Restaurant resales fall in 2026; turnkey, franchise deals surge

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

High interest rates and construction costs are reshaping the restaurant resale market, driving buyers toward equipped second-generation spaces and proven…

How Teriyaki Madness flips franchise growth by vetting real estate before the deal is signed

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Franchise Development Real Estate Manager Jake Lowell breaks down how the fast-casual chain cut opening timelines to 18 months and secured over 80 leases in 1…

Baker Katz secures 5 leases for Einstein Bros

August 21, 2026

The fast-casual chain is adding over 9,500 square feet as it continues expanding across the Houston market.

Huey Magoo’s signs agreements for 60 restaurants

August 21, 2026

Orlando-based Huey Magoo's has awarded development rights to eight franchise groups for 60 restaurants across the United States.

Potbelly signs deal to add 10 shops in Central Florida

August 20, 2026

Chicago-based-Potbelly Sandwich Works has signed a development agreement with veteran franchisee BD Patel and his nephews, Bhavesh and Mihir Patel, to open 1…

HTeaO breaks ground on 1st South Texas location in Brownsville

August 13, 2026

Iced tea franchise HTeaO is expanding into South Texas with its first location in the Rio Grande Valley, according to a press release.

&pizza to launch 1st location in Georgia

August 6, 2026

&pizza is bringing its signature edge, energy and cult-favorite pies to Georgia. The brand's first restaurant in the state is expected to open this…

How Tony Roma's is using fast-casual strategies to reinvent itself

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

CEO Mina Haque explains how the 54-year-old brand is adapting to changing consumer habits without abandoning its casual-dining roots.

PJ's Coffee among 1st tenants at former CVS

July 29, 2026

PJ's Coffee is one of the first tenants to open at a redeveloped former CVS Pharmacy in Baton Rouge this August. Wingstop, Marco's Pizza and Donuts and Burgers…

Hawaiian Bros signs 8-unit Louisville-area development deal

July 28, 2026

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is expanding in Kentucky with an eight-unit development agreement targeted for the greater Louisville market. A local franchisee…

Why franchises must rethink growth in a digital-first world

Somia Farid Silber, CEO of Edible Brands, discusses how success in franchising is no longer equated growth only unit expansion. Territory optimization is…

How Scooter's Coffee expanding supply chain to support 1,000 stores

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Scooter's Coffee invests in its supply chain as the company's number of stores approaches 1,000.

Juice It Up reports 13% systemwide sales growth through midyear

July 22, 2026

Juice It Up reported 13% year-over-year systemwide sales growth through the first half of 2026, driven by higher customer traffic, menu innovation and…

Scooter’s Coffee breaks ground on $40M Nebraska distribution center

July 14, 2026

Scooter's Coffee has broken ground on a 154,400-square-foot cold-storage distribution center in Papillion, Nebraska. The $40 million facility at 11656 S. 158th…

Chipotle opens 1st Mexico restaurant, plans further expansion

July 13, 2026

Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its first restaurant in Mexico on Thursday, marking a new chapter in the chain's international growth strategy. The restaurant…

Pokeworks seeking Texas real estate for expansion

July 7, 2026

Pokeworks is ramping up its Texas expansion, having sold out franchise availability across nearly every major market in the state.

Tiki Taco adding KC location

July 6, 2026

Tiki Taco, a Kansas City-based independent restaurant brand, is expanding north of the Missouri River with the opening of its sixth location on July 7.

Birdcall’s Midwest expansion strategy backed by tech, real estate

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Fast-casual chicken chain said that proprietary technology, real estate optoins and a multichannel business model will help with its Midwest expansion.

Earl of Sandwich opens permanent Downtown Disney location

June 30, 2026

Earl of Sandwich has opened a permanent restaurant in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort after operating from temporary locations for…

Playa Bowls makes Canada debut

June 26, 2026

Playa Bowls has officially made its international debut, opening its first Canadian location at The Well in downtown Toronto. The 1,700-square-foot flagship…