Panera CEO: Q1 growth proves digital strategy is working

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Sales are up 6.2 percent at Panera Bread's nearly 500 company-owned stores thanks to the rollout of the chain's digital operations, ordering and payment system.

Ask the experts: Is your brand ready for catering?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Franchisors and their franchisees must understand what they're getting into before deciding if catering should be a part of the business model.

Franchising focus: Little Greek Fresh Grill growing as Americans embrace new flavors

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The Tampa-based chain is on a mission to make Greek food more accessible.

Dunkin' Donuts loyalty app stirring up trouble for Starbucks?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

With the DD Perks Rewards program, guests earn five points for every dollar they spend on qualifying purchases at Dunkin’ Donuts when they pay using an…

Infographic: What to look for in a franchisor

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

An infographic provides a variety of information to help business owners decide which franchise is best for them.

Photo gallery: Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit 2016

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, FastCasual.com

March 8, 2016

No customer illnesses have been reportedly connected to the restaurant.

Spoleto following growth path to America

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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.