Zaxbys partners with Nerds to bring back strawberry milkshake

September 3, 2026

Zaxbys has joined forces with candy brand Nerds to bring back its Nerds Strawberry Milkshake, according to a company press release. The beverage is available…

Fast-casual brand collabs: Making partnership pay off

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Kelly Gray (Hot Head Burritos) Stacey Kane (chief marketing officer) Lori Primavera (Smoothie King) and Traci Graziani (Kraft Heinz) will present their…

Blaze Pizza launches 1st kids meal menu

August 28, 2026

Blaze Pizza has launched its first-ever kids menu to accommodate families during the back-to-school season, according to a press release.

Smoothie King posts 9% July same-store sales growth, expands franchise pipeline

August 13, 2026

Smoothie King is seeing strong momentum from menu expansion and franchisee investment, reporting 9% same-store sales growth in July and its highest number of…

Healthy fast casual goes convenient: Konala, Clean Eatz redefining drive-thru, grab-and-go

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Two brands, two models — one goal: making nutritious food as fast and effortless as fast food.

Ziggi’s, Philadelphia Cream Cheese make beverage debuts with savory latte

August 11, 2026

Ziggi's Coffee and Philadelphia Cream Cheese have teamed up on an Everything Bagel Latte, giving both brands a beverage first, while using the limited-time…

How Tony Roma's is using fast-casual strategies to reinvent itself

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

CEO Mina Haque explains how the 54-year-old brand is adapting to changing consumer habits without abandoning its casual-dining roots.

5 menu localization myths that could hurt your restaurant brand

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

August 4, 2026

Michael Magerl, Joel Bulger, John Iannucci and Sarah Rooney are the panelists for "From Trend to Table: Operationalizing Regional Promotions in a Multi-Unit…

Cousins Subs beefs up Kid's Meal with more entree, side options

July 31, 2026

Cousins Subs has rolled out a reimagined Kid's Meal at all of its locations, providing families with more meal choices.

Café Rio debuts LTO Utah Burrito as turnaround continues

July 30, 2026

Café Rio has introduced the limited-time Utah Burrito as part of its broader turnaround effort. The state-inspired menu item debuted July 24, Utah's Pioneer…

HTeaO reports Q2 growth with 10 openings, LTO launches, community initiatives

July 27, 2026

Fort Worth, Texas-based HTeaO closed out the second quarter of 2026 with 10 store openings, limited-time beverage launches and ongoing community support…

Insomnia Cookies serving 10M scoops as it launches National Ice Cream Day offer

July 22, 2026

Photo courtesy of Insomnia Cookies Insomnia Cookies served approximately 10 million scoops of ice cream across its network in 2025. Now, the…

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop launches summer menu, rewards offers

July 17, 2026

Fuzzy's Taco Shop has launched its Fuzzy's Beach Club summer campaign, featuring limited-time menu items, rewards offers, branded merchandise and a National…

Nick the Greek surpasses 100 restaurants, reports double-digit sales growth in first half of 2026

July 16, 2026

Nick the Greek surpassed 100 restaurants during the first half of 2026, fueled by eight openings, 18.2% year-over-year same-store sales growth and a 14.8…

Smashburger simplifies summer LTO lineup to improve operations

July 8, 2026

Smashburger is taking a more focused approach to limited-time offerings this summer, introducing two burgers and two shakes as part of a broader strategy to…

Chicken chains rule the roost with summer LTOs

July 2, 2026

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, Houston TX Hot Chicken, Huey Magoo's and Wingstop are leaning into menu trends, including value meals and sweet and hot flavors.

Chicken Salad Chick creates 'National Chicken Salad Day'

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

July 2, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick has deemed July 16, "National Chicken Salad Day," and will mark it with free scoops and giveaways.

Tocaya unveils summer happy hour menu

July 1, 2026

Fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain Tocaya has introduced a summer happy hour menu featuring drink specials, small bites and tortas. The menu is available for…

Portillo's, Vienna Beef launch hot dog for America's 250th birthday

June 30, 2026

Portillo's has partnered with longtime supplier Vienna Beef to launch the Char'diniera Dog to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The hot dog will be available…

Einstein Bros bakes up growth with 300-plus U.S. locations planned by 2030

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Leslie Haver, senior director, design, said the prototype will be slightly larger in most locations to support in-store dining and offer a better customer…