Top Fast Casual News

Cowboy Chicken, known for savory, wood-fire rotisserie chicken, has added new, freshly made salads to its summer menu lineup in addition to some all-star fan favorites. The wood-fire rotisserie chicken chain also brings back a much-loved dessert to finish a light, satisfying meal. Cowboy Chicken’s salads are tossed with a refreshing mix of crisp lettuce […]

Everbowl, the fast-growing superfood franchise known for its craft açaí bowls and premium ingredients, today announces their 100th store opening in Lincoln, Nebraska, marking a major milestone in the brand’s national expansion. With existing locations in 27 states across the country, the new Lincoln store reflects everbowl’s growing presence and continued consumer demand for energizing, better-for-you food options. […]

Wayback Burgers, America’s favorite hometown burger joint and one of the nation’s fastest-growing burger franchises, announced the official opening of its newest location at Prescott Village – 1002 Aspinal Street in Waxhaw, NC for May 23. The new restaurant brings 30 new jobs to the area, contributing to the local economy and expanding the brand’s […]

Potbelly, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, announced today the opening of its newest location in Carmel, Indiana. Set to open Tuesday, May 20, at 2436 E 146th Street, the new Potbelly strengthens the brand’s well-established presence in the state, marking the 11th location in Indiana, second in Carmel and fourth in the greater Indianapolis area.  […]

On Wednesday, May 28, Tropical Smoothie Cafe invites smoothie lovers nationwide to kick off summer and celebrate its annual National Flip Flop Day. Guests that come into a participating Tropical Smoothie Cafe location from 2 to 7 p.m. wearing flip flops will receive a refreshing 12 oz. Sunrise Sunset Smoothie for free*. No purchase is […]

South Block, the popular East Coast-based acai bowl and smoothie brand, announced the appointment of restaurant industry veteran Steve Heeley as its president. With over two decades of leadership experience at some of the nation’s most recognizable fast-casual brands, Heeley — alongside South Block’s founder and CEO Amir Mostafavi — will guide the concept through […]

SoFresh, the Florida-based fast-casual restaurant chain known for its nutritious, made-to-order meals, announced the signing of a new franchise agreement for its 35th location, set to open in Valrico, Florida. The new Valrico location marks a significant milestone in SoFresh’s continued growth, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to making healthy eating accessible and convenient throughout the […]

PENN Entertainment, Inc. and Shake Shack Inc. announced a licensing partnership to bring the iconic burger brand to ten of PENN’s casino locations throughout the country.The first Shacks are expected to open at Hollywood Casino Toledo, Ohio and River City Casino Hotel in St. Louis, Mo. in 2026, pending customary regulatory approvals.   Shake Shack, […]

Vicious Biscuit, the award-winning Southern-made originator of bold biscuit creations, is leaning into its Southern roots with the launch of a new limited-time offering (LTO) build around three classic staples on its menu: biscuits, BBQ and sweet tea. The summer promotion, dubbed “Biscuits ‘n BBQ,” showcases the Babe ($13) – a bold, layered sandwich featuring […]

The wait is over. Huey Magoo’s – the fast-casual brand famous for its bold flavors and hand-crafted chicken tenders, is bringing its fan-favorite tenders to Miami-Dade County with the grand opening of its first location in Palmetto Bay. Huey Magoo’s expands its commitment to bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and made-to-order meals with the opening of […]

Happy Joe’s made a powerful Florida debut with the grand opening of its first Sunshine State location in Navarre on April 28. The new Happy Joe’s prototype restaurant opened its doors, and patio garage doors, to a record turnout and shattered sales records, making it the most successful franchise opening in the brand’s 52-year history.  From […]

Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain for over 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, massive 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas and dough made fresh daily, is proud to announce development in Virginia. The three-unit agreement continues the brand’s rapid growth across the country, expands its coast-to-coast footprint and reinforces its segment position […]

MOD Pizza announced the launch of its nationwide campaign, “When Every Ingredient Shines,” available across all markets May 28 through August 10. This campaign highlights MOD’s commitment to high-quality ingredients while celebrating individuality and flavor in every slice, reinforcing the brand’s belief that great pizza begins with personalization and culinary creativity.   At the heart of […]

For the first time in Shake Shack history, the chain is expanding beyond fries with the debut of a craveable new side: Fried Pickles with Ranch. These aren’t your average pickle chips. Made with Shake Shack’s signature proprietary-brined pickles, each slice is lightly coated, seasoned to perfection, and fried to golden, crunchy goodness. Served with […]

While Habit Burger & Grill is best known for its award-winning Charburgers, there’s another star on the rise: the Chicken Club. This stacked, smoky, flavor-loaded sandwich was crowned the No. 1 Grilled Chicken Sandwich by The Daily Meal in 2024, and now, fans can score one for free. From May 20–23, Habit CharClub members will […]

gusto!, a healthier, globally inspired fast-casual bowl and wrap restaurant brand, announced the opening of its newest location on Thursday, May 29, in Sharpsburg, Ga. This will be gusto!’s 13th location in metro Atlanta. Conveniently located in Fischer Marketplace (100 Fischer Marketplace, situated on Highway 34 between Peachtree City and Newnan), this is the brand’s first location south of […]

Tender Crush, the “addictive” casual crispy chicken brand from the creators of Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, is teaming with fellow New York City sensation Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine to offer a limited-time Sophie’s Cuban Crush sandwich celebrating the best of both menus in one bold, flavor-packed bite. Sophie’s Cuban Crush features Tender Crush’s beloved crispy chicken and Sophie’s signature green sauce, sazon […]

Richmond-based Big Boys Biscuits, LLC is bringing Vicious Biscuit, the award-winning fast-casual breakfast concept and Southern-grown originator of bold biscuit creations, to the Old Dominion State. Virginia native and newest franchise partner, GR Waldrop, is looking to open the concept in Richmond and the surrounding areas, contracted for four locations to start. Waldrop grew up in the Jersey […]

Sweetgreen, the mission-driven restaurant brand known for connecting people to real food, announced its planned market entry in Arkansas—a significant step in its expansion across the southern United States. The brand will open in Fayetteville later this year, with a second location to follow at Walmart’s New Home Office in Bentonville. “Northwest Arkansas is quickly […]

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced “Summer of Extras,” a new three-month program that will give away more than $1 million in free burritos to Chipotle Rewards members in the U.S. from June 1 through August 31. To join in on the fun, guests can sign up for Chipotle Rewards and opt into the program here: chipotle.com/summer-of-extras. “‘Summer of Extras’ kicks […]

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes (MOOYAH), the Texas-born fast-casual burger concept known for the best-tasting burgers in America, announced the grand opening of a new location in Livermore on May 30 and its soft opening on May 19. The Livermore location, located at 4510 Las Positas Road, marks the second MOOYAH location in the Bay […]