Huddle House rolling out fast casual model

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The brand is unveling new prototypes, portable menu items and a revitalized brand identity.

Potbelly reports positive Q1 sales, eyes continued growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

CEO Bob Wright said success stems from its digital platform and loyalty program, as well as menu upgrades and a focus on catering.

5 ways to turn your gift card program into a 6-figure revenue stream

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 7, 2025

Ralph Lewis, owner of Okeechobee Steakhouse, reported selling over $180,000 in gift cards in just six hours across two smaller locations after using the…

Chipotle reduces emissions, launching solar farms

May 7, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill's 2024 Sustainability Report revealed progress in key areas, including emissions reduction, community building and employee development.

Smart Kitchens, Smarter Operations: The Next Leap in Restaurant Tech

Discover how Qu’s Smart Kitchen platform leverages IoT, AI, and real-time data to reduce costs, optimize energy, and streamline operations for multi-unit and…

Portillo's fueling growth with loyalty program, improving operations, driving kiosk usage

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 6, 2025

The chain is also testing breakfast at five locations in Chicago.

How Red Chickz founder went from dishwasher to national brand builder

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

What if your next breakthrough idea came from a dishwasher-turned-Founder or a tech innovator who transformed chaos into a scalable business? Hear from Shawn…

Presented by EB-3

Kathleen Wood, Networld Media Group launching revamped Founderology Growth Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Registration is open for this Founders-only event.

Newk's Frank Paci discusses adding digital ordering solutions, revamping catering

Newk's Eatery CEO Frank Paci joins Fast Casual Nation to discuss how the 98-location chain is adapting to major industry shifts.

TMAD launches 'Executive Franchise Package' to keep momentum

May 1, 2025

Colorado-based Teriyaki Madness started 2025 with a growth spurt, opening 10 shops. Nine franchisees joined the brand, and systemwide gross sales climbed 21…

Kraft Heinz honored for innovation

April 30, 2025

Kraft Heinz has been named to Fast Company's annual list of the world's most innovative companies.

What to do with all this data?

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

What do you do with all that data as a restaurant? The Restaurant Marketing Workshop held from June 2 to 3 in Indianapolis, Indiana plans to tackle that…

Dutch Bros gains, Starbucks holds top spot

by Shira Petrack — Content Manager, Placer.ai

Despite the rapid growth of smaller coffee chains, Starbucks continues to dominate the coffee category, receiving over half of the combined visits to…

Virtual Dining Concepts acquires Empanadas United

April 29, 2025

Virtual Dining Concepts has added Empanadas United, a family founded business serving empanadas, to its portfolio of brands, including Man vs Fries, Pardon My…

How Taco Cabana balances cost, value in inflationary environment

April 28, 2025

Armando Flores, head of Supply Chain at Taco Cabana, discusses how he focuses on strategic sourcing, meaningful partnerships and regional efficiency to keep…

Bagel Brands CEO prioritizing efficiency

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

CEO Jessica DePetro discusses egg prices, growth plans and the challenge she issued to her team to deliver a simplified process and execution strategy to…

SynergySuite Wins Two Gold Stevie® Awards in 2025 American Business Awards®

SynergySuite, a global leader in restaurant management technology, has been awarded two Gold Stevie® Awards in the 23rd Annual American Business Awards®…

Pepper Lunch CEO: '2024 was transformative'

April 24, 2025

Average unit volume increased 5.4%, and all locations reported same-store sales growth.

5 Essential Products Every Franchise Needs for Consistency

In the competitive world of restaurant franchising, consistency isn't just important — it's your brand. When customers walk through the doors of your…

How LOL Burger Bar is disrupting Atlanta's fast casual scene

Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler interview Cassidy Jones, founder of Atlanta's LOL Burger Bar, who reveals how she's disrupting the…