Tender Greens, Tocaya have 'no plans to close locations'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 29, 2024

Although Los Angeles-based Tender Greens and Venice, California-based Tocaya Modern Mexican filed for Chapter 11 last week, neither brand is closing locations…

Subway, Jason's Deli, Big Chicken headlining The Restaurant Catering Workshop

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Before a brand can deploy a catering-order management system and supporting technologies, it must align its business framework, business logic, workflow and…

Breaking bread and biases: Why restaurants (still) need more female voices

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The Fast Casual Executive Summit is hosting the panel "Breaking Bread and Biases: Empowering Women for Fast Casual Leadership," featuring women leaders…

Why former Tropical Smoothie CEO is picking up pickleball

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The Pickle Pad, which recently signed a franchise deal to open in Phoenix, is seeking more franchisees to help grow its footprint throughout the U.S.…

Nekter, Taziki's take home 'tech-related' Top 100 awards

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

L&L Hawaiian and Original ChopShop also received awards for technology deployments.

FastCasual seeking nominations for 2024 Perfect Pitch

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Nominations close June 30.

Big Chicken takes top honors at Fast Casual Top 100 gala

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Over 240 fast casual executives attended the gala to find out their rankings.

FAT Brands chairman denies involvement in 'sham loan scheme'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 13, 2024

Andrew Wiederhorn, the former CEO of FAT Brands, which owns Fatburger and Johnny Rockets, is denying federal charges alleging that he was involved in a…

6 must-haves for your restaurant's loyalty program

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Noodles and Co, Mooyah, Clutch Coffee and Hyve execs discuss why successful loyalty platforms feature 1. Ease of use. 2. Engaging offers and new…

Shake Shack beats Q1 profit expectations

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 2, 2024

Shake Shack said Thursday that it beat first-quarter profit expectations, nudging shares up 1.6%, despite revenue coming up short of the $291 million predicted…

FastCasual producing restaurant catering workshop with Erle Dardick’s OPGA

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The Restaurant Catering Workshop will provide a blueprint for restaurant operators focused on catapulting catering sales.

Newk's developing cost-efficient prototype, elevating menu

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Since being acquired last year by FSC Franchise Co., the parent company of Beef 'O' Brady's and The Brass Tap, Newk's Eater is developing a more cost-effective…

Nekter co-founder reveals growth strategies, leadership tips

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Alexis Parra, co-founder and chief visionary officer of Nekter Juice Bar, discusses how the industry has changed over the past decade and her vision for the…

Customers still confusing 'dynamic pricing' with 'surge pricing'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

About 64% of diners said they had a negative reaction to restaurants using surge and/or dynamic pricing. Additionally, 81% of diners said they would either…

Chipotle, Dog Haus among fast casuals giving freebies on National Burrito Day

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

National Burrito Day is April 4. Here's what some fast casuals are offering up for the annual celebration.

Dynamic pricing: Teaching restaurant customers to embrace it

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Fast casual executives discuss the future of dynamic pricing and how to gain customer buy-in.

International Women's Day: 12 fast casual leaders reveal tech, leadership strategies

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Twelve of the industry's female leaders discuss everything from AI and robotics to kiosks, mobile payments, menu trends and flexible shop formats. Hear from…

Former Sweetgreen CMO building a fast casual 'Wonder'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Daniel Shlossman reveals the strategy behind Wonder, a digital-forward food hall concept created by former Walmart eCommerce CEO and Jet.com founder Marc Lore.

How Smoothie King upgraded its CX platform

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Smoothie King tapped the digital agency, Bounteous, to create a customer experience platform with next-generation web ordering and mobile apps, including a…

Chopt betting on 'digital-only' model

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Chopt, a nearly 90-unit chain based in New York is adding a third "digital-forward restaurant" featuring self-order kiosks from Bite.