Fast casuals exploring the lassi, other beverage trends

by Raji Sankar — Co-CEO and Founder, Choolaah Indian BBQ, Wholesome International

The uptick in lassi offerings may stem from consumers wanting healthier options without sacrificing value.

Chipotle Teamsters demanding 'fair contracts'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

August 28, 2024

Laurie Schalow, Chipotle's chief corporate affairs officer, said the Union is delaying bargaining meetings but her company is committed to ensuring a fair work…

Papa Johns franchisee doubles down on fast casual burger concept

August 27, 2024

Portland, Oregon-based Killer Burger has signed a second six-unit agreement with Cascade Dining, which owns 26 Papa Johns and opened its first Killer last year…

ICX Summit: Using social to fuel CX awesomeness

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

By effectively integrating social media into omnichannel strategies, retailers can create engaging experiences that drive customer loyalty and sales.

Chipotle testing honey chicken

August 27, 2024

Chipotle Mexican Grill is testing Chipotle Honey Chicken — marinated with seared, smoked adobo peppers, seasoned with Mexican spices and finished with a touch…

Wow Bao leveling up customer engagement via Superorder

August 27, 2024

Chicago-based-Wow Bao, a fast casual Asian restaurant concept serving food from over 700 virtual locations, has tapped Superorder, an AI-powered reputation and…

SynergySuite Secures #35 Spot on Utah Business Fast 50

SynergySuite, a global leader in restaurant management software, proudly announces its first appearance on the Utah Business Fast 50 list, ranking at #35.

WaBa launches Thai Tea

August 26, 2024

Irvine, California-based WaBa Grill, a rice bowl chain, has added Thai Tea to the menu. Inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asia Thai Tea features sweetened…

Juicer cuts dynamic pricing strategy

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

August 26, 2024

Juicer, a restaurant revenue management company that helps guide menu strategy, is cutting its dynamic pricing platform for delivery to shift its focus toward…

Sweetgreen snags former Starbucks, Nothing Bundt Cakes exec

August 26, 2024

Christopher Tarrant, former CDO of Nothing Bundt Cakes, has joined Los Angeles-based Sweetgreen as SVP and chief development officer to oversee real estate…

Honeygrow opens 4th Virginia location

August 26, 2024

Honeygrow, a Philadelphia-based chain serving stir-frys, salads and honeybars, opened Saturday in Fairfax, Virginia, marking the state's fourth location.

Surf's Up tackling Soldier Field

August 26, 2024

Chicago-based Surf's Up has opened at Soldier Field, serving Southern-themed Gulf Fried Jumbo Shrimp and French fries in the home of the NFL's Chicago Bears.

School's in session for Experiential Brands

August 26, 2024

Experiential Brands, a portfolio of fast casual restaurant concepts including The Original Hot Chicken, Flametown Burgers, INKED Tacos, and Pinsa Roman Pizza…

Dave's Hot Chicken deploys BOH technology to streamline operations

August 26, 2024

Dave's Hot Chicken is deploying QSR Automations' ConnectSmart Kitchen across its nearly 275 locations. As the Los Angeles-based chain strives to hit 1,00…

How Guest Feedback Can Transform Your Restaurant: A Comprehensive Guide

Guest feedback is essential for restaurants to improve operations, boost retention, and enhance the guest experience—but traditional methods like long receipt…

The Great Greek propels franchising

August 23, 2024

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is reporting notable unit growth and sales increases for the first half of 2024. It opened seven restaurants in Q1 and Q2…

Osmow's Shawarma expanding US footprint

August 23, 2024

Ontario, Canada-based Osmow's Shawarma, a Middle Eastern fast casual chain, is opening three stores over the next few weeks in Florida, Virginia and Michigan.

Bad Ass Coffee brewing Colorado deal

August 22, 2024

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has signed a three-store agreement in Colorado with franchisee Bill Leary, a Denver native, who owns Jackson Hole Soda. The first…

Kona Ice awarded $500K in patent infringement lawsuit

August 22, 2024

Kona Ice, which has over 2,000 trucks serving shaved ice, was awarded $532,905 from a 2017 patent infringement lawsuit against Florida-based competitor…

U.S. Hospitality Managers: Insights from 500 Frontline Leaders

The hospitality industry is facing a critical tipping point, and it’s not just about gratuities. We polled 500 frontline hospitality managers in the U.S. and…