Operations

FastCasual reveals 10 most-read stories of 2024

Stories about Chipotle, Panera, Freddy's and Schlotzsky's landed on the top 10 list.

Photo: Adobe

December 30, 2024 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

As we prepare to close out another year, we take a look back at the year's most-read stories.

10. Chipotle IQ is back

In August, Chipotle Mexican Grill brought back Chipotle IQ, a trivia game that tests fans' knowledge of its ingredients, food standards, culinary techniques, sustainability efforts, brand history and community engagement.

9. FastCasual accepting 2024 Top 100 Movers & Shakers nominations

Although this story announcing that the nominations were open for the 2024 Top 100 was technically published in December 2023, it was the ninth most-read story of 2024. Big Chicken took the No. 1 spot, accepting the honor at the Top 100 gala in May in Chicago.

8. Vicious Biscuit opening 1st franchised unit

Photo: Vicious Biscuit

Just a week before 2023 ended, Charleston, South Carolina-based Vicious Biscuit announced it was opening its first franchised location in northeast Ohio.

7. NFL lineman opening 10 Freddy's locations

Wichita-based Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers signed a multi-unit development agreement in August 2024, with NFL offensive lineman Ben Powers to bring 10 locations to Greenville and Spartanburg Counties in South Carolina.

Powers and GVL Hospitality Group, which includes business partners Brett Rickert and Brian Stevens, will spearhead the expansion with the first property opening next year. The group aims to have all 10 locations operational by 2031.

6. Panera cutting menu prices, increasing portions

While many brands raised prices in 2024, Panera Bread made headlines by announcing in March 2024 that it was transforming its menu, adding or enhancing 20 soups, salads, sandwiches and mac 'n' Cheese. The changes included larger portions and lower price.

Photo: Hawaiian Bros

5. Hawaiian Bros opens brick-and-mortar locations in Arizona

Belton, Missouri-founded Hawaiian Bros announced in March it was expanding its Arizona presence by opening two brick-and-mortar locations in Tucson and Glendale, Arizona. The chain previously opened two ghost kitchens in the state and has over 50 locations.

4. The Habit launches 'Grown-Up Meal'

The Habit Burger Grill unveiled a Grown-Up Meal earlier this year, citing a study it commissioned that showed 75% of Americans approved of adults ordering from kids' menus but are embarrassed to do it.

3. Schlotzsky's opening 5 stores in Detroit

Schlotzsky's September announcement it was entering the Detroit area with a five-unit signed franchise agreement with business veterans and husband-wife duo, Vipul and Neha Patel, was they year's third most-read story.

2. Founder of 16 Handles dies at 44

Solomon Choi attends the Fast Casual Top 100 gala, May 19, 2024, in Chicago. Photos: Willie Lawless

The industry was shocked after hearing that Solomon Choi, 44, of Manhasset, New York, died June 7, 2024.

Before founding Jabba Brands in 2019 to advise, invest and operate foodservice companies, he founded16 Handles, New York City's first self-serve frozen yogurt shop that grew to over 40 locations internationally, and Greeno Products, a supplier of custom and off-the-shelf disposables for the foodservice industry. He was also an Angel Squad member at Hustle Fund, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage start-ups in various sectors.

1. Captain D's franchisees converting Hardee's, Church's locations in New Jersey, Georgia

Nashville-based Captain D's signed two franchise development agreements in December 2023, New Jersey and Georgia. Both agreements are with experienced business leaders new to Captain D's, who came to the brand with conversion opportunities identified in their cities.

Multi-brand franchisees Jujhar Rai and Maliha Rahmani are developing one location in Camden, New Jersey. The site is a former Church's Chicken and will open in 2024. Rai and Rahmani have 23 years of experience in restaurant franchising and operate Checkers locations.

The Georgia agreement backfills opportunities in the Atlanta market.

About Cherryh Cansler

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Cherryh Cansler is VP of Events for Networld Media Group and publisher of FastCasual.com. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.

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