Fast Casual

Beverage, Fast Casual, Finance, News, Story

How Dutch Bros Went from Challenging a Category to Commanding It

Dutch Bros, despite being founded in 1992, often feels like an emerging story. That’s because it took 33 years to open 1,000 stores and much of that unfurled post-pandemic. The brand nearly doubled from September 2021 (the year it went public) to August 2025. And it’s opened 30 or more restaurants for 19 consecutive quarters. […]

The post How Dutch Bros Went from Challenging a Category to Commanding It appeared first on QSR Magazine.

Fast Casual, Finance, News, Women in Restaurant Leadership

Shake Shack Appoints Michelle Hook Chief Financial Officer

Shake Shack announced the appointment of Michelle Hook as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective May 11, 2026. Hook joins Shake Shack’s executive leadership team and will be responsible for leading financial operations across the Company, including accounting and treasury, financial planning and analysis, tax, investor relations and external reporting. Hook brings more than two […]

The post Shake Shack Appoints Michelle Hook Chief Financial Officer appeared first on QSR Magazine.

Fast Casual, Fast Food, Finance, News, Story

Under New CEO, Portillo’s Begins to Play the Long Game Again

Brett Patterson made his first Portillo’s trip two-plus decades ago. Those were, naturally, different times for the 1963-founded Chicago staple. It’s since gone public (2021), spread into Texas, faced rocky development trends, and begun, more recently, to grapple with value gaps as the brand tries to stabilize its experience amid growth. For Patterson, who joined […]

The post Under New CEO, Portillo’s Begins to Play the Long Game Again appeared first on QSR Magazine.

Fast Casual, Growth, News

Hot Head Burritos Opens in Hurlburt Field, Florida

Hot Head Burritos is bringing its signature bold flavors to the Emerald Coast with the opening of its Hurlburt Field restaurant at 112 Lielmanis Ave. on Thursday, May 7. The debut marks the brand’s sixth Florida store and its third on an Air Force base, joining existing spots at Tyndall and Eglin.  The festivities kick off […]

The post Hot Head Burritos Opens in Hurlburt Field, Florida appeared first on QSR Magazine.

Beverage, Fast Casual, Growth, Marketing & Promotions, News

Original ChopShop Launches Sunny Honey Protein Shake

Original ChopShop, the feel good fast-casual concept known for its diverse menu of customizable bowls, salads, sandwiches and more, is fueling summer with a new protein shake and a limited-time in-app loyalty promotion.  Available May 12 through Aug. 3, the limited-time Sunny Honey Protein Shake is a light and refreshing option to fuel the summer. […]

The post Original ChopShop Launches Sunny Honey Protein Shake appeared first on QSR Magazine.

Fast Casual, Food, Marketing & Promotions, Menu Innovations, News

Playa Bowls Launches Mermaid-Themed Menu for Women’s Health Month

You glow, girl! Playa Bowls is introducing Mermaid SZN during Women’s Health Month. It’s a new line of four smoothies and bowls that brings together two defining elements of the brand: functional, feel-good ingredients and visually striking creations. The menu blends collagen peptides and blue spirulina, a protein-rich, antioxidant-packed superfood, with Playa’s signature superfruit bases to […]

The post Playa Bowls Launches Mermaid-Themed Menu for Women’s Health Month appeared first on QSR Magazine.

Fast Casual, Food, Franchising, Growth, Marketing & Promotions, Menu Innovations, News, Technology

Vicious Biscuit Builds Momentum with Expansion, Menu Innovation, and Digital Push

Vicious Biscuit, the original home of unapologetically bold biscuits, opened 2026 with a new franchise location, fresh menu innovation and an expanded digital platform. Those early moves are starting to shape how the concept approaches its next expansion phase. Vicious Biscuit currently operates 11 locations systemwide and remains on track to reach 18 units by […]

The post Vicious Biscuit Builds Momentum with Expansion, Menu Innovation, and Digital Push appeared first on QSR Magazine.

Fast Casual, Marketing & Promotions, News

Rula Partners with Van Leeuwen on ‘Therapy in a Pint’ Campaign

In honor of May Mental Health Awareness Month, Rula, a national behavioral healthcare provider delivering accessible, insurance-covered care, is partnering with beloved ice cream brand Van Leeuwen to launch “Therapy in a Pint” – the first-ever “empty” pint of ice cream. Because while good ice cream can feel like therapy, this pint adds an opportunity […]

The post Rula Partners with Van Leeuwen on ‘Therapy in a Pint’ Campaign appeared first on QSR Magazine.

Fast Casual, Food, Marketing & Promotions, Menu Innovations, News, pizza

Blaze Pizza Launches Italian Escape Menu Featuring Volpi Foods’ Prosciutto

Available at Blaze Pizza locations across North America from May 6 through June 23, the Italian Escape menu delivers what feels like a $25 pizza experience for around $12 or less, combining high-quality ingredients with Blaze’s signature fast-fire’d format. Inspired by the flavors and traditions of Italy, the Italian Escape menu brings together thoughtfully crafted ingredients that evoke the […]

The post Blaze Pizza Launches Italian Escape Menu Featuring Volpi Foods’ Prosciutto appeared first on QSR Magazine.

Charitable Giving, Fast Casual, News

Salad House Launches Monthly MVP Fund to Support Local Charities

Salad House, a fast-casual health-focused franchise known for its fresh chopped salads, sandwiches and wraps, made to order proteins and its Create-Your-Own salad option, today announced it is deepening its commitment to the communities it serves with the launch of the Monthly MVP Fuel Fund. This new initiative is designed to celebrate loyal guests while supporting […]

The post Salad House Launches Monthly MVP Fund to Support Local Charities appeared first on QSR Magazine.

Scroll to Top