FastCasual — page 9

Co-founder Shawn Lalehzarian shares how his experience opening 50 airport locations for HMS Host informed the development of his hot chicken franchise.

The burger chain has appointed Rafik Farouk as VP of business development and Jackie Lobdell as VP of franchise sales to spearhead global and domestic expansion.

As labor and food costs rise, restaurant operators are moving toward robotics and automated workflows to maintain consistency and margins across multiple locations.

A franchisee group with a large portfolio of Dunkin' and Zaxby's units has signed an agreement to develop 25 Swig locations across Southern Florida.

As concept founders scale their businesses, establishing a clear organizational vision is essential to navigating the operational complexities of multi-unit growth.

The marijuana-themed sandwich franchise has opened its second Wyoming unit in Casper, led by first-time owner and operator Allen Jennings.

The 36-unit açaí brand is implementing Square’s specialized franchise commerce platform to standardize operations and customer data across its multi-state footprint.

The Portland-based burger concept is entering the Houston market with a new franchised location, continuing its expansion strategy across Texas.

Industry experts discuss how restaurant franchises are moving beyond one-off influencer posts to build authentic content engines and drive local store marketing through micro-influencers.

The GoTo Foods subsidiary is introducing snack-sized menu items and extending operating hours to 10 p.m. to capture growing late-night consumer demand.

The Mexican QSR chain has hired former Subway executive Ian Poole to oversee franchise support, real estate, and construction as part of a national growth strategy.

Burnaze is launching a data-driven initiative to highlight financial performance and technology infrastructure for new franchise opportunities entering the 2026 market.

This National Coffee Day, Smoothie King is giving coffee lovers a protein-packed reason to celebrate with the launch of its brand-new "Stars for Smoothies" program.

Vitality Bowls has been named to Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers list.

Dunn Brothers Coffee named a Top 100 Mover & Shaker by Fast Casual.

The original three founders started Dave’s Hot Chicken with just $900 in an East Hollywood parking lot pop-up.

The Top 100 list recognizes the brands and executives in the restaurant industry through creativity, hard work and forward-thinking.

Restaurant franchise opportunities are booming in 2025 with increased investment.

Founder Denise Tran will speak at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit in March, highlighting Bun Mee's rapid growth and franchise opportunity.

Pollo Campero focuses on creating a better employee experience, decreasing turnover, and cultivating a better guest experience through its 'REIR' values.

Biscuit Belly receives accolades for growth and innovation, including a spot on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers List for 2024.

Pepper Lunch ranked in Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers list

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes has been named to the 2024 Fast Casual “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” list, distinguishing it as a top burger brand amongst other industry-leaders and pioneers.

Big Chicken, owned by Shaquille O'Neal, named Brand of the Year