Fast Casual

Fast Casual, Fast Food, News, Story

Restaurant Industry to Hit $1.55 Trillion in 2026, But Guest Caution Remains

The U.S. restaurant industry is expected to reach $1.55 trillion in sales in 2026, a 4.8 percent increase year-over-year, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2026 State of the Restaurant Industry report. The increase comes amid a complex operating environment. Adjusted for inflation, real sales growth is projected to be 1.3 percent, indicating that much […]

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Fast Casual, Fast Food, News, Story

CEO to CEO: A&W Restaurants’ Betsy Schmandt and Kilwins’ Brian Britton

In this episode of CEO to CEO: Behind the Counter, we hand the mic over to A&W Restaurants’ CEO Betsy Schmandt and Kilwins’ CEO Brian Britton. They discuss life overseeing two of the country’s most-iconic foodservice brands, what it’s taking to win over customers with experience and service, and how restaurant leaders can inspire growth […]

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Fast Casual, News

Aroma Joe’s Announces Opening in Cape Coral, Florida

Aroma Joe’s announced the opening of its newest location at 4320 Del Prado Blvd. in Cape Coral, Florida. The newly built, 1,500-square-foot drive-thru and coffee house location expands the brand’s footprint in Florida – one of its growth markets – and reinforces its commitment to serving local communities with positivity, passion, and exceptional coffee. The […]

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Burgers, Fast Casual, Franchising, Growth, News, Story

Savvy Sliders Finds Big Opportunity in Small Burgers

Happy Group COO Sonny Asker likes to describe Savvy Sliders as a “disruptive” concept. Since its founding in 2018, the fast casual has opened 57 restaurants, and there are 60 more units in development. The brand was born out of Michigan, but has spread to existing/upcoming markets like Illinois, Nevada, Indiana, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, […]

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Fast Casual, Fast Food, Franchising, News, Story

Tips to Successfully Build and Scale a Restaurant Franchise

A recent International Franchise Association report shows that franchising continues to have a substantial, positive impact on the U.S. economy. The restaurant industry has always been fertile ground for franchise success. Restauranteurs looking to expand their concept should consider franchising as an option. Franchising a restaurant concept can offer significant benefits, including new revenue streams, […]

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Fast Casual, Growth, News

Original ChopShop to Open in Fort Worth Medical District

Original ChopShop, the feel good fast-casual concept known for its expansive, diverse menu of customizable bowls, salads, sandwiches and more, will open its newest Fort Worth Shop at 105 E. Pennsylvania Ave. in late March 2026. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m., welcoming the first 75 guests in line with a ChopShop tote bag when they […]

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Fast Casual, Franchising, Growth, News

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Opens in Bonney Lake, Washington

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue has officially opened a location in Bonney Lake, Washington, bringing island-style Plate Lunch favorites to a fast-growing community just off Highway 410. The restaurant is owned and operated by cousins Robert Ramos and Ephraim Rollolazo, who are opening their first L&L location together after years of building a food business rooted in family, […]

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Fast Casual, Marketing & Promotions, News

Tijuana Flats to Offer Free Size Upgrade on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is full of empty promises and underwhelming surprises. Tijuana Flats, the bold and never apologetic brand that’s long been viewed a trailblazer among fast-casual Mexican concepts, is here to make sure at least one thing overdelivers. This year, the brand is cutting through the clichés and getting straight to the point: Size Does Matter, with bold offers this […]

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Fast Casual, Franchising, Growth, News

Vitality Bowls to Open in Huntsville, Alabama

Vitality Bowls, the leading health-food café concept specializing in antioxidant-rich açaí bowls has inked an agreement with local entrepreneur, Charles Michael Worshim, to bring the renowned superfood café to Huntsville. Complementing their signature açaí bowls, Vitality Bowls is also known for other nutritious offerings, such as smoothies, salads, wraps, toasts, grain bowls and more, made […]

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Fast Casual, Growth, News

Mo’ Bettahs Opens in Bluffdale, Utah

Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is bringing the island spirit to Bluffdale with the opening of a new restaurant — welcoming guests with a community-first celebration that includes a grand opening party, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an evening of free tastings. The new location at 1646 W. 14000 S., near the border of Salt Lake and […]

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