How functional beverages provide new reasons to visit

Functional beverages are creating new opportunities for juice and smoothie bars to attract customers across dayparts. From protein smoothies to energy and…

Chicken Salad Chick sets Atlanta grand opening

October 20, 2026

Atlanta-based Chicken Salad Chick will open a new location Oct. 26 at the Hub at Peachtree Center, 231 Peachtree St. in downtown Atlanta.

State of the Industry: Fast Casual 2026 and Beyond

Explore growth forecasts, operator profitability and pricing pressures, leading brands, menu and LTO trends, and consumer demand for value and innovation—all…

Presented by Datassential, Inc.

Chipotle turns CJ Carr partnership into a campus loyalty contest

October 19, 2026

Chipotle Mexican Grill is giving Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr a new role: brand ambassador. The name, image and likeness (NIL) partnership between football…

Cafe Rio partners with Poppy & Pout on beverage-flavored lip balms

October 16, 2026

Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican teamed up with beauty brand Poppy & Pout to create a limited edition of beverage-based lip balms. Café Rio's Mucho Mint…

Why Magic City Hoagies became booze-free sports hub

The fast-casual concept teamed up with basketball star LeeLee Bell to create a family-friendly venue dedicated to women's sports.

Star Burger partners with University of Miami Athletics

October 14, 2026

Star Burger has partnered with University of Miami Athletics to become the official burger of the Miami Hurricanes for the 2026–2027 season, marking the…

The 'Big Ass' shift: What Chipotle’s newest campaign says about brands getting real

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

While the specs of a 170-liter burrito bag are hilarious, the real story here isn't just about packaging or family-sized carnitas; it's about culture.

Wingstop, Sour Patch Kids create Wicked Punch wing flavor for Halloween

October 13, 2026

Dallas-based Wingstop has teamed up with Sour Patch Kids to create Wicked Punch, a limited-time wing flavor for Halloween.

Toast expands AI tools for labor management, marketing

October 13, 2026

Boston-based tech platformToast has introduced AI-powered labor management tools and expanded its digital marketing capabilities. The tech and upgrades are…

HTeaO co-founder steps down, names Brian Wise as CEO

October 12, 2026

HTeaO opened nine stores across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas in the third quarter and appointed Brian Wise as CEO, succeeding co-founder Justin Howe, who…

Chipotle turns vegetables into musical instruments for new song

October 5, 2026

Trombone onion. Photo courtesy of Chipotle Chipotle Mexican Grill has teamed up with the five-member London Vegetable Orchestra to record an original…

Cava names John Ludeke chief marketing officer

September 30, 2026

Cava has named John Ludeke chief marketing officer. He will lead the fast-casual chain's marketing organization as it continues to expand.

Ziggi’s Coffee offers free drinks for National Coffee Day

September 28, 2026

Denver-based Ziggi's Coffee will celebrate National Coffee Day by offering a small Daily Brew, Iced Coffee or Cold Brew for free with the purchase of another…

Just Salad launches 1st campaign with Jalen Brunson

September 22, 2026

Just Salad has launched its first creative campaign featuring New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, building on the fast-casual chain's partnership with…

Paris Baguette partners with ‘Dancing with the Stars’ on drinks, prizes

September 18, 2026

Paris Baguette has partnered with ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" for the first time, introducing two beverages tied to the television show's 35th season.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe reveals brand transformation

September 17, 2026

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has unveiled a comprehensive brand transformation, redefining its concept of "tropical" as a state of mind rather than a location while…

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…

GoTo Foods names Lucy Brady Jamba president, reshuffles additional portfolio roles

September 15, 2026

GoTo Foods has appointed Lucy Brady as president of Jamba and shifted leadership roles across its portfolio. The Atlanta-based company also named Nathan…

Top 30 Movers & Shakers in Catering 2026

This annual initiative shines a spotlight on the visionary leaders, innovators, and brands redefining off-premises dining. From pioneering game-changing…

Presented by MONKEY Catering Platform