Top Fast Casual News

Big Chicken is ushering in a new era of operational excellence with the appointment of Bobby Shaw as vice president of operations. A seasoned leader with more than four decades of experience in the restaurant franchising sector, Shaw will supercharge the brand’s growth, revolutionizing operations and teaming up with franchisees to deliver BIG results. With […]

Captain D’s, the nation’s leading fast-casual seafood restaurant, has taken the next major step in its global expansion strategy by signing a 20-unit multi-unit franchise agreement for the United Kingdom. The agreement, signed with an experienced team of restaurant operators, will introduce Captain D’s signature seafood offerings to Europe, starting with the first restaurant in the London area in […]

Salata Salad Kitchen, a leader for nearly two decades in the healthy fast-casual industry, is set to expand its Texas presence further with a multi-unit agreement signed for two restaurants in Laredo and McAllen. Local entrepreneurs and mother-daughter team, Patricia and Barbara Pequeño, will bring Salata’s beloved fully customizable salads, wraps, and house-made proprietary dressings […]

El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, proudly marks its 50th anniversary. From humble beginnings in Sinaloa, Mexico, in 1975 and eventual move to Los Angeles in 1980, El Pollo Loco has always been committed to flavor, quality, and community. To celebrate the milestone, the brand will kick off a year-long celebration, […]

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 well-positioned to maintain significant brand momentum as a new year begins after ending 2024 with a record number of new restaurant openings. In all, Mountain Mike’s opened […]

Cheba Hut is kicking off another year of slingin’ toasted subs and good vibes by teaming up with the Last Prisoner Project (LPP) for the fourth consecutive SmokeOut Injustice day. It’s all about turning tasty meals into real change and raising funds to support cannabis criminal justice reform. Last year, the team at Cheba Hut […]

UDON, Spain’s leading chain of Asian restaurants, announces their continued U.S. expansion with the opening of a location in Aventura Mall on Monday, Jan. 21. After debuting in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood in 2022, this will be the second South Florida location for the internationally renowned brand. A third location will open at Dadeland Mall in […]

Pop’s Beef, the fast casual franchise serving up fresh house made Italian sausage, beefs, and more, is closing out 2024 on a high note as it gears up for its 45th anniversary in March 2025. Over the past year, the brand expanded its footprint, launched several promotions, and strengthened its ties to the communities it […]

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced it is making minority investments in Plantible, a company harnessing the power of Lemna, an aquatic plant, to create what could prove to be the world’s most functional plant-based protein, and CH4 Global, a company aiming to impact climate change at scale via methane-reducing innovations. Introduced in 2022, Cultivate Next makes […]

Slim Chickens announced its new restaurant opening in Ann Arbor located at 5505 Arbor Chase Drive, 48103. Spearheaded by multi-unit operator Slims Great Lakes, this is the group’s third Slim Chickens opening and their first full-service location.  The better-chicken brand has opened almost 300 locations across the United States, Turkey, Germany, and the United Kingdom. […]

GoTo Foods, parent company of the iconic Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s brands, announced multiple GoTo Foods leaders have been appointed to new positions this year. In 2024, Focus Brands announced a name change and new identity with the launch of GoTo Foods. This rebranding signaled an industry […]

Raising Cane’s is turning its craveable Chicken Fingers into a force for good. This Wednesday, January 15 to Sunday, January 19, the Restaurant brand is donating $250,000 in net proceeds from its 70+ Southern California Restaurants to the American Red Cross to support people affected by the 2025 California wildfires.   As thousands of locals […]

Raising Cane’s stands in solidarity with its home state of Louisiana and The Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) to assist in the aftermath of tragedy from the attack on Bourbon Street over New Year’s. Aiming to make a difference one Chicken Finger at a time, Raising Cane’s is donating $250,000 in net proceeds from its […]

Bun Mee, the gourmet Vietnamese sandwich eatery, has set the stage for unprecedented success in 2025 following the announcement of their national development plans. With strategic expansion plans and a commitment to innovation and quality, Bun Mee, recently profiled by Forbes, is quickly identifying itself as a frontrunner in the Asian and fast-casual spaces. In […]

Habit Burger & Grill, the California-based restaurant company renowned for its award-winning Charburgers grilled over an open flame, signature sandwiches, fresh salads, and more, announces the launch of their latest restaurant with their Ridgecrest drive-thru opening in California, their birth state. The Ridgecrest restaurant and drive-thru are located at 800 S. China Lake Blvd., Ridgecrest, […]

The Mushroom Council kicks off the new year by celebrating Jason’s Deli’s latest limited-time offerings (LTOs) that put fresh mushrooms front and center. Now through March, Jason’s Deli – with support from the Mushroom Council – is menuing two irresistible Cheesy Truffle Pastas with fresh mushrooms. Guests can choose between classic cheesy pasta or a […]