Top Fast Casual News

Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today the opening of its first restaurant in New York, which will expand the brand’s footprint to 27 states. The local community is invited to celebrate this grand opening on Tuesday, September 22, when the first 100 guests in line will win free chicken salad for a year*.  The new […]

Vicious Biscuit, the original home of unapologetically bold biscuits, is adding an experienced multi-brand restaurant group to its growing franchise system. Operating as Gravy Crew, LLC, Chris Carnes, Ben Fields and operating partner Jonah Greenup, whose portfolio includes 11 Zaxby’s and six Chicken Salad Chick restaurants, have signed a lease for their first Vicious Biscuit […]

Lola Beans, the fast-growing dual drive-thru beverage concept known for handcrafted coffee, energy drinks, teas, lemonades and its signature Lola Colas (infused sodas), has signed a five-unit development agreement to enter the Miami market. The deal marks another major step in the brand’s expansion, coming just one week after Lola Beans announced a six-unit development agreement for Delaware. The new franchisees, […]

Wayback Burgers, America’s favorite hometown burger joint and one of the nation’s fastest-growing burger franchises, is giving cheeseburger lovers something to cheese about this National Cheeseburger Day. On Friday, September 18, the brand is celebrating the beloved holiday with a can’t-miss $3.50 single cheeseburger deal, giving burger fans the perfect excuse to celebrate the Wayback […]

Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, the fast-casual Asian dining concept known for its wok-fired flavors and made-to-order meals, has been named the Best Fast-Casual Chain in the Reviewed 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, earning national recognition from consumers and reviewers alike. The award celebrates Pei Wei’s long-standing commitment to delivering fresh, flavorful Asian cuisine with the speed […]

Potbelly, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop known for its great food and good vibes, announced today the opening of a new shop in the DFW market. The new location brings Potbelly to the Stonebridge Ranch community of McKinney, one of the largest suburbs in the Metroplex. Opening on Saturday, September 5, the new shop is […]

Natalie’s Juices, part of Perricone Farms, and Biscuit Belly, the fast-casual Southern breakfast and brunch concept known for its scratch-made biscuits and over-the-top biscuit sandwiches, announced a new fall drink collaboration. Beginning September 4 and running through November 8, 2026, all Biscuit Belly locations will feature the Piña Picante, a spicy pineapple margarita crafted with Natalie’s fresh, […]

QDOBA Mexican Eats, America’s rapidly growing #2 brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, has signed a new development agreement for 17 restaurants across San Diego County. The agreement is led by Hyperion Brands, LLC, a San Diego based multi-unit operator. “California is a priority growth market for QDOBA,” said Jeremy Vitaro, Chief Development Officer at […]

Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain for nearly 50 years, and home of the legendary crispy, curly pepperoni, massive 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas and dough made fresh daily, is now open in Georgetown, Texas, marking the 17th location in the Lone Star State. The Georgetown restaurant is owned and operated by Rajeev Dewan, who […]

Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced the opening of its second restaurant in The Old Line State, located at 18209 Village Center Drive in the Olney Village Center. The local community is invited to celebrate this grand opening on Wednesday, September 23 when the first 100 guests in line will win free chicken salad for a year*.  During the grand opening week, guests can expect to experience the […]

Bedtime can wait. Insomnia Cookies is bringing back one of its biggest nights of the year with its eighth annual PJ Party on Tuesday, Sept. 15, in honor of National PJ Party Night, the holiday Insomnia created in 2024. On Sept. 15, guests who arrive in pajamas can receive one free Classic cookie* in-store at every Insomnia Cookies bakery […]

Flame Broiler, the family-owned quick-service restaurant brand known for its Korean-inspired rice bowls, announces the launch of the Flame Broiler Foundation, the company’s new philanthropic arm dedicated to supporting and feeding under-resourced youth and communities. The Foundation marks a new chapter in the brand’s legacy on the heels of its 30th anniversary and begins with a […]

Class is back in session and Surcheros makes the grade with its Take Home Taco Kits, helping families stress less during this busy season. The kits are packed with a variety of fresh ingredients and protein options for a customizable meal that the whole family can enjoy.  “Mealtime brings families together, and with our Taco […]

bellagreen, the Dallas-based fast-casual restaurant known for made-from-scratch, healthy food, is launching its fall seasonal menu. Available at its Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio locations through Dec. 1, the menu brings the season’s flavors to the table with slow-simmered soup, roasted vegetables and three pumpkin dishes, savory and sweet. Every dish on the menu […]

Bubbakoo’s Burritos, the Jersey Shore-born Mexican-fusion brand known for bold flavors and fully customizable creations, is kicking off fall and the return of professional football with two new menu additions and a can’t-miss deal buy one, get one deal on entrées.  Beginning Tuesday, September 8, guests can try Bubbakoo’s new Fried Cauliflower, available as both a starter […]

De Babel is opening its second Scottsdale location at The Edge, introducing a distinctive format that brings together made-to-order Middle Eastern food, elevated hospitality and a carefully curated market of essential Middle Eastern products. Located at 8980 N. 90th St., Suite 124, the new restaurant preserves the familiar flavors, quality and consistency established at De […]

Texas and Ohio State fans have a burger waiting for them on game day. On Saturday, Sept. 12, Hat Creek Burger Company is giving anyone sporting Texas burnt orange or Ohio State scarlet and gray a FREE Little Hat Burger with Cheese at participating locations across Texas. With ESPN’s College Gameday on its way and an estimated […]

On September 9, JOE & THE JUICE is rolling out a new menu and a global campaign to own the morning. The chain is refreshing and expanding its morning line-up – coffee, functional smoothies and shots, bowls, plus a new hot breakfast menu featuring eggs – bringing it together for the first time as one […]

Pura Vida Miami, the all-day café and lifestyle brand operating 55 locations across six states and Washington D.C., today announced the appointment of Donnie Upshaw as Chief People and Culture Officer. Upshaw joins Co-Founders Omer and Jennifer Horev and the company’s expanding executive leadership team as Pura Vida Miami continues its national expansion.  As the company enters […]

Smalls Sliders, the industry-disrupting cheeseburger slider brand, has signed a new development agreement to bring four Cans to North Austin, further expanding the brand’s footprint across Texas.  The new Cans will be led by Arun Rao, Ramesh Gudapuri, Vara Pacha, and Ashok Reddy, all of whom bring entrepreneurial background and deep ties to the Austin […]