Top Fast Casual News

Haven Hot Chicken, the award-winning, fast-growing Nashville-style Hot Chicken concept, today announced multiple promotions and new hires to its executive management team.  Gretchen Bartkus, who has served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer since joining the company in 2023, is now Chief People Officer; co-founder and Chief Growth Officer Rob LaTronica is now Chief Quality […]

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers announced that the brand will be participating in a month-long giveback with its national charity partner, Folds of Honor. From May 1 through May 31, guests will have the option to give back to Folds of Honor by rounding up to the nearest dollar in-restaurant with dine-in or drive-thru orders. […]

Nick the Greek, a West Coast-based chain serving up authentic Greek street food, is bringing its signature flavors to San Clemente, California, with the debut of its newest location. Following the successful opening in Irvine earlier this year, the San Clemente restaurant marks the brand’s fifth location in Orange County, further expanding Nick the Greek’s […]

Nothing Bundt Cakes is making Mother’s Day extra sweet with the launch of its #NothingBundtMomSweepstakes, offering a chance to surprise Mom with something special with a $3,000 Visa Gift Card. From April 29 through May 12, guests can enter to win and spoil Mom with the top prize or one of ten additional $100 gift […]

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced it is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with five days of real food, real fun and real prizes. On Cinco de Mayo, the brand is launching a new, immersive digital gaming experience, “Ingredient Quest,” in the Burrito Builder experience on Roblox, which challenges users to collect virtual cards featuring Chipotle’s 53 ingredients […]

Nationally recognized poké franchise Island Fin Poké Co. strives to keep environmental sustainability a primary responsibility alongside serving up delicious, Hawaiian-inspired poké. While the poké franchise implements eco-friendly initiatives year-round, Earth Day serves as a day of commemoration and inspiration for Island Fin to motivate others to enact meaningful change.  For Earth Day this year, […]

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner and Dillas Quesadillas is making it easier (and tastier) than ever to celebrate! On Monday, May 5, all Dillas locations are offering a party-worthy deal: $5 regular Primo quesadillas and $5 freshly squeezed limeade jugs—available all day.  Whether your audience is looking for a fun family meal, […]

Buona is celebrating a decade of National Italian Beef Day with a month-long series of specials. The restaurant chain had their petition to recognize National Italian Beef Day on the Saturday during Memorial Day weekend granted in 2015, which falls on May 24th this year. The brand is commemorating the 10th anniversary of this beefy holiday with […]

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, the fast-casual+ restaurant brand known for serving up good vibes, is making its highly anticipated debut in California with a new location in Barstow, opening today, April 28, 2025. Located at 1523 East Main Street, Barstow, CA 92311, this marks the brand’s first foray into the California market, bringing its signature tacos, […]

Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar, the fast-casual Hawaiian brand known for its Signature Hawaiian Poke Bowls, Boba Milk Teas, and Dole Soft Serve, is elevating its menu this spring with the introduction of two new offerings: the Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl and the Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl featuring LEE KUM KEE Teriyaki Glaze. Chief Operating Officer and […]

The pit is fired up and the doors are swinging open once again in Fredericksburg. After a devastating fire sparked by a neighboring business forced a temporary closure last fall, James and Tawana Wright – the committed husband-and-wife team behind Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – are back and ready to serve their community with the same warmth and flavor […]

I Scream Gelato, the premium Italian gelato brand known for its handcrafted desserts and memorable customer experience, has announced the signing of a new multi-unit franchise agreement that will bring five new locations to the Austin, Texas area. The deal, signed with franchisee Venkata Bhanu Prakash, is part of the brand’s broader nationwide growth strategy […]

Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, an innovator in the fast-casual dining sector renowned for its specialty hot dogs, BBQ, and vibrant atmosphere, proudly announces the grand reopening of its Ocala, Florida location. Nestled at 2463 SW 27th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471, this location is back with fresh features and ready to serve the community. Seasoned franchisees […]

Known for its award-winning ube desserts, handcrafted beverages, and vibrant atmosphere, Café 86 is expanding once again with two new locations: one in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, and another in Livermore, California. These additions bring the brand’s footprint close to 40 locations nationwide, marking another milestone for the thriving fast-casual concept. The new Café 86 in Filipinotown […]

Paris Baguette, the bakery café concept with over 4,000 units worldwide, is growing quickly in the US & Canada. With over 220 bakery cafés open in North America and more in development, they are building a strong presence. Paris Baguette continues along an impressive growth trajectory with their upcoming bakery café grand opening at 128 South Brook […]