Fast_Casual

Consumer Trends

Jersey Mike’s is focusing on value. Is that the right call?

 By Leigh Anne Zinsmeister on Oct. 19, 2026

Guest Check: Post-IPO, the chain’s biggest consumer target is Gen Z. They just have to figure out what they want.

Emerging Brands

Urbane Café prepares for growth outside California with a slow-and-steady pace

 By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 05, 2026

This fast-casual chain did not take the private-equity route for expansion. Nearing 50 units, CEO Tom Holt has no regrets.

Technology

Dave's Hot Chicken says the future of delivery will be automated

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 05, 2026

Dave’s CTO Leon Davoyan talks about why the brand is going all-in on robot and drone delivery at the FSTEC conference.

Financing

Another casual-dining chain shuts down

By Jonathan Maze, Lisa Jennings and Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 11, 2026

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the weekly restaurant news discussion podcast looks at the closure of O’Charley’s, Jersey Mike’s first earnings call, and Brian Niccol.

Food

Jamba's new sandwich line gives the fast casual a firm foothold in the food space

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 26, 2026

Behind the Menu: Sandwiches are integral to the overall vision for this GoTo Foods brand, as it moves from beverages and snacks to the center-of-the-plate.

Financing

Why Teriyaki Madness has kept growing in a tough market

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 19, 2026

A Deeper Dive: Michael Haith, CEO of the fast-casual Asian chain, joins the restaurant finance podcast to talk about the brand’s growth strategies and the right way to franchise.

Financing

Whatever happened to Boston Market in India?

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 18, 2026

The first location of the concept in India, where it is called Boston Chicken, appears to have shut down following a lawsuit from its landlord over unpaid rent.

Financing

Amid a weird year, Shake Shack gets an activist

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 05, 2026

The Bottom Line: The fast-casual burger chain has had guidance challenges this year and now has a reported investment from Starboard Value. Yet its sales have held up.

Financing

Here's everything that has killed Boston Market over the past 20 years

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 05, 2026

The Bottom Line: The fast-casual rotisserie chicken chain is down to just about six locations in five states. Its decline is due to everything from poor management to Costco.

Financing

Corner Bakery's owner wins $38M judgment against Boston Market

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 03, 2026

A federal court judge ruled in favor of SSCP Restaurant Investors after Boston Market’s owners failed to respond to a lawsuit. That chain is now down to about a half-dozen locations.

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