Photo gallery: Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit 2016

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

More than 140 franchise execs gathered last week in Dallas at the Franchising Restaurant & Innovation Summit.

Trademarking 101: Can Chipotle be the 'Chipotle of the better-burger' segment?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The term "better burger" may prove difficult to trademark, however, as it's been widely used among media and other restaurant operators to describe a variety…

Why millennials make valuable franchise partners

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Millennials have ignited rapid change in the industry and view franchising differently than the previous generation of business owners.

52 billion reasons fast casuals are upgrading catering programs

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Off-premise catering in 2015 hit $52.3 billion, a 20 percent increase over 2011.

Heard at the Summit: Memorable quotes from Day 1

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Any time you gather some of the industry's brightest CEOs, franchisors, chefs, franchisees and vendors, there is sure to be some insightful quotes. We've…

How Cafe Rio's 'chief people officer' recruits, retains top employees

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

CPO Andy Hooper chats about how the recipe for the chain's success is more than just serving burritos and making money. Hint: It's about giving employees a…

Franchising Focus: HuHot is still family owned, growing strong

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The business has grown to nearly 60 units partly because every decision is made with the franchisees, said Laura Sporrer, director of franchise development.

Chipotle 'Not dialing back food-safety efforts'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Chipotle's Chris Arnold said the chain is not dialing back food-safety efforts.

Pei Wei CMO opens up about chain's growth spurt

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Fueling the growth is a new loyalty campaign, a more customizable menu, a localized restaurant marketing program and a refresh of some of the chain's older…

Massachusetts Chipotle closes after employees become ill

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

March 8, 2016

No customer illnesses have been reportedly connected to the restaurant.

Spoleto following growth path to America

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

March 3, 2016

John Velasquez and Carlos Oliveira have qualified to operate the business in the states under the Florida EB-5 Regional Center, which offers investment…

How 2 fast casuals mastered training to enhance customer experience

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Training can range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand annually per employee based on the type of restaurant, location and management style of…

Starbucks, loyalty experts defend changes to rewards program

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Many Starbucks fans are angry about the changes and sharing their rage via Twitter, but loyalty platform experts agree that the move was smart for the coffee…

Franchising Focus: Why Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli is overhauling brand identity

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

To reach its growth goal of 100 units by 2020, Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli is embarking on a complete brand overhaul, including a major menu update and a…

Video: Illegal Pete’s founder discusses how raising hourly wage to $17 has grown his business

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Employees get a food and drink credit, medical and dental insurance and tips, which all resulted to a 3.2-percent increase to the brand's bottom line.

Restaurants wooing customers on Valentine's Day

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurant brands are trying to entice lovers on Valentine’s Day to show them a little love.

Chipotle makes $10 million food-safey commitment via Twitter, Periscope

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 8, 2016

Nearly 50,000 Chipotle employees gathered today across America’s 2,000 units to discuss the chain's new food-safety procedures.

Video: NFL's Rob Gronkowski takes on brothers, firefighter in Super Bowl of hot wings

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 5, 2016

Buffalo Wild Wings has created a video so fans can watch the wing-eating competition between New England Patriots tight end, Rob Gronkowski, his two brothers…

Now trending: 10 ways the smoothie is evolving in 2016

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The smoothie has evolved — again.

Researcher: Loyalty platforms a must for millennials

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Though monetary value is crucial, millennials can incentivized to maintain loyalty participation through other means.