Panera CEO unveils 'RISE' strategy to change company trajectory

November 18, 2025

Panera Bread CEO Paul Carbone has revealed an ambitious transformation plan, "Panera RISE," in hopes of guiding the company's next phase of growth and…

From café to national movement: Clean Eatz Founders on scaling wellness without losing heart

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Clean Eatz is a franchise co-founded by Don and Evonne Varady that solves the time vs. health dilemma by offering convenient, macro-balanced meals, from…

5 ways fast casuals can reduce COGS without sacrificing quality

by chad, Chad Coulter — CEO, Biscuit Belly

Biscuit Belly co-founder and CEO Chad Coulter shares cost-management insights and strategies to help operators protect profitability while maintaining brand…

How to unlock your inner rock star and inspire your team to greatness

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

True leadership, or "rock star leadership," moves beyond simple task management to inspire teams by leading with energy, passion, authenticity and a commanding…

Chicken Salad Chick, Main Squeeze Juice Co, Original ChopShop, Dog Haus leaders talk marketing on a limited dime

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A panel of fast casual executives shared that maximizing social media ROI with limited budgets is best achieved through deep community involvement, leveraging…

Why restaurant, retail industries won't support Visa/Mastercard swipe fee settlement

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

With 85% of cards today tied to rewards programs, almost all would fall under the new ‘premium consumer’ category, leaving restaurants with virtually no choice…

Chipotle marketing VP reveals strategy to win back Gen Z

Join Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they sit down with Stephanie Perdue, VP of brand marketing at Chipotle Mexican Grill, to…

Garden Catering to open 9th location

November 13, 2025

Garden Catering, a family-owned chicken nugget chain that has served fans since 1978, is opening next week at the Heights Crossing development in Darien…

Hungry Howie's differentiates itself with flavored crust, fresh dough, ingredients

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

VP of Public Relations Jennifer Jackson discusses the Hungry Howie's pizza brand's strategic marketing and operational planning, including cross-functional…

Family, not fortune: Why Uncle Sharkii spurned $35M to guard the 'Spirit of Aloha'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Raymond Reyes said the fine print didn't read like freedom; it read like control.

Barry Bagels expands with major deal in Texas, uses hub-and-spoke model for growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Barry Bagels' history dates back to 1972. Today, the brand has locations in Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio,

Nominations open for Top 5 Movers & Shakers: Visionary Restaurant Founders

November 10, 2025

Nominations close Dec. 7

Crust Pizza Co., L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Gong cha, Juice It Up execs talk the future of franchising

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Executive insights from the Fast Casual Executive Summit reveal that the franchising model is rapidly evolving due to technology, changing consumer and…

&pizza acquires Tijuana Flats, creates holding company

November 6, 2025

Washington DC-based &pizza has acquired Tijuana Flats and formed a the holding company, Latitude Food Group, to oversee both brands.

Strategies to lead through a cultural transformation in the workplace

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

November 6, 2025

How to successfully navigate the inevitable challenges of organizational culture change by emphasizing clear communication, leading by example, empowering…

Shake Shack's 1,500-store quest: CDO discusses scaling culture, tech, suburban drive-thrus

Noodles & Co's 3 steps to profitability: Menu innovation, closures, digital growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Although the company announced a net loss of $9.2 million, or 20 cents per diluted share, recent sales growth and the decision to close underperforming…

Leading with flavor, heart, vision: The Tacodeli way

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

In this episode of the Founderology Podcast, Roberto Espinosa, the Founder of Tacodeli, discusses how his taco shop has grown into one of the most authentic…

Top 3 learnings from Cava's Q3 earnings about growth in tight economy

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Cava reported Q3 2025 revenue of $289.8 million, up 20% year over year, with same-restaurant sales growth of 1.9% and restaurant-level profit margin of 24.6%.

Fast casuals embracing micro-meals, protein as traditional dayparts disappear

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

This focus on smaller, frequent meals reflects a major cultural shift, often referred to as the “death of the daypart,” where consumers are increasingly…