Franchise FastLane Blog

Meet the Restaurant Brands that are Scaling Their Business with Franchise FastLane

Written by Michaela Cosgrove | Apr 16, 2025 1:00:00 PM

Exciting innovation is happening in the restaurant industry, but not every brand makes the cut. Franchise FastLane, the #1 franchise acceleration and development company in North America, evaluates hundreds of brands each year — and for the first time, two food brands have earned their place in the FastLane: Sourdough & Co. and Cascadia Pizza Co. This milestone speaks volumes about the strength of these brands. Both stand apart in the industry with efficient models, strong leadership and proven systems for growth. Sourdough & Co. boasts outstanding validation from existing franchisees, while Cascadia Pizza Co. offers unique differentiators that set it apart in the pizza segment. By prioritizing quality, simplicity and experience, these brands offer entrepreneurs a rare opportunity to franchise with restaurant concepts built for sustainable success.

 

Cascadia Pizza Co.: Fired Up for Franchise Growth

Founded in the Pacific Northwest in 2015, Cascadia blends old-world techniques with modern innovation to create a one-of-a-kind pizza experience. At the heart of the brand’s authenticity are its 100% wood-fired ovens, imported directly from Italy, and its signature dough — crafted from a proprietary blend of high-gluten flour grown and milled in Idaho. Thanks to a two-day proofing process, Cascadia’s dough is not only rich in flavor but also highly digestible, containing just four simple ingredients: flour, salt, yeast, and water. Unlike many competitors, Cascadia is also 100% seed oil-free — outside of side sauces like ranch and BBQ — aligning with the growing demand for cleaner, healthier food options. Beyond its commitment to high-quality ingredients, Cascadia stands out for its multiple revenue streams. With mobile pizza trailers, the brand can cater weddings, corporate events, fairs and festivals, providing franchisees with diverse income opportunities beyond traditional dine-in and takeout. The brand also prioritizes inclusivity, offering gluten-free and vegan options to ensure everyone can enjoy their handcrafted pizzas. Another core pillar of the brand is Cascadia’s support of its community. The brand donates extra pizzas from franchise training to local food banks, fire and police departments, and women’s shelters, while also hosting free pizza events at children’s hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses, and other local charities. As Cascadia joins Franchise FastLane, it’s poised for responsible expansion, bringing its unique approach to pizza-making — and its values-driven mission — to more communities across the country.

 

Sourdough & Co.: A Fresh-Baked Opportunity in the Fast Casual Industry

Sourdough & Co. stood out among the hundreds of restaurant brands we’ve evaluated for its strong unit economics, multi-revenue stream model, and exceptional franchisee validation. Sourdough & Co. has built a system focused on efficiency, premium ingredients, and a guest experience that keeps customers coming back. With proven growth and an operational model designed for responsible expansion, the brand was a clear choice for Franchise FastLane’s portfolio. Now, with our support, Sourdough & Co. is ready to scale even further. Founded by Nick Singh in California, Sourdough & Co. is centered around one thing: freshly baked, health-conscious sourdough bread. Baked in-house daily, this artisanal bread is the foundation of a menu featuring premium meats, fresh produce and housemade soups — delivering a refined yet approachable fast-casual experience. Beyond its strong in-store business, Sourdough & Co. has built multiple revenue streams through strategic delivery partnerships and robust catering services, making it a powerful opportunity for franchisees. The brand’s track record speaks for itself — franchisees are not only validating the concept, but many are expanding into multiunit ownership. With decades of industry expertise behind it, Sourdough & Co. is built for those looking to grow an multi-unit business, and Franchise FastLane is here to help make it happen. “We’re thrilled to join forces with Franchise FastLane as we embark on our most ambitious expansion yet,” said Singh. “Their comprehensive support, proven systems and deep industry connections make them the perfect partner to help us scale Sourdough & Co. at a pace we couldn’t achieve alone. With their support, we’re poised to bring our high-quality, naturally better™ sourdough experience to more communities than ever before.”

 

Partnering with Purpose

Franchise FastLane has built its reputation by identifying standout franchise concepts and helping them accelerate growth responsibly. As the company expands further with restaurant brands, the focus remains on concepts with strong fundamentals, clear differentiation and leadership teams committed to long-term success. Both Sourdough & Co. and Cascadia Pizza Co. exemplify these qualities. With Sourdough & Co.’s dedication to premium ingredients and a simple, scalable model, and Cascadia Pizza’s balance of artisanal quality and operational efficiency, these brands represent the kind of forwardthinking restaurant concepts that thrive in today’s market. Partnering with Franchise FastLane gives these concepts the tools, support and industry expertise to grow strategically — while maintaining the quality and integrity that set them apart. As Franchise FastLane continues to expand its portfolio, partnerships like these reinforce its commitment to responsible franchise growth and bringing best-in-class brands to more communities nationwide.

Franchise FastLane partner brands are unique, scalable and built for long-term growth, we continue to be the premier partner for entrepreneurs looking to enter the food and beverage space with confidence.

Are You Ready to Take Your Brand to the Next Level? 

Franchise FastLane, the #1 proven franchise accelerator focuses our mission on responsibly driving extraordinary growth to empower brands to thrive. We have vetted hundreds of brands and actively partner with over 35 of the best franchise brands in North America! To learn more about the brands we represent, explore our brands page today. If you are interested in learning more about the possibility of joining Franchise FastLane, please click here for more information.  To keep up with all the latest happenings, make sure you follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.