Hoots CEO on decision to franchise now: 'Why not?'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Sal Melilli, CEO and creator of Hoots,

Laying it on thick: Sauce sales set to soar

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

By 2027, the culinary sauce market in the U.S. is projected to be worth nearly another $12 billion or $55.3 billion annually. A lot of that money will be spent…

3 things CMO learned by joining Noodles & Co amid COVID-19

Stacey Pool, CMO of Noodles & Co, reveals how the 450-unit brand is surviving the pandemic.

Yes, Virginia, there is karma: Momofuku's David Chang wins 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'

Momofuku founder and celebrity restaurateur, David Chang, became the first celebrity to win "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." The winnings will help restaurant…

Why BurgerFi invested $50K to test drive-thru service

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The drive-thru remodel, which includes two static menu boards on each side of a digital panel featuring a video loop designed by The Howard Company, cost the…

Screens and real-time data: A killer combo for enhancing operations

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Bob Michelson, president at UPshow, reveals how brands can boost employee productivity, increase staff engagement/retention and achieve operational excellence.

Fast casual leaders talk food safety in the world of COVID-19

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Food safety has always been top of mind for every restaurant, but is now even further a priority given the COVID-19 pandemic. Three fast casual brand leaders…

The 'winter (LTO) is coming'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Customers around the world may be forced to change their holiday plans because of the pandemic, but one constant that they can always count on is that their…

Roundtable: 'How to Design a Technology Strategy for Your Restaurant'

The restaurant leader's task of staying up-to-date on restaurant tech is a harrowing one, but this hour-long roundtable discussion on pizza restaurant…

Tropical Smoothie Cafe's mobile-focused strategy paying off

by Pat Shea — Editor, NetworldMedia

Under the guidance of Michael Lapid, chief information and digital officer, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, implemented curbside pickup and third-party partnerships…

Free webinar to get your brand tech-ready for 2021

Restaurant brands have learned survival strategies over the last year, and many leaned on tech. This webinar sums up the critical tech traits restaurants need…

Has US demonized restaurant industry as spreader of pandemic?

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

As a surge in COVID-19 grips the nation, restaurateurs are growing weary of the finger-pointing at their businesses as a major factor of rising cases. Instead…

Blaze, Cousins, Torchy's, &Pizza, Slim Chickens CEOs: 'Chaos is the new normal'

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

In this recent Fast Casual Executive Summit roundtable, &pizza Co-founder and CEO Michael Lastoria, Blaze Pizza CEO Mandy Shaw, Cousins Subs CEO Christine…

Coming back from COVID-19: Tips, strategies and a silver lining

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

A panel of fast casual brand leaders shared how they're on a comeback trail post COVID-19 during the recent Fast Casual Executive Summit as well as insight on…

Fast casual leaders talk gender inclusivity, how females can advance

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

There are more women than ever working in the fast casual industry, but it's still quite far from being a 50-50 gender split. Three female leaders share…

Take part in the roundtable: 'How to Design a Technology Strategy for your Restaurant'

Join the discussion the afternoon of Nov. 10 to get the latest expertise on designing a solid tech strategy for your restaurant for the road ahead.

The Melt proves that kindness pays off

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although San Francisco's The Melt, experienced a 70% drop in sales overnight when sheltering-in-place began in March, the chain is now reporting…

2020 Perfect Pitch winner: We make a 'damn good biscuit'

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Louisville, Kentucky-based Biscuit Belly took the top honor during the Fast Casual Executive Summit 'Perfect Pitch' competition, beating out three other…

The lowdown on upcoming menu trends: McAlister's, Ike's, other restaurateurs weigh in

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

On the menu trend flavor front, searing "heat" is turning to smoke, while coffee is sliding over to make room for tea, and customers are trading in exotic…

Inspire Brands' acquisition of Dunkin’ will more than double company's size

In a mammoth deal announced Saturday, 11,000-unit Inspire Brands signed a merger agreement with 20,500-unit Dunkin' Brands for a move that may signal some…