

Smoothie King to shift menu, store design

April 21, 2026

Smoothie King has announced a brand evolution plan to support and accelerate long-term growth. The Dallas-based fast-casual chain, which has over 1,10…

John Montgomery returns as MAD Greens CEO amid menu overhaul

April 13, 2026

Salad Collective has rehired John Montgomery as CEO of MAD Greens, bringing back the former president as it revamps its menu.

Teriyaki Madness ups protein game with Two-By-Two Bowl

April 10, 2026

Denver-based Teriyaki Madness has boosted the protein presence on its menu by adding the Two-By-Two Bowl, a limited-time offering that builds on the…

Resilient but restless: Fast casuals outpace industry as 2026 competition heats up

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

In 2025, fast-casual brands outperformed despite challenges. Predictions for 2026 include sector expansion with a focus on health, pricing, and competition.

Osmow's brings classic Mediterranean food to Canada, US markets

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Part 7 in our Founderology Forum's Founders: Take 5 looks at Osmow's, a Mediterranean brand in Canada that is expanding to the U.S.

From café to national movement: Clean Eatz Founders on scaling wellness without losing heart

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Clean Eatz is a franchise co-founded by Don and Evonne Varady that solves the time vs. health dilemma by offering convenient, macro-balanced meals, from…

Botrista Debuts New Beverage Innovations, Expanded AI Capabilities at the National Restaurant Association Show

Botrista debuts new categories including dessert drinks and better for your options like: low calorie, functional, antioxidant, protein beverages, along with…

Plant-based ingredients grow on pizza market

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The NPD Group forecasts dairy and meat alternatives to grow through 2024 driven almost entirely by Millennials and Gen Zs. Not only are they looking for…

Moderate coffee drinking linked to longer life

June 2, 2022

Consuming a few cups of daily coffee has been linked to a lower death risk, according to new research.

2022 Excellence in Food Safety

Download this white paper to learn how Steritech's 7 Pillars of Food Safety Excellence can help you strengthen food safety culture at your restaurant. We are…

Discover the Many Benefits High Oleic Soybean Oil Offers Food Service Companies and Consumers

Soybean oil is the leading edible oil globally, with continued improvements in the nutritional profile and functionality offering solutions to food service and…

Presented by FastCasual.com

Emerging Trends in Restaurant Health

Watch Fast Casual and solution leaders Bluezone by Middleby and Powerhouse Dynamics as they discuss how restaurants can protect the health and safety of…

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