Why Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream betting the farm on supply chain transparency

by David Leonardo — CEO, Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream

David Leonardo, CEO of Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream, reveals how requiring each location to source its dairy from within its state builds loyalty.

Kura Sushi overall sales climb amid dip in comps

July 8, 2025

Kura Sushi USA Inc. reported a significant increase in total sales for its fiscal third quarter, ending May 31, 2025, reaching $74 million, up from $63.…

Fresh Kitchen reopening after fire

July 8, 2025

Fresh Kitchen, a fast casual restaurant chain specializing in customizable, healthy bowls, is opening its largest location next year in South Tampa at 1719 W.

Habit Burger's 'hot dads' featured in calendar, 'Live with Kelly & Mark'

July 8, 2025

Summer just got a little hotter with the release of the "Hot Dads of Habit x UFC GYM Calendar," now available for order online. The five-month calendar is a…

3 ways to keep customers ordering your 'not-so-cheap' eats

by CJ Gaffney — VP Brand Strategy, Partners + Napier

A few Fridays ago, I found myself in the Wendy's drive-thru with three boys in the backseat and a trunk full of baseball gear. The sun was setting, nerves were…

Rapper helping Zaxbys intro Lemon Pepper Wings

July 7, 2025

Atlanta-based Zaxbys is entering the dry rub market for the first time with the launch of its Lemon Pepper offerings, available for a limited time. To…

Cali Coffee grinds away at Starbucks, Dunkin'

Join Fast Casual Nation host Paul Barron as he interviews Craig Avera, founder and CEO of Cali Coffee, a Florida-based drive-thru coffee chain that's doubled…

Fast casual restaurants see June sales dip

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 2, 2025

Sales at small business restaurants, including many fast casual concepts, saw a slight year-over-year increase of 0.4% in June, but experienced a sharper 2.6…

Fast casuals hanging on as consumers prioritize groceries amid cuts

July 1, 2025

While U.S. consumers are spending more than twice as much on groceries as on food at restaurants, fast casual brands remain a significant portion of their…

Culinary Tides, Buona Companies, Roll Mobility leaders to give executive perspectives at Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Four speakers will give their executive perspectives in an address at the Fast Casual Executive Summit October 7, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

Jamba CBO: Snacking is becoming the main course

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Nathan Louer, chief brand officer of Jamba, reveals the brand's 'snackification' strategy.

How Fry the Coop founder traded everything for freedom (and fried chicken)

On this episode of Founderology: Built to Breakthrough, we sit down with Joe Fontana who went from being stuck in a cubicle to running one of the most…

Shake Shack: 'Home of the Braves'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The location, which is the chain's second-largest unit, features seating for over 100, its first bar, a wall of free arcade games, kiosks and over a dozen TVs…

Cousins Maine Lobster surpasses $1B systemwide sales

June 30, 2025

Cousins Maine Lobster, a national food truck and fast-casual dining concept, has surpassed $1 billion in systemwide sales since its founding in 2012. The…

Can protein, "back to basics" approach re-energize Starbucks?

by R.J. Hottovy — Head of Analytical Research, Placer.ai

If Starbucks can give its large, established customer base new reasons to visit, it can unlock significant growth.

Speaker Spotlight: Seth Larsen, chief relationship officer, Cheba Hut Toasted Subs

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Seth Larsen, chief relationship officer at Cheba Hut Toasted Subs, is one of dozens of panelists participating in the upcoming Fast Casual Executive Summit.

Qdoba opens 800th location

June 26, 2025

Qdoba has opened its 800th location in North Miami Beach, Florida, marking a significant step toward its goal of doubling its footprint to 1,600 restaurants by…

Wonder serving TikTok star's cupcakes, salad

June 26, 2025

Melissa Ben-Ishay, a New York Times bestselling cookbook author and founder of Baked by Melissa, has partnered with Wonder to offer her Rainbow Kale Salad and…

From Boots to biscuits: How former Marine leading growth at Vicious Biscuit

Fast casuals tapping into alcohol to boost profits

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Margaritas, in particular, have been a key driver in Taco Cabana's growth, proving that even in a fast casual setting, customers are eager for a refreshing…