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

In this discussion, Azira’s CEO, Gladys Kong, will explore how AI-powered analytics and mobile location data are transforming the way restaurant brands…

Presented by Azira

Hot Head Burritos Founder Ray Wiley dies

May 27, 2026

Ray Wiley, the founder and CEO of fast casual chain Hot Head Burritos, has died at the age of 60.

7% of restaurant guests drive up to 50% of order volume

May 27, 2026

A mere 7% of a restaurant's guest base can drive up to half of its total order volume, according to "The Regulars Report 2026," a joint study released this…

How PLNT Burger, Konala are out-conveniencing fast food

In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, host Paul Barron sits down with Chris Treloar, CEO of PLNT Burger, and Trace Miller, founder of Konala Protein Bowls, to…

The Power of One System: Systematize your standards to scale

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

To transition from a chaotic, founder-dependent business to a scalable enterprise, leaders must define, document and continuously improve a unified operating…

How CORE provides financial lifeline for food, beverage workers in crisis

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

This episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast features CORE’s Jill Chapman, who explains how the growing non-profit provides critical financial assistance to…

Presented by CORE

Report: 61% of restaurant workers are skipping meals due to financial stress

May 26, 2026

Instant Financial and the Center for Generational Kinetics released a 2026 report titled "Underserved: The Financial Reality of America's Hourly Restaurant…

Part 1:  Cool technologies at the NRA Show 2026

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Editor Mandy Wolf Detwiler spent time in the tech pavilion at the National Restaurant Association Show.

Inside Pokeworks’ real estate strategy: From hoodless kitchens to suburban expansion

In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Peter Yang, co-founder and head of Development at Pokeworks, to…

Blaze Pizza partners with Folds of Honor for Memorial Day fundraiser

May 20, 2026

Blaze Pizza will donate $1 from every 11-inch pizza sold at participating U.S. locations on May 25 to support military and first responder families, according…

The success formula that took Everbowl from 1 to 400 locations

I sat down with Jeff Fenster, who built five eight- to nine-figure companies, exited three, and grew Everbowl to more than 100 open locations with almost 40…

Penn Station rebrands, updates menu as franchise expansion accelerates

May 20, 2026

Fast-casual sandwich chain Penn Station East Coast Subs has rebranded as Penn Station Sandwiches as part of a broader growth strategy focused on franchise…

The 'dirt' on dirt: 4 restaurant real estate trends revealed at ICSC

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Interviews at the International Council of Shopping Centers conference revealed top trends in real estate. Success in the restaurant industry isn't just about…

The Power of Financial Planning, Financial Visibility leads to business sustainability

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

To achieve sustainable growth and avoid the "stuck zone," Founders must overcome the emotional avoidance of their financials by owning their P&L, hiring expert…

Rōti Modern Mediterranean launches London ghost kitchens, expands Atlanta footprint

May 18, 2026

Rōti Modern Mediterranean has opened four ghost kitchens in the United Kingdom and suburban Atlanta as part of its continued expansion strategy. The brand…

Cava named No. 1 Brand of 2026 at Fast Casual Top 100 Gala

Cava secured the top honors following a year of monumental growth, including a 22.5% revenue increase and reaching $1.1 billion in annual sales.

2026 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers

Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Each year, this report serves as a pulse check for the industry, celebrating the…

Presented by Elo Touch Solutions, Inc.

Off-premise blitz: Turning pandemic survival tactics into long-term growth engines

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Industry leaders at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit highlighted how the shift from convenience to a permanent off-premise model requires a…

Ovation, Tap leaders share tips on crafting a guest feedback strategy

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

A panel talk at the upcoming Restaurant Marketing Workshop will deliver insight on not only getting a guest feedback approach up and running but tips and…

Killer Burger eyes national growth with Houston debut, doubles down on ‘no shortcuts’ strategy

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Killer Burger opens its first Houston location, expanding in Texas with a franchise-led strategy focused on operations, consistency and scalable growth.