Minnie Bird opens 3rd location

May 1, 2026

Minnie Bird, a fast-casual chicken concept co-founded by Sean Thomas, the grandson of Wendy's founder Dave Thomas, has tripled its Chicago-area footprint over…

FAT Brands opens Fatburger, Buffalo's Express, Hot Dog on a Stick unit

April 30, 2026

FAT Brands has opened a a tri-branded unit in Manteca, California, containing a Fatburger, Buffalo's Express and Hot Dog on a Stick. It is located in a travel…

Killer Burger growing Texas footprint

April 27, 2026

Killer Burger, a Portland-based chain known for unconventional toppings, will open its first Houston location, continuing a rapid expansion across the Lone…

Moe’s jumps on snacking trend to drive late-night traffic

April 24, 2026

Moe's Southwest Grill has introduced the Burrito Dipper, its first snack-sized menu item, as part of a broader push into late-night service.

Chicken Salad Chick posts record Q1 2026 growth

April 22, 2026

Chicken Salad Chick reported solid record results for the first quarter of 2026, thanks to franchise development and market expansion.

Dog Haus unleashes operator-driven franchise model

April 22, 2026

Dog Haus is overhauling its franchise model to give front-line operators a larger role in ownership, leadership and decision-making.

Pokeworks bowls up record Q1, expands pipeline and menu

April 20, 2026

Irvine, California-based Pokeworks reported its strongest first-quarter performance since its 2015 launch, resulting from openings, development deals and menu…

Jersey Mike’s 'confidentially' files for IPO with $1B target

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

April 20, 2026

Jersey Mike's Subs is aiming for a spot among the nation's most valuable restaurant chains as it moves forward with plans for an initial public offering.

Stoner's Pizza Joint offers 42.0% off pizzas on April 20

April 17, 2026

Stoner's Pizza Joint will offer a 42.0% discount on all regular-priced pizzas for one day only on April 20, according to a press release.

Slice Factory launches wood-fired Mexican street concept Leñasada

April 14, 2026

Slice Factory, a Chicago-based pizza franchise, has launched Leñasada, a wood-fired Mexican street food concept. Leñasada will debut inside the Slice Factory…

FastCasual opens nominations for 2026 'Perfect Pitch'

March 31, 2026

Nominations close June 8.

Shake Shack breaks into Top 50 US restaurants by consumer spending

March 27, 2026

Shake Shack has entered the top 50 U.S. restaurant brands as measured by total consumer spending, according to Circana's 2026 Definitive U.S. Restaurant…

Jennifer Pecoraro-Striepling joins Portillo’s as chief development officer

March 19, 2026

Portillo's has named Jennifer Pecoraro-Striepling chief development officer. Based in Oak Brook, Illinois, the company said she will oversee development, real…

The accidental franchisor: Eddie Flores Jr. kicks off Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit with candid look at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

March 17, 2026

Eddie Flores Jr. transitioned from real estate to become the franchisor of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, building a legacy based on the "aloha spirit" and family…

Blaze Pizza partners with Reality Based Group for mystery shopping

March 13, 2026

Reality Based Group and Blaze Pizza have entered a partnership to implement a mystery shopping program across the restaurant chain's franchise locations…

Dog Haus planting flag in Mexico

March 12, 2026

Dog Haus is heading south of the border.

Toast releases Q4 trends report, February price monitor

March 11, 2026

Toast has released its Q4 2025 Restaurant Trends Report and the February 2026 Menu Price Monitor.

Roger Berkowitz returns to Logan Airport with fast casual seafood concept

March 10, 2026

Roger Berkowitz, the former face of the Legal Sea Foods empire, is returning to his roots at Boston Logan International Airport.

7 Brew coming to Arkansas Walmarts

March 10, 2026

7 Brew, a drive-thru beverage chain, is entering the retail market with a line of ready-to-drink canned coffees launching in Walmart stores across Arkansas.

Blaze Pizza offers BOGO for $3.14 on Pi Day

March 9, 2026

Blaze Pizza will honor Pi Day with a BOGO offer. On March 14, guests can purchase one 11-inch pizza and get a second 11-inch pizza of equal or lesser value for…