A Restaurant Owner's Guide to Secure Team Communication

Using personal chat apps for work puts your business data at risk. This guide breaks down the challenges of unsecured team communication, the real costs to…

FAT Brands files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure debt

January 26, 2026

FAT Brands Inc., the parent company of 18 restaurant concepts including Fatburger and Johnny Rockets, has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection…

Why Your Company Has 40 Group Chats and Nobody Knows What’s Going On

Personal chat apps give you zero control over company data. When employees leave, they take years of business information with them—and removing them takes…

Iron Cactus doesn't sit still; brand keeps evolving

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Iron Cacus stopped frying in seed oil and Founder Gary Manley watched sales soar. The brand has two locations in Texas.

From vision to breakthrough: 5 game-changing lessons from the Founderology Podcast

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

The Founderology: Built to Breakthrough podcast shares actionable insights from visionary entrepreneurs, emphasizing that success comes from bold risk-taking…

Texas Restaurant Association’s Emily Williams Knight on the power of shared insight

In this episode, Kathleen Wood and Emily Knight discuss why Founders benefit from being part of strong communities, whether through state restaurant…

The Beverage revolution: Why drinks are the new dining destination

Fast Casual Nation explores how Taco Bell, craft innovators and the sober-curious movement are reshaping restaurant revenue.

Chili Shack snags 1st franchisee

January 21, 2026

Chili Shack, a Denver-based restaurant chain known for its Mexican-American fare and green chili, has signed its first franchise agreement to develop three…

Chipotle outgrowing slump thanks to 10-minute visits

by Lila Margalit — Content Writer, Placer.ai

In November, same-store visits turned slightly positive, compared to previous declines, contributing to a stronger increase in total chain-wide traffic.

Roti Modern Mediterranean opening delivery-only location

January 20, 2026

Roti Modern Mediterranean is expanding its footprint in its home market with the opening of its first delivery-only location in Smyrna, Georgia. The move marks…

Fresh Baguette opening 9th location

January 20, 2026

Fresh Baguette will open its ninth location on Jan. 28, marking the company's continued expansion across the Washington metropolitan area.

Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers deadline extended to Jan. 23

by Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers deadline extended to Jan. 23, Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Don't delay! The deadline has been extended to THIS Friday!

3 friends launching Gyro City in Manhattan

January 19, 2026

Gyro City, a fast casual Greek concept, is hoping to elevate Manhattan, New York's street food scene with an emphasis on organic ingredients and traditional…

Pizza Marketplace's Top 100 Movers & Shakers submissions due Jan.18

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Nominations are due Jan. 18.

Founderology Growth Summit honoring inaugural 'Visionary Restaurant Founders'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

To celebrate the spirit of innovation, the Founderology Growth Summit, being held Feb. 2-4 in Austin, will host a special ceremony to honor the "Top 5 Movers …

No tips, higher wages, low prices: How CAVA's Brett Schulman is rewriting the restaurant playbook

Join hosts Paul Barron and Cheryl Cansler as they kick off 2026 with CAVA Co-Founder and CEO Brett Schulman for an in-depth conversation about navigating…

Founders Table Restaurant acquires Protein Bar & Kitchen

January 15, 2026

Founders Table Restaurant Group has acquired Protein Bar & Kitchen, marking a significant expansion of its portfolio of founder-led brands.

The countdown is on: 10 ways RFIS will change your life

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Think of this as your official invite to the industry family reunion. Matching shirts not required!

Riko's Pizza's unique style sets it apart as brand grows on East Coast

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Riko's Pizza's unique thin-crust pizza sets it apart from the heavy competition on the East Coast. The brand is growing and now has 12 locations.

Dutch Bros to acquire Clutch Coffee Bar

January 13, 2026

Dutch Bros Coffee has reached an agreement to acquire Clutch Coffee Bar, according to an open letter from Darren Spicer, the founder and CEO of Clutch Coffee…