5 strategic plays behind Cava's $1B year

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Cava Co-founder and CEO Brett Schulman didn't just report numbers during the company's Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings call on Tuesday; he reported a…

The legacy glow-up: How Paul Damico is tech-enabling Perkins, Huddle House

Pinky Cole stripping down Slutty Vegan’s business realities on ‘Real Housewives’

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

By bringing the fast casual world to one of reality TV's biggest stages, Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole is betting on the idea that authenticity — not just…

Strategic sizzle: Why Houston TX Hot Chicken prioritizes smart growth over rapid expansion

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Houston TX Hot Chicken is leveraging its "electric" brand energy and massive social media following to drive organic franchise leads and fuel a strategic…

The Real Reason Your Team Is Burning Out (It's Not What You Think)

The way your team communicates is burning them out. And if you're running your internal communication through personal messaging apps like WhatsApp or…

The Fast Casual Paradox: Why the future isn't either/or

Full-service restaurateur and fast casual operator Dan Simons examines the macroeconomic pressures driving the industry and explains why the winners won't be…

6 Signs Your Team Communication Isn't Secure Enough

Here are six signs your team communication isn't as secure as you think. If any of these sound familiar, it's time to rethink how your team communicates at…

Building unity through community

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

By fostering shared experiences and intentional connections, the restaurant industry serves as a vital "community connector" that accelerates growth for…

Speaker Spotlight: Liz Williams, CEO, El Pollo Loco

Liz Williams, CEO of El Pollo Loco, shares a look at her career, her achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at the Restaurant Franchising …

La Madeleine eyes accelerated growth following 'Ignite the Joy' turnaround

February 20, 2026

French-inspired bakery-cafe la Madeleine is entering 2026 with its strongest expansion pipeline in nearly a decade, following a year of operational…

Can Dave’s Hot Chicken leaders conjure magic from Mike's Red Tacos?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Mike's Red Tacos, a beef birria concept born just four years ago, has deals in place to open more than 200 locations. While the rapid expansion is turning…

Family owned Mickey’s Deli opening 2nd location after 70 years

February 19, 2026

Mickey's Deli, a 70-year-old brand in California, has opened a second location North Redondo Beach.

Scaling sweet success: How Rita’s Italian Ice navigates franchise growth

Philadelphia-based Spread Bagelry entering Atlanta

February 18, 2026

Philadelphia-based Spread Bagelry is bringing its honey-boiled, wood-fired bagels to Buckhead next month, marking the brand's first entry into the Atlanta…

Wingstop's Q4 earnings: The good, the bad, the X-Factor

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

While 2025 saw the brand’s first same-store sales decline in over two decades, leadership is betting on a transformational operational shift and a new loyalty…

Jeff's Bagel Run: From garage bagels to 30 and growing

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

On this episode of the Founderology — Built to Breakthrough podcast, I talk with Jeff Perera, co-Founder of Jeff’s Bagel Run and a member of the inaugural…

The 10-25 Unit Playbook: Scale Without Chaos

Unlock the proven systems top restaurant operators use to scale without chaos. If you’re stuck juggling fires across 10–25 locations, this guide shows you the…

Presented by SynergySuite

Beyond the balance sheet: why the future of franchising is proactive, not passive

At the upcoming Restaurant Innovation and Franchising Summit, industry experts will share strategies for moving beyond passive bookkeeping to maximize…

Reigniting passion in your team: a blueprint for peak performance

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

Cultivating employee passion through purpose, recognition and autonomy is the key to driving superior business performance, innovation and long-term retention…

Pizza vs. Chicken: The ultimate industry 'vibe check' at RFIS

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Executives in the pizza and chicken restaurant fields will answer questions about feedback in a 'Family Feud'-style game at the Restaurant Franchising and…