FastCasual — page 3

Srinivasa “Nimms” Nimmagadda and his team spent years developing a fast-casual Indian food concept playbook through Sankranti Indian Kitchen.

Fast Casual is seeking nominations for its annual report highlighting rising brands and innovative concepts poised for a breakout year in 2027.

Penn Station East Coast Subs is leveraging digital training and AI-driven personalization to engage Gen Z consumers and employees without relying on traditional discounting.

WOWorks and Evergreens are utilizing tiered financial incentives and royalty discounts to accelerate multi-unit expansion across their fast-casual restaurant portfolios.

New data indicates convenience and grocery stores are increasingly utilizing restaurant-grade technology and prepared food offerings to compete with traditional fast-casual chains for lunch traffic.

A veteran restaurant journalist reflects on their 20-year career in communications and PR as they return to the industry news space.

The Los Angeles-based pop-cuisine brand is testing a six-month residency at Topanga Social to evaluate how its fast-food nostalgia concept performs in a retail food hall setting.

A new Bangladeshi fast-casual concept founded by industry veterans is launching a franchise program centered around flame-grilled global cuisine.

Seattle-based salad chain Evergreens is launching its franchise program by offering a discounted 3.5% royalty rate to its initial development partners.

Flying Biscuit Cafe franchisee Frank Emmer continues his expansion in the Raleigh market with the signing of his fourth location at the Midtown East shopping center.

Minor Food and Serruya Private Equity have finalized their acquisition of Bonchon, splitting ownership of the Korean fried chicken brand by global geographic regions.

Chipotle has entered the Asian market with its first location in Seoul, South Korea, through a partnership with the group responsible for Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin'.

Connect Media CEO Daniel Ceniceros discusses how shrinking footprints and secondary market growth are redefining commercial real estate strategies for restaurant chains.

A veteran franchisee of Little Caesars and Jersey Mike's has signed a 15-unit agreement to bring San Diego-based Mike’s Red Tacos to the Michigan market.

Fast-casual brands are increasingly utilizing CPG partnerships to drive social media buzz and customer acquisition through unique menu collaborations.

Dave's Hot Chicken CMO Brandon Rhoten details how the chain utilizes AI for data analysis while keeping creative processes human-led to maintain brand authenticity.

A recent Toast survey of small restaurant operators reveals that fast-casual brands are leaning into technology to maintain confidence despite rising inflation and labor costs.

The Colorado-based chicken concept has officially entered the franchise space with its first partner-operated location opening in Starkville, Mississippi.

Restaurant resale transactions declined in early 2026, though buyers are increasingly gravitating toward turnkey franchise units over independent concepts according to We Sell Restaurants.

Einstein Bros secures 5 leases for 9,548 square feet in Houston.

Houston TX Hot Chicken hires Ashley Prokos as senior director.

Hawaiian Bros signs deals for 2026 expansion in 3 areas.

A new Schoox survey reveals a gap between what frontline restaurant employees want to learn and what operators are actually delivering — and why closing it could cut turnover.

Houston-based Shipley Donuts is celebrating its 90th birthday with limited-time menu items and special offers through Oct.