Freddy’s promotes Lindsey Kochanski to marketing VP

November 4, 2026

[MEDIA ITEM PHOTO #6571 (350px width / right align)] Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has promoted Lindsey Kochanski from director of brand marketing…

Maria Rivera joins The Salty Donut as CEO

November 3, 2026

[MEDIA ITEM PHOTO #6570 (350px width / right align)] The Salty Donut has named Maria Rivera CEO. She was appointed to the position in spring and has spent the…

Craveworthy Brands hires industry veteran Keith Kravcik as CFO

November 2, 2026

Craveworthy Brands has appointed Keith Kravcik to its position of chief financial officer. He will oversee the company's financial operations and help guide…

7 Best AI Agents for Small Businesses to Automate Daily Operations in 2027

Small businesses run on repetitive daily tasks, from customer requests to team follow-ups. This guide compares 7 AI agent tools on four key criteria: handling…

Sweetgreen announces incentive strategies and leadership growth plans

October 27, 2026

Sweetgreen is introducing its Head Coach Incentive plan, an incentive strategy allowing top-performing restaurant managers to potentially earn more than…

Cafe Rio names Adam Klaers COO, promotes Julie Boyster to chief brand officer

October 27, 2026

[MEDIA ITEM PHOTO #6567 (250px width / right align)] Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican has appointed Adam Klaers as chief operating officer and promoted Julie…

Sweetgreen names former Shake Shack culinary leader John Karangis executive chef

October 23, 2026

Sweetgreen has named John Karangis executive chef and senior vice president of culinary. The Los Angeles-based fast-casual salad chain has more than 28…

5 things your crew wants you to know about pay, bosses and AI

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Toast's survey of 702 restaurant workers revealed that raises and better benefits are landing, but pay, scheduling and managers still decide who stays.

Pollo Campero names Julio Sanchez US CEO

October 22, 2026

Pollo Campero has appointed Julio Sánchez CEO of its U.S. business, Campero USA Corp., effective immediately. He succeeds Luis Javier Rodas, who spent 26 years…

State of the Industry: Fast Casual 2026 and Beyond

Explore growth forecasts, operator profitability and pricing pressures, leading brands, menu and LTO trends, and consumer demand for value and innovation—all…

Presented by Datassential, Inc.

Dillas Quesadillas names Michael Mabry COO

October 14, 2026

Dillas Quesadillas has promoted Michael Mabry from head of franchise development to chief operating officer, effective Oct. 7. In the newly created role, Mabry…

Toast expands AI tools for labor management, marketing

October 13, 2026

Boston-based tech platformToast has introduced AI-powered labor management tools and expanded its digital marketing capabilities. The tech and upgrades are…

Uncommon Brands Taps former &Pizza execs, promotes executive to leadership team

October 12, 2026

Uncommon Brands, a Dallas-based group behind fast-casual concepts Fuego Tortilla Grill and The Rice Box, has appointed two former &pizza executives to its…

Why restaurants need a different labor playbook

by John Dorer — CEO, eb3.work

For years, restaurants have treated labor shortages as a hiring problem. When the applicant pool gets thin, the answer is usually to recruit harder or lean on…

Snooze Eatery names Amy Hom COO

October 9, 2026

Denver-based Snooze Eatery has hired Amy Hom as chief operating officer, effective Sept. 28, as the breakfast-and-brunch chain invests in operations and plans…

Sweetgreen hires former Starbucks leader as chief people officer

October 8, 2026

Sweetgreen has named Lauren Crowley as chief people officer as the fast-casual chain looks to strengthen its people organization for its next stage of growth.

Who's the MVP of your restaurant? Nominate them for Workforce Warriors

Nominations are open through Nov. 10.

Cava names John Ludeke chief marketing officer

September 30, 2026

Cava has named John Ludeke chief marketing officer. He will lead the fast-casual chain's marketing organization as it continues to expand.

Mokas Coffee & Eatery opens 1st franchise-owned location

September 29, 2026

Mokas Coffee & Eatery will open its first franchise-owned location Sept. 30 in Olathe, Kansas.

Original ChopShop promotes Kyle Frederick to CEO, Jason Morgan moves to advisory role

September 28, 2026

Original ChopShop has named Kyle Frederick CEO as the fast-casual brand prepares for its next phase of growth.