FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 22, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on how the ongoing government shutdown is expected to take a toll on restaurant chains.

Sweetgreen Plunges, And the Question Is Why

Sweetgreen’s stock nosedived after dismal Q2 results, reigniting doubts about its scalability and consumer appeal. Management blames execution and macro headwinds – but investors may be losing faith in the salad chain’s long-term promise.

Investors See Long-Term Risk for Fast-Casual Chains

Fast-casual giants Chipotle and Cava are losing investor confidence after steep post-earnings stock drops. Rising costs, flat traffic, and pricing fatigue signal deeper concerns about the fast-casual segment as a whole.

SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen: From Family Recipes to Fast-Casual Success

SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen recently expanded into Chicago, opening its first location on March 31. Founded by Eric Shin, principal percussionist of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., the chain known for its fresh rice and noodle bowls has grown to a total of eight locations across D.C. and Chicago.

Salad Chains Diversify As ‘Peak Salad’ Looms

As better-for-you salad chains stagnate, they take on novel growth strategies to complement ambitious expansion strategies. Sweetgreen and Just Salad are two major chains endeavoring to take on new consumer need states.

Salad Chains Shake Things Up, Adding Comfort Food to the Menu

Fast-casual salad chains like Sweetgreen are diversifying their menus with indulgent options like fries to attract more customers. Experts say the move signals one thing: salad chains have reached a crossroads.

Biting the Bullet: Q2 Restaurant Earnings Show a Shift in Consumer Appetite

One of the biggest changes in the market over the past 10-15 years is that investors have succeeded solely by buying the best business, not necessarily the best stock. Focusing on fundamentals over quality has …

Sweetgreen Positions New Steak Offering as Sustainable, Rooted in Regenerative Grazing Practices

Sweetgreen is leveraging regenerative agriculture to position its new grass-fed steak offering as climate-friendly. Can expanding these agricultural practices offset beef’s massive carbon footprint?

Column: How to Retain Restaurant Workers in 2024

Scrolling through Indeed.com is an eye-opening experience. Every employer is trying to find workers because employees have a ton of options in 2023. I’ve worked with franchises for nearly 30 years, and labor has always …

2024 Tech & Digital Trends in Restaurant & Retail: Part 1

There is no new normal and innovation will continue to advance at lightning speed.

Investors See Tough Times Ahead for Fast Casuals

It’s difficult to project how the fast-casual industry will perform in a recession. The current version of the industry hasn’t really seen one. To be sure, the fast-casual concept predates the financial crisis of the …

Middle-Tier Restaurants Threatened as Industry Bifurcates

Middle-tier restaurants would be wise to alter their business models amid raging inflation and predictions of a recession later this year.

What is the Net Value of Restaurant Subscription Services?

More quick service restaurants (QSRs) are rolling out subscription services in the new year to leverage the pandemic pivot towards mobile ordering and remain top of mind with consumers. Throughout the month of January, Sweetgreen …

Analysis: Assessing Sweetgreen’s Unique Business Model, Ahead of IPO

Sweetgreen, the quick-serve salad chain out to take advantage of consumer interest in sustainability, this week became the latest restaurant chain to file for an initial public offering. And, experts say the move couldn’t come …

Robotics Emerging in Food Industry as Labor Shortage Persists

Are robots about to take over? A quick glance at headlines recently makes one wonder. Elon Musk recently unveiled plans for life-like humanoid robots designed to take over “boring” work from humans, for instance. Though …