Blaze Pizza launches 1st kids meal menu

August 28, 2026

Blaze Pizza has launched its first-ever kids menu to accommodate families during the back-to-school season, according to a press release.

Accuracy is the new loyalty: How smart labeling protects restaurant profits

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Star Micronics' upcoming webinar, "Accuracy Is the New Loyalty," will explore how integrating smart labeling with existing restaurant technology eliminates…

Shawarma Press, Chicken Salad Chick, Firehouse Subs execs to talk operational complexities at Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

The upcoming "Complexity Killers" session at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will guide restaurant operators in auditing and streamlining their bloated tech…

How fast-casual franchise Your Pie is optimizing kitchens for modern diners

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Fast-casual pizza franchise Your Pie is strategically expanding across the Southeast under CEO Ken Caldwell by blending its authentic, handcrafted Italian…

Fresh Brothers adds Wing It On to Southern California pizza menus

August 27, 2026

Fresh Brothers Pizza is now serving Wing It On wings at all of its Southern California locations, expanding the wing concept's footprint by 20 locations…

Dave's Hot Chicken CMO reveals when and when NOT to use AI

Dave's Hot Chicken CMO Brandon Rhoten joins Fast Casual Nation to break down how the fast-growing chicken chain uses AI on the back end for customer data and…

Presented by Mountaire Farms

Restaurant traffic rebounds post Cyclospora

August 26, 2026

The newest data from Placer.ai reveals restaurant traffic is recovering from the Cyclospora outbreak.

Inflation, labor and AI: 5 things fast casual operators need to know

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Toast’s latest industry survey reveals why restaurant operators are still betting on growth despite rising costs and hiring challenges.

Dillas Quesadillas to open 1st nontraditional location

August 26, 2026

Dillas Quesadillas will launch its first nontraditional location inside Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, Louisiana.

From the boardroom to the prep line: How Stonefire Grill's CEO is fueling legacy growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Stonefire Grill CEO David Youngberg joins the Restaurant Operator Podcast to share how his hands-on leadership, people-first culture and strategic use of guest…

How Teriyaki Madness flips franchise growth by vetting real estate before the deal is signed

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Franchise Development Real Estate Manager Jake Lowell breaks down how the fast-casual chain cut opening timelines to 18 months and secured over 80 leases in 1…

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…

Accuracy is the New Loyalty

Order accuracy directly impacts restaurant profitability, customer trust and repeat business. In this webinar, Star Micronics explores where costly errors…

Presented by Star Micronics America

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.