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.

Smoothie King posts 9% July same-store sales growth, expands franchise pipeline

August 13, 2026

Smoothie King is seeing strong momentum from menu expansion and franchisee investment, reporting 9% same-store sales growth in July and its highest number of…

Flytrex, Nash focus on flexible delivery, not just drones

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Flytrex and Nash have partnered to provide the best delivery service from restaurant to home, whether via drone or food courier.

Chipotle opening in Saudi Arabia

August 13, 2026

Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening its first restaurant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia later this month in partnership with Alshaya Group, at Sidra, a dining…

Women's Foodservice Forum teams up with Culture Partners for 2026 workshops

August 12, 2026

The Women's Foodservice Forum has partnered with consultancy Culture Partners to provide culture and accountability training to its more than 8,000 members…

Cava reports strong Q2 results, fueled by traffic growth, restaurant openings

August 12, 2026

Cava Group has delivered a strong Q2 quarter, with revenue, same-store restaurant sales and guest traffic all posting solid gains as the mediterranean chain…

Restaurant turnover isn't a hiring issue — It's a culture problem, say Fast Casual Executive Summit panelists

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Tiki Taco's Eric Knott and Training Simplified's Sam Worobec preview their session at the 2026 Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 4–6 in Arlington, Texas.

Inspire doubles down on first Buffalo Wild Wings-Jimmy John’s co-brand

August 12, 2026

Inspire Brands is expanding its co-branding strategy with the Aug. 18 opening of its first Buffalo Wild Wings GO and Jimmy John's location at 5241 69th St. E…

The 7 Best WhatsApp Alternatives for Restaurant Teams

A ranked look at seven WhatsApp alternatives for restaurant teams, compared on work-life boundaries, organized group chats, admin control, mobile ease, and…