125 stories · last 30 days by relevance
Houston TX Hot Chicken is opening a second U.K. location in London's Brunswick Centre through a master franchise agreement with PizzaExpress, signaling potential for U.S. hot chicken concepts to gain
Bowl formats are expanding beyond health-focused niches to compete across more meal occasions, signaling a shift in how QSR operators are positioning the category.
Chipotle is simultaneously launching two limited-time offerings—a reformulated Pollo Asado and new Chili Lime Chips—marking the first time the chain has run dual LTOs at once, suggesting a bid to driv
Panera replaced its surprise-and-delight rewards model with a points-based program featuring premium tiers, shifting toward predictable redemption value and member control.
Sweetgreen introduced lower-priced wraps to boost traffic and value perception after a weak first quarter, but faces fresh operational challenges that may limit the strategy's impact.
Panera Bread has launched a tiered, points-based loyalty program designed to increase perceived value and member engagement through clearer reward mechanics.
7 Brew has made a $143 million offer to acquire 73 Salad and Go locations in bankruptcy, outbidding Dutch Bros for the assets.
Cava's same-store sales grew 9% in the second quarter, driven by a 5.3% traffic increase, despite a temporary consumer pullback from salad.
CAVA's second-quarter results showed newly opened locations performing strongly, existing stores driving increased traffic, and top-performing units suggesting headroom for sales growth above current
Chipotle is relaunching its Chipotle IQ trivia game for Rewards members in the U.S. and Canada, offering over $1 million in free food as prizes—a move that signals the brand's continued focus on deepe
Chipotle opened its first Asian location in Seoul, South Korea, through a partnership with Sangmidang Holdings, signaling an expansion beyond North America.
Slutty Vegan has signed multiple franchise agreements and opened in Florida.
Quality Fresca, a Florida-based Moe's Southwest Grill franchisee that operated 69 locations at its peak in 2021, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after closing dozens of underperforming stores.
Original ChopShop is launching a dinner-focused promotion called 'Feel Good Nights' featuring new bowl options and a loyalty offer to drive weeknight traffic.
Cava reported 9% same-store sales growth and a 5.3% traffic increase, suggesting the fast-casual chain has weathered recent food-safety concerns better than peers in the segment.
Jimmy John's secured an official sponsorship partnership with ESPN's College GameDay, gaining presence at the show's stops throughout the college football season and relaunching its Fan Feast meal as
Evergreens, a Seattle-based fast-casual chain founded in 2012, has launched a franchise program targeting 12 Western states, signaling a shift from company-operated growth to franchisee-led expansion.
Evergreen is offering reduced royalty rates to attract its first franchisees, with the chain's top-performing company-owned locations (excluding airports) averaging over $1.45 million in annual sales
Chipotle has relaunched its Chipotle IQ trivia game, offering Rewards members chances to win free entrée codes and points.
Teriyaki Madness hired Jake Lowell as Franchise Development Real Estate Manager, a newly created position, signaling the chain's active focus on site selection and franchise expansion infrastructure.
WOWorks, which operates six restaurant brands including Saladworks and Zoup!, has opened 23 locations year-to-date with 15 more in development, signaling continued momentum in its multi-brand expansio
Chicken Salad Chick appointed Drew Travis as CFO, continuing a recent round of C-suite hires that includes a new CMO and CDO.
Flytrex and Nash have partnered to offer delivery options combining drones and traditional couriers, signaling a shift toward hybrid logistics that lets restaurants choose delivery method by order.
Minor Food and Serruya Private Equity have completed their acquisition of Bonchon, the Korean fried chicken chain.
Graze Craze reported a 65% increase in same-store sales for the first half of 2026 compared to the prior year, signaling strong consumer demand for the charcuterie franchise format.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is approaching 100 locations following strong first-half 2026 performance, signaling continued momentum in the fast-casual Mediterranean segment.
El Pollo Loco's CEO announced the chain is doubling its development pace year-over-year and exploring fried chicken additions, signaling accelerated expansion and product diversification following a b
Potbelly is opening its first Georgia location on September 1, marking the chain's expansion into a new state market.
Former fitness entrepreneur Steele Smiley exited his 900+ franchise fitness business to launch CRISP & GREEN, a healthy fast-food brand now operating 53 locations; the move signals entrepreneur convic
A Toast survey shows fast casual operators remain growth-focused despite cost and labor headwinds, signaling confidence in the segment's resilience amid near-term operational pressures.
First Watch is investing more in marketing, food, and development costs while reporting increases in sales and revenue, suggesting the chain believes elevated spending is driving customer acquisition
Fast-casual operators from Hot Head Burritos, Smoothie King, and Kraft Heinz are sharing insights on executing brand collaborations successfully at an industry conference.
Chipotle launched a back-to-school BOGO that achieved record redemptions, and has now rolled out another promotion tied to tennis player Taylor Fritz and the U.S. Open, signaling the chain's confidenc
CEO reveals growth and franchising playbook for a fast-casual brand thriving despite market headwinds — relevant for operators evaluating expansion and unit economics.
Fast Casual Executive Summit (Oct. 4-6 in Arlington, Texas) will explore how integrating fragmented tech systems into a unified customer view can improve returns for fast casual brands.
Commercial real estate dynamics are shifting the restaurant landscape, with industry experts discussing how operators should adapt to changing lease and location strategies.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers signed an eight-unit franchise agreement to expand in Arkansas and Texas, continuing its franchise growth strategy in the South.
Olga's Kitchen, a 56-year-old Mediterranean chain, is pivoting toward fast casual after COVID reversed its sales mix from 70% dine-in pre-pandemic to majority off-premise, signaling how legacy concept
Restaurant leaders speaking at the 2026 Fast Casual Executive Summit argue that high turnover stems from workplace culture rather than hiring difficulties, suggesting operators may need to focus reten
Farmer Boys is discounting its Big Cheese cheeseburger to $3.99 for rewards members on National Cheeseburger Day, a promotional move that signals chains are using calendar-driven occasions to drive lo
Chipotle is entering Saudi Arabia with its first location in Riyadh via a partnership with Alshaya Group, signaling continued international expansion into new markets.
Wing Snob, a fast-casual chicken wing chain using never-frozen chicken, plans to open seven locations in the greater Indianapolis area through Indiana-based operator JHN Group.
Panda Express is bringing back Cantonese BBQ Brisket, a limited-time menu item that previously generated consumer interest and is now returning to locations.
Mo' Bettahs promoted Kylee Arreaga to VP of Marketing after two years leading efforts that strengthened the brand's marketing organization during its national expansion.
Hawaiian Bros is planning expansion in 2026 supported by franchise growth.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers promoted Rick Petralia to Executive Chef and VP of Training & Innovation, expanding his oversight of the chain's training and media operations.
Capriotti's is running a month-long promotional campaign in September offering weekly deals to rewards members, part of its 50th anniversary marketing push.
Franchise development hire signals scaling ambitions — Houston TX Hot Chicken's talent recruitment from established chains (Jimmy John's, GoTo Foods) indicates real growth infrastructure building.
Jeff's Bagel Run is partnering with Hungry Howie's franchisees to expand into South Carolina.
Health-focused fast casual brands Konala and Clean Eatz are emphasizing drive-thru and grab-and-go formats to compete on convenience with traditional fast food.
