Celebrating the 2025 Fast Casual Hall of Fame inductees

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Registration is open!

McDonald's teams with TinyTAN for Happy Meal inspired by members of BTS

August 21, 2025

MdDonald's will release the TinyTAN Happy Meal beginning Sept. 3. Inspired by the seven members of BTS, according to a press release.

Whataburger brings on Jessica Reicher as EVP, COO

August 21, 2025

Whataburger has named Jessica Reicher as EVP and COO. Reicher has more than 30 years of restaurant leadership experience, according to a press release.

Qu unveils kiosk upgrades to boost revenue, ease staffing for restaurants

August 21, 2025

Qu, a provider of restaurant technology, has announced upgrades to its kiosk systems aimed at helping quick-service and fast-casual restaurants increase…

Pizza Hut launches Crafted Flatzz hand-crafted personal pizza

August 20, 2025

Pizza Hut has released its Crafted Flatzz, a LTO pizza lineup designed to bring both flavors and big energy. Crafted Flatzz are $5 before 5 p.m. in the U.S.…

Academy Sports + Outdoors partners with Whataburger

August 19, 2025

Academy Sports + Outdoors and Whataburger have teamed up for a collaboration featuring designs from the two brands, according to a press release.

Smalls Sliders signs deal for Georgia, South Carolina

August 19, 2025

Smalls Sliders has inked its latest development deal for Georgia and South Carolina. Led by franchisees Madison Tuten, Doug Puryear and Brian Smith, the deal…

Del Taco expands partnership with ezCater

August 19, 2025

Del Taco and ezCater has expanded their partnership to bring catering options to nearly 250 Del Taco locations. A phased rolllout of the remaining Del Taco…

From Maine to Milan: The global journey of Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls

How do you take a Maine lobster roll and build a brand that stretches from the East Coast to the heart of Milan, Italy? That’s the kind of breakthrough story…

SynergySuite Secures $12 Million to Lead the AI-First Future of Restaurant Operations

SynergySuite raises $12M led by Oyster Capital to accelerate its AI-powered restaurant operations platform. The funding supports global expansion for their…

Marble Slab Creamery partners with The Dairy Alliance for sundae

August 18, 2025

Marble Slab Creamery, a FAT Brands company, has partnered with The Dairy Alliance on a limited-edition treat combining global flavors with Marble Slab's…

Jollibee, girl group Katseye launch partnership for North American fans

August 18, 2025

Jollibee has launched a partnership with girl group Katseye. Jollibee, known for its Chickenjoy fried chicken and welcoming service, has created a loyal fan…

McDonald's partners with Pacsun for McDonaldland apparel, accessories

August 15, 2025

McDonald's has partnered with lifestyle brand Pacsun on a line of themed apparel and accessories, according to a press release.

Krispy Kreme to release Harry Potter doughnut collection

August 15, 2025

Krispy Kreme has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to create a line of Harry Potter-inspired doughnuts. The Harry Potter: Houses…

Krystal parent SPB Hospitality names Robert J. Fargo as SVP of development

August 15, 2025

SPB Hospitality, a portfolio company of Fortress Investment Group, has appointed Robert "Bob" J. Fargo as SVP of development. SPB Hospitality is the parent…

The QSR tightrope: balancing margins, compliance and employee happiness

by Justin Hall — HR Director, Salz Group

Modern restaurants can increase profit margins by prioritizing smart, strategic workforce management, which includes using technology to improve hiring…

McDonald's, DoorDash expand partnership with online ordering experience in US

August 14, 2025

McDonald's and DoorDash have launched a U.S. online ordering experience allowing customers to order delivery on a desktop or via mobile web without downloading…

Smalls SIiders to enter Oklahoma City

August 14, 2025

Smalls Sliders has signed a multi-unit agreement for Oklahoma City. The deal was inked with franchisees Michael Gamble and Paul Pogue, according to a press…

Bojangles to return to NYC with multi-unit agreement

August 14, 2025

Bojangles has inked a 20-unit agreement to bring Bojangles back to New York City. The brand had a presence in the city in the 1980s, according to a press…

GoTo Foods partners with DoorDash for drone delivery service

August 13, 2025

GoTo Foods has partnered with DoorDash to provide drone delivery. The fast-mile delivery service, enabled by Wing, is currently live in three Texas markets…