How Velvet Taco CEO Chris Schultz scales a cult brand without losing its soul

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

During his keynote at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Texas, Chris Schultz will discuss restaurant growth, brand culture, leadership, international…

Krispy Kreme entering Estonia

June 29, 2026

Krispy Kreme has signed a five-year development and franchise agreement to open up to 25 units across the Baltic States between 2026 and 2030, expanding its…

Taco Bell operator Southpaw expands Midwest footprint with Columbus acquisition

June 29, 2026

Southpaw, a quick-service restaurant operator, has acquired 43 Taco Bell locations in the Columbus, Ohio, area, according to a press release.

Paytronix, Qu launch upgraded menu, order integration for restaurants

June 29, 2026

Paytronix, a guest engagement and digital ordering solutions provider, announced an upgraded integration with commerce platform Qu to automatically sync online…

The Power of the Rearview Mirror and the Windshield: An activity of reflection and projection

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Using the metaphor of a vehicle's small rearview mirror and large windshield, columnist Kathleen Wood shares a structured framework designed to briefly…

The Frictionless Frontier: Why Grocery, Convenience, and QSR Need a Reset

In today’s QSR environment, small gains in speed and convenience can drive meaningful impact. This playbook explores where friction occurs in across systems…

Presented by DIEBOLD NIXDORF INC.

Flippy maker Miso Robotics buys Zume IP to launch pizza automation

June 26, 2026

Miso Robotics has acquired the technology and intellectual property of former pizza robotics startup Zume, three years after the company shut down completely…

Arby’s partners with Malin Akerman, Harry Jowsey for $1.99 slider campaign

June 25, 2026

Arby's is introducing a nationwide, limited-time promotion featuring its line of sliders for $1.99 each, according to a press release.

How Church’s Texas Chicken uses real estate discipline to drive franchise growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Church’s Texas Chicken is bucking the fast-food trend of large, expensive experiential builds by pivoting to a "simplify and amplify" strategy, utilizing…

Hardee’s partners with NASCAR's Bubba Wallace for limited-edition combo meal

June 25, 2026

Hardee's has launched "Bubba's Full Throttle Meal," a special limited-edition combo celebrating its partnership with 23XI Racing and NASCAR driver Bubba…

Carl's Jr. offers free burgers to road trippers who bypass Jack in the Box

June 25, 2026

As Americans prepare for one of the busiest travel weekends of the summer, Carl's Jr. is issuing a playful challenge to road trippers to bypass a competitor…

The Cost of Running Your Restaurant's Internal Communication on Personal Messaging Apps

Using personal messaging apps for work communication creates hidden costs for restaurant teams, from privacy risks and blurred workdays to missed tasks and…

The KFC Foundation awards $2M in scholarships to restaurant employees

June 24, 2026

The KFC Foundation has awarded a total of $2 million in scholarships to more than 300 restaurant employees across the country to assist with their education…

Rita’s Italian Ice brings back patriotic 4th of Gelati for summer

June 24, 2026

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has brought back its 4th of Gelati treat for a limited time to celebrate the Fourth of July and the start of summer…

Dunkin’ launches patriotic menu, merchandise for America's 250th birthday

June 24, 2026

Dunkin' has launched a lineup of limited-time beverages, bakery treats and merchandise designed to celebrate the upcoming Fourth of July and America's 250th…

Taco Bell launches global L.O.C.O.S. platform to target emotional fans

June 23, 2026

Taco Bell has launched its global platform, L.O.C.O.S., on Tuesday, aiming to connect with fans experiencing intense emotions from sports events, personal…

From kitchens to tech hubs: Inside fast casual’s digital revolution

In the latest episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, Cherryh Cansler, publisher of FastCasual.com, sits down with Luke Wilwerding, Vice President of North…

Presented by Elo Touch Solutions, Inc.

Fast food still cheaper than casual dining, but delivery fees erase gap, study finds

June 22, 2026

A quick-service restaurant meal is still less than half the price of casual dining at the menu level, but delivery markups, platform fees and tips can erase…

KFC expands Cheshire footprint with Winsford Gateway restaurant

June 22, 2026

KFC opened a new drive-thru restaurant at Winsford Gateway on Friday, creating 45 new jobs for the local community, according to a press release.

Little Caesars creates specialty pizza for upcoming 'Spider-Man' film

June 22, 2026

Little Caesars has partnered with Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" ahead of the movie's theatrical release on July 31, according to a press release.