Category: Growth

After contending with another year of high food and labor costs, financially stressed consumers, and fierce competition, U.S. restaurant operators are approaching 2025 with a focus on engaging more guests, more often. Consumers will see new pricing, ordering and marketing strategies, unique dining experiences, and increased usage of AI to enhance hospitality and bridge labor […]

One of America’s top food-focused marketing and advertising firms has released its top 25 food trends affecting both the CPG and foodservice industry in 2025. The insights encompass the firm’s perspective compiled from data, consumer surveys, shopper behaviors, and insights gained from actual market activations. “Our 25 trends should be of interest to anyone involved […]

On March 10, chef Mary Nguyen welcomes the first guests to the newest location of Olive & Finch within Denver Union Station. The latest opening marks the third of Nguyen’s “fine-casual” eateries, the first of which she launched in Uptown in 2013 after noticing a void for chef-driven, scratch made casual restaurants in the city.   […]

Graze Craze, the world’s leading charcuterie franchise, is reporting 2024 as its most successful year yet where it saw a 33% increase in same-store sales and an 80% increase in systemwide sales, year-over-year. The brand achieved double-digit comp sales increases each month of 2024, closing out Q4 as its 14th consecutive quarter of positive growth. […]

Franchise FastLane, the #1 franchise acceleration and development company, has partnered with Sourdough & Co. to help the emerging franchise concept rise to the top of its segment. The announcement marks a milestone for Franchise FastLane as its first-ever fast-casual food partnership.  With a mission to drive responsible franchise growth, Franchise FastLane rigorously evaluates all brands […]

Pepper Lunch, the Japanese-born experiential fast-casual concept unlike any other, with more than 530 locations in 17 countries, today announced the grand opening of its first location in the state of Florida. The restaurant will open March 7 in Pinellas Park at 4699 Park Blvd., near IHOP at the corner of Park Blvd. and 47th Street. Hours of operation are 11am until 10pm, seven […]

Smalls Sliders, the industry-disrupting cheeseburger slider brand rapidly growing across the nation, has inked a new development agreement with local multi-brand operators and husband-and-wife duo, Vamsi Mandava and Tanya Vadlapatla. This agreement will bring two of the brand’s iconic Cans to Columbia and Jefferson City, further expanding Smalls Sliders’ footprint in Missouri. With over 20 years of corporate […]

Pizza Factory, a beloved West Coast pizza brand, announced the opening of its newest location in Jackson, California, on February 26th situated at 525 CA-49 Jackson, CA 95642. This marks the fourth Pizza Factory location for experienced franchisees Gurdeep Bains and his partner TJ Dhaliwal, who also operate locations in Rio Vista, Valley Springs and Winters. […]

CAVA, the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, opened its first restaurant in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The restaurant is located at 11594 Whistle Drive, Suite 150, Fishers, IN 46037 and will be open from 10:45 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. CAVA Fishers is a 3,000-square-foot location with a 40-seat dining room, digital order pick-up and delivery. […]

Captain D’s, the U.S.’s leading fast-casual seafood restaurant, announced its partnership with CD’s Holdings as the ownership group bringing Captain D’s signature seafood offerings to the UK and other European countries. A recent 20-unit master franchise agreement for the United Kingdom — Captain D’s first venture into Europe — is moving quickly with the first location set to open […]

On March 4, 2025, Starbucks Corporation announced the appointment of Cathy R. Smith as executive vice president, chief financial officer and designated Smith as the Company’s principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, effective, in each case, as of a date to be determined. Smith, age 61, joins Starbucks from Nordstrom where she has served […]

Get ready to embark on a whimsical flavor adventure, as Erbert & Gerbert’s announces the launch of its enchanting new dessert, the Unicorn Crispy Bar! Available only for a limited time, this delightful treat promises to add a sprinkle of magic to your day. The Unicorn Crispy Bar is a vibrant and colorful dessert, made […]

Checkers & Rally’s is serving up an unbeatable drive-thru deal that’s sure to make a splash this season! For just $3, guests can enjoy two sandwiches – choose from delicious Crispy Fish or Spicy Chicken options. With Lent upon us, the Crispy Fish sandwich is the perfect choice for those observing the season. Made with […]

Chuck E. Cheese, the world’s leading family entertainment center, is bringing learning to life with Chuck E.’s STEAM-tastic Adventure — a new hands-on field trip program designed for kindergarten through fifth grade students. Developed in partnership with STEM.org Educational Research and aligned to NGSS, ISTE, and CASEL standards, the program transforms a day at Chuck E. Cheese […]

Get ready to rise, grind, and kick ass with Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii! Known for its premium Hawaiian coffee and unforgettable café experiences, the bold and spirited coffee franchise is rolling out a fresh lineup of power-packed drinks designed to fuel your hustle and energize your day. Whether customers are chasing adventure, tackling their to-do […]