Why Teriyaki Madness CEO is confident about 500-unit growth strategy

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Claiming to more than double your restaurant unit count in one year may seem pretty gutsy, but Teriyaki Madness CEO Michael Haith isn't afraid to say it aloud.

Chef Chatter: How to offer plant-based foods without sacrificing flavor

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Tom Moran, corporate executive chef at Nestlé Professional, gives advice to chefs wanting to add more plant-based options to their menus.

How Cheba Hut attracts cannabis fans while still welcoming those who don't partake

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although the brand's theme centers around marijuana, VP of Marketing Brian Loeb said the chain is dedicated to providing an eating experience that isn't about…

Starbucks CEO: 'We will win in China'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

April 26, 2019

Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson is confident that his growth strategy is working, and that includes his plans for the U.S. as well as China, where the coffee…

Chipotle's digital sales up 100%

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

April 25, 2019

It's safe to say that Chipotle has recovered from its sales slump brought on by past food-safety issues. The chain reported Thursday that comparable restaurant…

Why Coolgreens hired a start-up pro as VP of Franchise Development

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

April 25, 2019

Oklahoma City-based Coolgreens has hired Kathy Davidson as VP of Franchise Development, where she's tasked with expanding the seven-unit brand to 50 within…

3 eating trends elevating spring menus

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In-season produce, healthful eating and a case of the munchies are driving the season's menu additions.

Why the full-service market is ripe for Dig Inn

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

While the price point and name of the full-service concept is still up in the air, Eskin said Dig Inn's mission of helping chefs learn to cook and exposing…

Will 'Game of Thrones' show up on your menu?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although Shake Shack and Buffalo Wild Wings are gearing up for the return of Game of Thrones with a few Westeros-inspired LTOs, we think a few other brands…

Why Fiesta Group is on a mission to save lives

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Nearly 15 years after receiving a kidney transplant from his sister, Richard Stockinger, CEO and president of Fiesta Restaurant Group, is still on a mission to…

Is Fatburger rebranding as Skinnyburger?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

March 27, 2019

Fatburger is reportedly changing its name to Skinnyburger, according to a press release from the brand's parent company, FAT Brands.

Can smaller brands win customers over with coffee offerings?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

To help smaller brands create coffee concoctions to compete for customers, Nestlé Professional has created the Nescafé Dolce Gusto Majesto, a $300 coffee maker…

Rocking the food chain ladder: 27 female restaurant execs tell all

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In part 1 of this series, we interviewed 14 women about what it takes to be a leader in the fast casual industry. Part 2 features 13 more interviews.

International Women's Day: 27 female restaurant execs who have made it to the top

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In honor of International Women's Day — March 8 — FastCasual chatted with 26 female restaurant leaders about what it took for them to land leadership roles and…

The neverending winter: 11 fast casuals hoping LTOs will keep customers coming back 'til warmer days

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

From hot chicken to shrimp alfredo pizza, below is a partial list of limited-time menu items keeping us full, warm and hopeful for a spring thaw.

How Paris Baguette CEO plans to open 1,000 US locations

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Paris Baguette CEO Jack Moran describes international expansion as time-consuming, inefficient, frustrating and involving a lot of hard work. Is it worth it?

Will Fiesta Group's digital initiatives put it on the path to profitability?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although Fiesta Restaurant Group, parent company of Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana, closed several units last year and reported mixed financial results Monday…

Modern Market, Lemonade create restaurant group, remain separate brands

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 20, 2019

Lemonade Restaurant Group and Modern Market Eatery have joined forces to create Modern Restaurant Concepts as a way to help both brands improve everything from…

Crisp & Green delivering more than healthful food to employees, customers

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

While serving good food is an important part of the brand's equation, CEO Steele Smiley said what sets it apart from other brands is its commitment to wellness.

Starbucks: 'Our love was written in the lattes'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Starbucks Canada has created a zodiac chart to help us find the perfect drinks for our Valentines, sparking the question. "Hey, there; what's your latte?"