News & Media
Panera powering up customers
September 9, 2020
The first 2,020 consumers who sign up Thursday for the Panera Coffee Subscription (typically $8.99) will earn a month of free coffee and Wi-Fi. For those who…
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How Urban Plates negotiated for more outdoor space
John Zagara, the co-founder of Urban Plates, reveals how he secured more space from his landlords to expand patios at 10 of his locations amid COVID-19.
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JDE Peet’s names Fabien Simon CEO
September 9, 2020
Fabien Simon rings the bell for the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange. JDE Peet's, which is owned by JAB Holdings and owns Peet's Coffee, Douwe…
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Everbowl inks 20-unit franchise deal
September 8, 2020
Everbowl is opening 20 units in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and California thanks to a franchise partnership with WAGS Capital, a boutique investment firm…
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Kansas City's Ravenous opens inside food hall
September 8, 2020
Kansas City's Ravenous, a fast casual concept that began operating late last year out of Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room, now has its own space. Chef…
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Arkansas Walmart welcomes sushi concept
September 8, 2020
Six months after opening the nation's first Hissho Sushi & Craft Beer Bar, the company is bringing the concept to northwest Arkansas, launching its second…
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Panera names former McDonald's exec as COO
September 8, 2020
Panera Bread has named a former McDonald's president, Debbie Roberts, as EVP and COO.
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Chipotle launches in-app group ordering, Tik-Tok challenge
September 8, 2020
Chipotle Mexican Grill is introducing a family TikTok challenge called #ChipotleSponsorUs to celebrate the launch of its group ordering feature on the Chipotle…
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Tropical Smoothie Cafe acquired by Levine Leichtman Capital
September 8, 2020
Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, has acquired Tropical Smoothie Cafe LLC, which has more than 70 units in 44 states.
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Famous Dave's launching dual-branded restaurant
September 4, 2020
Famous Dave's and franchisee Dave Crimmins are working together to open a restaurant in Colorado Springs to serve food from Famous Dave's as well as Texas…
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All systems 'go' for Just Eat Takeaway.com Grubhub acquisition
September 4, 2020
Amsterdam-based Just Eat Takeaway.com N.V. and Grubhub Inc. said this morning that the companies have received all required regulatory approvals for Just Eat…
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Costa Coffee considers laying off 1,650
September 4, 2020
Costa Coffee, the U.K. based coffee house chain that has its own coffee vending machine known as Costa Express, will eliminate as many as 1,650 on account of…
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Dickey's selling direct-to-consumer butchered meats, pre-cooked sides
September 4, 2020
Dickey's Barbecue Pit is giving fans access to restaurant-quality cuts of meat, premium pre-cooked sides and desserts, unveiling a line-up of retail products…
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Fast Casual Top 100 brands share these 3 traits
by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
For the past 14 years, FastCasual has recognized the industry's leading brands in its annual Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers report. Sweetgreen, a…
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El Pollo Loco launches loyalty program
September 3, 2020
El Pollo Loco Inc. has launched a loyalty program, Loco Rewards, that allows customers to earn more points and rewards for their favorite menu items …
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The Whimsy Cookie Company offering gluten-free option
September 3, 2020
The Whimsy Cookie Company has rolled out a gluten-free version of its signature sugar cookie.
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Original ChopShop brings delivery in house
September 3, 2020
Original ChopShop has hired several drivers to deliver orders placed directly through originalchopshop.com or the chain's Original ChopShop Chops loyalty app.
read nowFocus Brands adds 4 execs to leadership team
September 3, 2020
Focus Brands has made four key leadership appointments across its system and at two of its fast casual brands — Moe's Southwest Grill and Schlotzky's. "As we…
read nowBurgerFi inks 30-unit deal
September 3, 2020
BurgerFi International, which has 125 BurgerFi locations spanning 23 states and two countries internationally, has signed deals to open at least 30 units — 1…
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ICX Summit postponed till June 2021
September 2, 2020
The Interactive Customer Experience Summit has been postponed until June 2, 2021 due to travel restrictions related to COVID-19. The rescheduled event will…
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