Cava highlights 'values-driven growth' in Impact Report

July 30, 2025

Cava, a Mediterranean fast casual restaurant brand, has released its first Impact Report, detailing how its mission-driven approach has fostered advancements…

Criminal charges dropped against Wiederhorn, FAT Brands

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 29, 2025

While the criminal charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice against Wiederhorn and FAT Brands have been dismissed, the SEC's civil fraud charges are…

Nominations now open for Pizza Marketplace's 'Pizza Brands to Watch 2026' report

July 25, 2025

Pizza Marketplace's annual Pizza Brands to Watch 2026 report will highlight pizza brands of note. The nomination deadline is August 15.

Shipley Do-Nuts marks 18th quarter of sales growth

July 25, 2025

Shipley Do-Nuts announced Friday its 18th consecutive quarter of positive sales growth in the second quarter of 2025. The company also expanded its footprint…

Chipotle reports flat comps, lower profit in Q2

July 23, 2025

A slowdown in consumer spending and weather incidents that led to Chipotle's dismal Q1 performance intensified in Q2 as it reported flat comparable restaurant…

3Natives rebrands to broaden menu

July 23, 2025

3Natives Acai and Juicery has rebranded its name to 3Natives Acai Cafe to reflect its expanded menu including hot and cold-pressed wraps, salads, breakfast…

Nick the Greek, Pei Wei, Hawaiian Bros tap Lunchbox for faster growth

July 17, 2025

Restaurants are prioritizing swift digital launches, with brands like Nick the Greek, Hawaiian Bros and Pei Wei adopting solutions from Lunchbox, a multi-unit…

Matcha Magic launches nationwide expansion

July 16, 2025

Matcha Magic, a woman and minority-led health-focused matcha cafe, announced a nationwide expansion plan, starting with its first franchise location at…

Perkins' fast casual concept opening 46 New Jersey locations

July 15, 2025

Perkins American Food Co. is opening 46 units of its fast casual brand, Perkins Griddle & Go, in New Jersey. The first will open in October 2025 adjacent…

Five Guys opens cloud kitchen in Seattle

July 10, 2025

Five Guys is firing up the grills at Lake Union Eats, a CloudKitchens delivery and takeout hub in Seattle at 1601 Dexter Ave. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 1…

Smoothie King secures investment from Main Post Partners

July 10, 2025

Smoothie King has landed a minority growth investment from Main Post Partners, a private equity firm specializing in consumer brands, said Wan Kim, CEO and…

Wagamama taps CEO to fuel US growth

July 9, 2025

Wagamama, a London-born Asian-inspired restaurant chain, has appointed Suk Singh as chief development officer to lead the company's U.S. growth and site…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…