Now Trending: Diners embracing comfort foods, still open to trying new things

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Diners are feeling a little less than confident about the overall "state of things, which means culinary developers would be wise to stay a little closer to…

Third-party delivery forces tough decisions for restaurants

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Third-party delivery has become the most disruptive force in the restaurant industry today, as the growth of these services has created both an opportunity and…

3 restaurant tech trends that can help get the 'whole house' in order

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Whether it's in the front-of-house. the back-of-house or outside the house, restaurants should rely on technology this year to create agility, increase digital…

Execs predict increased usage of near-me, voice searches to make dining decisions

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

From the explosion of near-me searches to consumers demanding more options, this year's tech trends are all about meeting the customer where and when they…

Is the mainstreaming of veganism a threat to your brand?

by Cherryh Cansler

Veganism is one of the hottest trends of the year. Are you prepared?

Industry insiders predict top tech restaurant trends of 2019

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

FastCasual interviewed executives from a variety of tech vendors to reveal some of 2019's most promising tech trends. ​​​​​​Part 1 of this series features…

Top 20: FastCasual reveals 2018's most-read stories

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The year's most popular stories covered a variety of topics ranging from ghost kitchens and franchising to trend predictions and how to win the third-party…

Trend watch 2019: 4 trends in foodservice that your customers want right now

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

In an effort to uncover the latest trends in the fast casual sector, FastCasual tapped a variety of experts for a multi-part series, called, "Trend Watch…

Fall menu trends: Pumpkin is a heavy favorite but it's not the season's only LTO

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

October is nearly here, which triggers most restaurants to roll out their fall menus. And while pumpkin is still a favorite of the season, other flavors and…

Self-order kiosks dominate NRA Show

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The number of self-order kiosks on display at the National Restaurant Show nearly tripled over last year's exhibits as hardware and software manufacturers…

Coca-Cola exec shares how to connect with customers of all ages

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Gwen Brannon, Coca-Cola's director of guest insights & analytics, shares how the brand digitally engages with Baby Boomers, Generation X, millennials and…

Spring beverage trends going back to the basics

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Embracing spring's trendiest flavors via beverages is one easy way for restaurants to boost check spend. Those trends are a return to historical, more familiar…

Will the Senate push back menu-labeling law again?

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

The U.S. House passage this week of the so-called "Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act" (H.R. 772) is either an attempt to water down previous menu-labeling…

Top 10 stories of 2017 will carry over to 2018

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Stories about Panera, Chipotle and Boloco are among FastCasual's Top 10 most read stories of the year.

11 menu trends going mainstream in 2018

Now trending: Detroit-styled pizza, Vibrantly colored drinks and salads, soft-serve ice cream coming in innovative flavors and a focus on mushroom-centric…

Are ready-to-make meal kits stealing your customers?

by Amanda McNamara — Content Marketing Specialist, Toast Inc.

Now trending: Fast Casuals can learn from the success of ready-to-make meal kits companies.

Dickey's, Freshii, Boloco leaders predict 2018 fast casual trends

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

An increased focus on delivery, the elevation of vegetarian and vegan concepts and finding ways to operate in smaller areas are just a few predictions from 1…

2018 restaurant trend predictions from 10 fast casual CEOs

by Cherryh Butler — Content/Trends specialist, Barkley

Editor's note: This is part 1 in a series of stories featuring industry predictions from fast casual leaders around the world.

Menu experts predict global menu trends — does your brand measure up?

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Menu experts chat about current and future trends at this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit.

CEOs of Wing Zone, Focus Brands, Captain D's, Backyard Burgers, Koti Pizza predict industry changes, trends

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

This year's Fast Casual Executive Summit wrapped up Tuesday night with insights from some of the industry's most successful CEOs.