Angry Chickz turns up heat with new loyalty program, app

August 24, 2026

Angry Chickz has launched a mobile app and loyalty program, giving fans of the Nashville hot chicken chain a single place to order, earn rewards and access…

New study reveals revenue gaps from missed calls

August 24, 2026

Revmo, a provider of voice-enabled conversational AI for restaurants, released a comprehensive five-chapter report, "The State of Restaurant Calls 2026.…

Deliverect and Bounteous Forge Global Partnership to Advance Branded Digital Ordering

The partnership combines global leaders in digital experience and enterprise ordering technologies to help restaurant and convenience brands strengthen…

Potbelly signs deal to add 10 shops in Central Florida

August 20, 2026

Chicago-based-Potbelly Sandwich Works has signed a development agreement with veteran franchisee BD Patel and his nephews, Bhavesh and Mihir Patel, to open 1…

Marine Corps veterans, childhood friends sign 6-unit Huey Magoo's deal in South Carolina

August 20, 2026

Two childhood friends and Marine Corps veterans have signed on to develop six Huey Magoo's locations across Rock Hill, Fort Mill and Columbia, South Carolina…

66% of young restaurant workers say employers aren't training them right — Here's the fix

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

A new Schoox survey reveals a gap between what frontline restaurant employees want to learn and what operators are actually delivering — and why closing it…

AI and the Future of Restaurants: From Foot Traffic to Predictive Insight

As consumer behavior and privacy expectations evolve, restaurants need smarter ways to understand diners and drive growth. Gladys Kong of Azira and Isabelle…

Presented by Azira

Sweetgreen expands drive-thru prototype to Virginia

August 19, 2026

Sweetgreen opened a restaurant Thursday featuring its Sweetlane order-ahead drive-up format, marking the chain's fourth and its first in Northern Virginia.

Panera takes points-based MyPanera loyalty program nationwide after pilot

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

August 19, 2026

Panera Bread is rolling out a redesigned, points-based version of its MyPanera loyalty program nationwide Wednesday, following a pilot the company ran earlier…

Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, opens first co-brand

August 18, 2026

Two restaurant brands are teaming up to open the first co-branded Buffalo Wild Wings Go and Jimmy John's location in the U.S., according to an article in…

Cincinnati gets Blaze Pizza in Oakley neighborhood

August 18, 2026

Blaze Pizza has opened a restaurant in Cincinnati's Oakley neighborhood at 3206 Vandercar Way, celebrating its grand opening today with free pizza for all…

Real talk, damn good biscuits and growing a national chain

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Lauren Coulter is co-Founder and chief biscuit eater of Biscuit Belly, the Louisville, Kentucky, brunch brand she built with her husband and co-Founder, Chad…

Pokeworks reports 10% year-over-year unit growth in Q2

August 18, 2026

Irvine, California-based Pokeworks opened five locations, has eight more under development and signed multiple-unit franchise agreements during the second…

How Bonchon is using AI to enhance operations, increase profit

Bonchon CEO Suzie Tsai joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to talk candidly about the Korean fried chicken brand's AI journey.

Pizza Brands to Watch 2027 nominations extended to Aug. 28

August 17, 2026

Pizza Marketplace is seeking nominations for its "Pizza Brands to Watch in 2027" special report, aiming to highlight innovators, trailblazers and rising stars…

Graze Craze reports 65% year-over-year sales growth

August 17, 2026

Graze Craze reported a 65% year-over-year increase in same-store sales during the first half of 2026, marking the charcuterie brand's 20th consecutive quarter…

HTeaO expands Arkansas footprint with upcoming Fort Smith opening

August 14, 2026

Iced tea franchise HTeaO will open a location in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on Saturday, Aug. 22, according to a press release.

Slutty Vegan signs wave of franchise deals, marks Florida debut

August 14, 2026

Slutty Vegan, a plant-based burger chain founded by entrepreneur Pinky Cole Hayes, closed out the first half of 2026 with a string of franchise agreements, an…

Bonchon to be acquired by Minor Food, Serruya Private Equity

August 13, 2026

Bonchon, known for its Korean fried chicken, is to be acquired by Minor Food and Serruya Private Equity from existing shareholders VIG Partners and Mr. Seo…

HTeaO breaks ground on 1st South Texas location in Brownsville

August 13, 2026

Iced tea franchise HTeaO is expanding into South Texas with its first location in the Rio Grande Valley, according to a press release.