Chicken chains rule the roost with summer LTOs

July 2, 2026

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, Houston TX Hot Chicken, Huey Magoo's and Wingstop are leaning into menu trends, including value meals and sweet and hot flavors.

Portillo's, Vienna Beef launch hot dog for America's 250th birthday

June 30, 2026

Portillo's has partnered with longtime supplier Vienna Beef to launch the Char'diniera Dog to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The hot dog will be available…

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…

Einstein Bros bakes up growth with 300-plus U.S. locations planned by 2030

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Leslie Haver, senior director, design, said the prototype will be slightly larger in most locations to support in-store dining and offer a better customer…

Jimmy John's partners with rapper Fetty Wap on LTO

June 24, 2026

Fetty Wap, Courtesy of Jimmy John's Champaign, Illinois-headquartered Jimmy John's has partnered with rapper Fetty Wap to launch the limited-time…

Cheba Hut fires up new joint in Fort Worth

June 11, 2026

Cheba Hut, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, is opening its newest location in north Fort Worth, Texas. The counterculture toasted sub shop will open June 15 at…

Philly’s Best Cheesesteaks expands loyalty program as personalization trends grow

June 2, 2026

Fast-casual chain Philly's Best Cheesesteaks has revamped its Real Philly Rewards loyalty program, increasing redemption options and adding more flexibility…

PopUp Bagels spurs Texas growth with 2nd Dallas opening

May 29, 2026

PopUp Bagels continues its Texas expansion with the launch of its second Dallas location.

Cousins Subs promotes Maja Gettrust to VP of marketing

May 27, 2026

Cousins Subs promoted industry veteran Maja Gettrust to vice president of Marketing. She will oversee brand strategy, creative development, media, loyalty…

Penn Station rebrands, updates menu as franchise expansion accelerates

May 20, 2026

Fast-casual sandwich chain Penn Station East Coast Subs has rebranded as Penn Station Sandwiches as part of a broader growth strategy focused on franchise…

2026 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers

Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Each year, this report serves as a pulse check for the industry, celebrating the…

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Jimmy John’s adds wraps to Canadian menu

May 14, 2026

Jimmy John's has introduced wraps to its Canadian menu for a limited time at participating locations.

Fuku continues South Florida expansion with planned West Palm Beach opening

May 12, 2026

Fuku is opening its second South Florida restaurant at 407 S. Rosemary Ave., in West Palm Beach. Additional details, including an opening date, are forthcoming.

Smoothie King CEO launches dual-lane chicken concept in Dallas

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Smoothie King's CEO is offering crispy and light chicken options through his fast-casual Flock & Fresh brand in Dallas.

Cheba Hut sparks 2nd Wyoming location

April 27, 2026

Marijuana-themed sandwich chain Cheba Hut has opened its second location in Wyoming.

Which Wich stacks UK expansion with London franchise deal

April 16, 2026

Dallas-based Which Wich is boosting its U.K. expansion through a multi-unit franchise agreement with franchisee Reza Hassanadeh.

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Secures Tampa Expansion as Growth Strategy Gains Speed

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has secured its entry into the Tampa market, marking a significant step forward in the brand’s national expansion strategy and…

Jimmy John’s gets lit with celeb-built 4/20 menu

April 14, 2026

Jimmy John's will tap into cannabis culture through the launch of its "Dream Rotation," a limited-time menu celebrating the April 20 holiday. The Champaign…

Phoenix heats up with 2nd Houston TX Hot Chicken location

April 10, 2026

Houston TX Hot Chicken is doubling its Arizona presence.

'Stuff it': Panera Bread introduces bread rolls filled with salads

April 9, 2026

Panera Bread has introduced Salad Stuffers, a handheld version of the brand's green offerings. The item features a specially made, hollowed-out Italian roll…