Dave's Hot Chicken lands majority investment from Roark

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 2, 2025

The company's valuation is $1 billion.

&pizza lowering prices

May 27, 2025

Washington, D.C.-based &pizza thinks its pizza prices are too high. In a head-turning move, the brand has slashed its pricing across the board, according…

NYC's first pizza bagel shop opens

May 27, 2025

Bagizza, New York City's first dedicated pizza bagel shop, has opened in Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant was founded by Michael Park, partner and Master…

Zaxby's co-founder acquires Georgia-based fast casual

May 27, 2025

Zaxby's co-founder Tony Townley has purchased Maepole, an Athens, Georgia-based eatery serving customizable plates using locally sourced ingredients. The…

Gina's Gelato learning the coffee biz from Crimson Cup

May 20, 2025

Gina's Gelato and Java opened in Parma Heights after receiving support from Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea's, "7 Steps to Success," a consulting program based on…

Craveworthy Brands, Jon Taffer partner to expand Taffer's Tavern

May 19, 2025

Craveworthy Brands, a multi-restaurant platform company, and Taffer's Tavern, a full-service pub franchise founded by "Bar Rescue" host Jon Taffer, are…

Kraft Heinz, Uber Eats launch program showing restaurants serving Heinz

May 16, 2025

The Kraft Heinz Company has launched Heinz Verified, a program that indicates restaurants that serve Heinz products. Heinz Verified is the latest program from…

Shake Shack charts course for Panama

May 13, 2025

NYC-founded Shake Shack is setting sail for Central America, announcing a partnership with Grupo Attie-Multifood Enterprises to bring its burgers and shakes to…

Bubbakoo's ghosting Nashville

May 12, 2025

Bubbakoo's Burritos has expanded its Tennessee presence with the May 9th opening of a ghost kitchen in Nashville at 614 18th Ave. N., according to a company…

Despite revenue decreases, FAT Brands planning growth

May 9, 2025

FAT Brands Inc.'s Q2 results revealed a decline in total revenue by 6.5% to $142 million. System-wide sales also decreased by 1.8%, and same-store sales saw a…

5 ways to turn your gift card program into a 6-figure revenue stream

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 7, 2025

Ralph Lewis, owner of Okeechobee Steakhouse, reported selling over $180,000 in gift cards in just six hours across two smaller locations after using the…

Chipotle reduces emissions, launching solar farms

May 7, 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill's 2024 Sustainability Report revealed progress in key areas, including emissions reduction, community building and employee development.

Portillo's fueling growth with loyalty program, improving operations, driving kiosk usage

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 6, 2025

The chain is also testing breakfast at five locations in Chicago.

TMAD launches 'Executive Franchise Package' to keep momentum

May 1, 2025

Colorado-based Teriyaki Madness started 2025 with a growth spurt, opening 10 shops. Nine franchisees joined the brand, and systemwide gross sales climbed 21…

Kraft Heinz honored for innovation

April 30, 2025

Kraft Heinz has been named to Fast Company's annual list of the world's most innovative companies.

Virtual Dining Concepts acquires Empanadas United

April 29, 2025

Virtual Dining Concepts has added Empanadas United, a family founded business serving empanadas, to its portfolio of brands, including Man vs Fries, Pardon My…

How Taco Cabana balances cost, value in inflationary environment

April 28, 2025

Armando Flores, head of Supply Chain at Taco Cabana, discusses how he focuses on strategic sourcing, meaningful partnerships and regional efficiency to keep…

Pepper Lunch CEO: '2024 was transformative'

April 24, 2025

Average unit volume increased 5.4%, and all locations reported same-store sales growth.

Golden Corral debuting fast casual concept in North Carolina

April 17, 2025

Golden Corral is opening its fast-casual concept, Golden Corral Favorites, Tuesday in Southern Pines, North Carolina. The 4,200-square-foot space at 1073…

Guest retention key to restaurant profitability

April 7, 2025

Traditional methods for identifying issues affecting retention, such as delayed surveys with low response rates, potentially biased table visits, and…