Top Fast Casual News

Island Fine Poké Plans for Opening in Venice, Florida

As quick-service restaurants grow in popularity, Island Fin Poké Co. is taking their poké concept to the next level. The Florida-based fast-casual restaurant, known for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, is set to elevate the poké experience with the grand opening of its 25th location in Nokomis, Venice, FL on December 11. What makes […]

Hawaiian Bros Franchisee Opens Two Stores in One Week

Hawaiian Bros is debuting two new island-inspired franchise locations in Tyler and Midland, Texas, opening December 4 (6915 S Broadway Ave), and December 11 (3320 W Loop 250 N), respectively. The locations are the newest to open under Stine Enterprises as two of the 75 Hawaiian Bros’ restaurants developed under their recent franchisee agreement. Since signing their franchise agreement with Hawaiian Bros in […]

la Madeleine Looks to Ramp Up U.S. Franchise Growth

French-founded and French-owned la Madeleine is expanding franchise opportunities throughout the U.S. as the brand carries on the tradition of serving approachable, French-cuisine fast casual dining across North America. The brand is specifically seeking growth with qualified franchise candidates in 10 states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia. “We […]

California Fish Grill Celebrates 25 Years of Business

California Fish Grill, a fast-casual pioneer in serving sustainable and responsibly sourced seafood, is celebrating its 25th anniversary.  Since the first restaurant opened on December 1, 1998 in Gardena, California Fish Grill has been dedicated to providing guests with a delicious, casual dining experience centered around high-quality, affordably priced seafood. Over the past 25 years, the […]

Island Fin Poké Co. to Offer Free Dole Soft Serve

Island Fin Poké Co., America’s favorite poké restaurant, is treating its guests to a sweet deal this National App Day, exclusively through their mobile app.  On this special occasion, Island Fin Poké Co. invites poké enthusiasts to enjoy a complimentary Dole Soft Serve with the purchase of any customized poké bowl. This exclusive in-app offer is […]

Penn Station Hires Jay Farmer as Director of Marketing

Penn Station East Coast Subs, a leading fast-casual sandwich restaurant franchise, announced Jay Farmer was recently hired as Director of Marketing. Farmer will be responsible for the development and execution of Penn Station’s national marketing strategy and provide guidance on local store marketing plans. He will work closely with the company’s executive leadership team, marketing and franchise […]

Dave’s Hot Chicken Signs Lease in Greensboro, North Carolina

Dave’s Hot Chicken, the Los Angeles-based street food sensation turned breakthrough fast-casual brand, has secured a new location in Greensboro situated at 1949 Battleground Ave. Husband and wife, Nick and Nicole Colon Smith will spearhead the new site alongside their business partner, Jordan Washburn. This marks the opening of their fourth Dave’s Hot Chicken location […]

Caribou Coffee Opens in Florida for First Time

Caribou Coffee, a global premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands company, announced the opening of its first Florida location. Owned and operated by Wake Up 727 under the leadership of Michelle Mathis, the coffeehouse opened on Friday, November 24 in St. Petersburg, and is the first of many locations that Caribou Coffee intends to open in […]

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls Opens in Fernandina Beach, Florida

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, the fast-casual franchise known for authentic New England-style lobster rolls made with wild caught Maine lobster, opened its 28th location on November 18 in historic downtown Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida. This newest location marks the company’s sixth Florida location and 28th U.S. location. Lobster rolls have grown in popularity […]

Smoothie King Signs Deal to Grow in Vegas and Chicago

Smoothie King announced the signing of a multi-unit development agreement to bring three new stores to both Las Vegas and Chicago. Leading the brand’s growth in the two markets is Na’im Muhammad, a long-time entrepreneur with 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry and deep roots in the franchising community. Smoothie King’s latest signing […]

Yampa Sandwich Company Opening in Denver

Yampa Sandwich Company, the fast-casual premium sandwich restaurant with six locations in Colorado, announces the opening dates for its two new Denver-area locations. The Jefferson Market shop will open on Thursday, December 7, and the Walnut Creek location is set to open its doors to guests in mid-December (official date will be confirmed shortly). The […]

The Habit Burger Grill Opens First Mobile Pickup Lane

The Habit Burger Grill announced their new grand opening in Garden Grove, the second in the city, located at 13236 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA 92843. Their famous “Habit Hospitality” will be served to the public starting Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Additionally, the new restaurant will launch the company’s first Mobile Pickup Lane—a groundbreaking feature […]

Pokeworks Signs Area Development Deal in Northern California

A systems engineer looks at organizational systems and identifies ways to be more efficient. So it makes sense that Deanne Austin, a recently retired systems engineer, would look to become a Pokeworks franchise owner – to combine her organizational skills and her entrepreneurial spirit. Austin, a Napa, Calif. resident, has been a self-proclaimed Pokeworks fan for many […]

City Barbeque’s Rick Malir Inducted Into Ohio Restaurant Association Hall of Fame

Rick Malir, founder of fast-casual barbeque concept City Barbeque, was inducted into the Ohio Restaurant Association (ORA) Hall of Fame as a restaurant industry leader. Malir joins previous inductees and restaurant founders Billy Ingram of White Castle, Dave Thomas of Wendy’s, and Jim Grote of Donatos, as well as restauranteurs Cameron Mitchell and Jeff Ruby. […]