20 Fast Casual Brands to Watch in 2025

We are honored to introduce the 2025 class of “20 Brands to Watch,” and predict they will continue to help elevate the fast casual industry.

Presented by Oracle

Fast Casual reveals 2025 '20 Brands to Watch'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 23, 2025

FastCasual's fifth annual report, "20 Brands to Watch," reveals the industry's up-and-coming leaders.

Tijuana Flats exits bankruptcy ready for growth

January 23, 2025

Since exiting Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, Tijuana Flats has reduced its debt, improved profitability and created a more efficient operation, said CEO…

Smokey Mo's president explains how brand operates in competitive market

In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of QSRweb and Pizza Marketplace, talks to Craig Haley, president of barbecue…

Fuzzy's adds breakfast tacos, mimosas

January 21, 2025

Fuzzy's Taco Shop is turning mornings into a fiesta with limited-time breakfast offerings, available Wednesday through March 2. They include:

Skyline Chili taps Otter to streamline delivery operations

January 20, 2025

When Cincinnati-based Skyline Chili, which has over 135 locations, first expanded its delivery options, integrating its POS system with third-party online…

Mod Pizza launches 'Love, Every Bite' campaign with Mike's Hot Honey

January 20, 2025

Mod Pizza has launched a "Love, Every Bite" campaign, which includes a collaboration with Mike's Hot Honey. Mike's Founder Mike Kurtz will match in-store and…

Speaker Spotlight: Jeff Todd, Launch Entertainment

Jeff Todd, chief development officer for Launch Entertainment, shares a look at his career, his achievements and industry trends ahead of his appearance at…

Spain-based noodle concept opens in US mall

January 17, 2025

Udon, a chain of Asian restaurants in Spain, is opening its second U.S.-based location Monday at the Aventura Mall in Aventura, Florida. It made its American…

PJ's Coffee percolating with expansion plans

January 17, 2025

Grounded in its New Orleans-born roots, PJ's Coffee is brewing up expansion plans after adding 185,000 loyalty customers in 2024. It also saw a 4% increase in…

Qu Posts Record-Breaking 2024 with Triple-Digit Recurring Revenue (ARR) Growth

The leading unified commerce platform for enterprise restaurants announces landmark year.

Crust Pizza Co. CEO explains operations, building own tech

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Editor Mandy Detwiler talks to Crust Pizza Co. CEO and Founder Carl Comeaux about the brand's growth, search for franchisees and building its own POS system…

Joining Forces: Bringing plant-based innovation to restaurant menus

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Networld Media Group and the Plant Based Food Association are partnering to help restaurant operators stay up-to-date with consumer demand for crave-worthy…

Canadian burrito chain rebrands in US

January 14, 2025

Canada-based BurritoBar USA Inc. debuted its rebranded experience on Dec. 24, 2024, when it opened in Murfreesboro, Tennesee. Originally introduced to the U.S.

Just Salad opens 1st drive-thru location

January 13, 2025

Just Salad, which has over 90 locations, has opened the first of many drive-thru locations planned for the year, said Nick Kenner, founder and CEO.

Using customer data to boost loyalty

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

A panel at the upcoming Restaurant & Innovation Summit in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from March 11 to 13 will examine how restaurants can leverage data to…

6 steps to building a debt-free restaurant

by Robby Berg — Sr. Director of Ops, Accounting, and HR, Fresh Restaurant Group

Multi-unit Genghis Grill franchisee reveals six strategies for opening a second location with no debt.

Shake Shack to hit 1,500 units

January 13, 2025

Shake Shack Inc. CEO Rob Lynch said the chain has the potential to hit 1,500 company-operated units, versus the prior target of 450 provided in conjunction…

Garden Catering fights childhood cancer

January 10, 2025

New York-based Garden Catering is inviting the community to support "Queen Willa's Countdown to the Bell" by selling $5 coupon booklets with 100% of proceeds…

Speaker Spotlight: David "Rev" Ciancio, Salad House and more

Rev Ciancio, marketing and chief eating officer for Salad House, Crazy Pita, Handcraft Burgers & Brew and Branded Strategic, shares a look at his career, his…