Operations News
Tiki Taco expanding in 2026
December 30, 2025
Kansas City-based Tiki Taco is concluding a year of significant expansion as it prepares for a major push into the Kansas City suburbs in 2026.
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FastCasual extends nomination deadline for '25 Brands to Watch: 2026'
December 29, 2025
Nominations close Jan. 3.
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Del Taco begins growth phase under new ownership
December 29, 2025
Del Taco began operations last week under its new parent company, Yadav Enterprises.
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Mixue makes American debut in Hollywood
December 23, 2025
Mixue, a Chinese beverage giant known for its ultra-low prices and "Snow King" mascot, has officially entered the American market with the opening of its first…
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Pizza Marketplace’s 'Brands to Watch 2026' released
December 19, 2025
The report lists 25 pizzerias doing great things as we go into the new year.
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Ten Ramen sold to Vandelay Companies
December 18, 2025
Vandelay Companies has acquired Ten Ramen, a staple of the Dallas dining scene for a decade, and announced plans to expand the brand to the West Village…
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Smalls Sliders expands South Carolina footprint with 5-unit deal
December 17, 2025
Smalls Sliders, a cheeseburger slider concept based in modular shipping containers, is expanding its presence in Upstate South Carolina following a multi-unit…
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Fatburger returning to Japan
December 17, 2025
Los Angeles-based restaurant company FAT Brands Inc. has opened a Fatburger location in Okinawa, marking the burger chain's return to the Japanese market. It…
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Kraft Heinz hires Steve Cahillane as CEO
December 16, 2025
Kraft Heinz has chosen Steve Cahillane, former Kellanoa chief, as CEO come Jan. 1, 2026.
read nowPotbelly adding 50 locations in 2026
December 15, 2025
Potbelly Sandwich Works plans to open 50 locations in 2026, a significant expansion that will push the chain past the 500-store milestone as it pursues a…
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Chipotle reaches 4,000th restaurant milestone with Kansas opening
December 15, 2025
Chipotle Mexican Grill marked a major corporate milestone Friday, opening its 4,000th restaurant in Manhattan, Kansas, moving the chain past the halfway point…
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Dave's Hot Chicken tops Yelp's 2025 'Most Loved Brands'
December 12, 2025
Three of the top five spots went to fast casual chains, with Korean fried chicken franchise bb.q Chicken taking No. 3 and California burger icon In-N-Out…
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National Restaurant Association seeks solutions to penny shortage
December 11, 2025
The National Restaurant Association is seeking solutions to the national penny shortage. The shortage means operators can't order pennies from their local…
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White Rhino Coffee acquires Emporium Pies
December 11, 2025
White Rhino Coffee, a Dallas-based specialty coffee company, has acquired Emporium Pies, a North Texas dessert chain known for its handcrafted pastries.
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Starbucks reveals 9 most-viral drinks of 2025
December 11, 2025
Starbucks released a list of its most viral customized beverages of 2025, highlighting how social media trends created by customers and employees continue to…
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Naf Naf grill opening at Love's Travel Stop in Missouri
December 8, 2025
Naf Naf Grill, a fast casual brand serving fresh-baked pita, hand-carved shawarma and bold Middle Eastern flavors, is opening next week inside a Love's Travel…
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Jeff’s Bagel Run reports 26% sales growth, doubles store count
December 2, 2025
Jeff's Bagel Run reported a 26% increase in same-store sales as the Orlando-based chain continues a rapid expansion across the U.S.
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2026 restaurant outlook signaling challenges for fast casuals
December 1, 2025
Consumer spending on restaurants is holding steady, but fast casual operators must redouble efforts to deliver clear, consistent value to maintain momentum…
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Smashburger launches 'flavor-driven rebrand'
November 25, 2025
Smashburger has unveiled a comprehensive brand campaign and refreshed visual identity, emphasizing a renewed commitment to great taste, variety and value, said…
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Nominations open for 25 Fast Casual Brands to Watch
November 19, 2025
Nominations are open for the 25 Fast Casual Brands to Watch special report, which highlights the most promising new concepts in the restaurant industry.
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