Pepper Lunch continues growth trajectory with Pacific Northwest agreement

January 17, 2025

Pepper Lunch, a Japanese-born fast casual concept with over 500 locations in 17 countries, has signed a development agreement to open five locations in Oregon.

Speaker Spotlight: Jeff Todd, Launch Entertainment

Jeff Todd, chief development officer for Launch Entertainment, shares a look at his career, his achievements and industry trends ahead of his appearance at…

Spain-based noodle concept opens in US mall

January 17, 2025

Udon, a chain of Asian restaurants in Spain, is opening its second U.S.-based location Monday at the Aventura Mall in Aventura, Florida. It made its American…

PJ's Coffee percolating with expansion plans

January 17, 2025

Grounded in its New Orleans-born roots, PJ's Coffee is brewing up expansion plans after adding 185,000 loyalty customers in 2024. It also saw a 4% increase in…

Qu Posts Record-Breaking 2024 with Triple-Digit Recurring Revenue (ARR) Growth

The leading unified commerce platform for enterprise restaurants announces landmark year.

Black Rock Coffee opening 150th location

January 16, 2025

Black Rock Coffee Bar, founded in Oregon is opening its 150th location Monday in the United States. Located at 4602 Beacon Lane in Caldwell, Idaho, the…

It's 'Stick Season' at Piada

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 16, 2025

When Noah Kahn wrote the song "Stick Season," he probably wasn't thinking about Piada Italian Street Food's Stickscription program, but it may be the perfect…

Togo's launching franchising incentives

January 16, 2025

Togo's is offering incentive programs to fuel fuel franchise growth. The chain, which has opened stores in Nevada and Washington over the last year, hopes to…

Crust Pizza Co. CEO explains operations, building own tech

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Editor Mandy Detwiler talks to Crust Pizza Co. CEO and Founder Carl Comeaux about the brand's growth, search for franchisees and building its own POS system…

Joining Forces: Bringing plant-based innovation to restaurant menus

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Networld Media Group and the Plant Based Food Association are partnering to help restaurant operators stay up-to-date with consumer demand for crave-worthy…

Freddy's adding 15 locations via 3 franchise deals

January 14, 2025

Wichita-based Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is opening 15 locations in Nebraska, North Dakota and Maryland thanks to the signing of three…

HMS Growth founder named La Madeleine's president

January 14, 2025

La Madeleine, a French-founded neighborhood cafe and bakery, has named John Dillon as president. Dillon most recently served as founder and principal lead at…

Canadian burrito chain rebrands in US

January 14, 2025

Canada-based BurritoBar USA Inc. debuted its rebranded experience on Dec. 24, 2024, when it opened in Murfreesboro, Tennesee. Originally introduced to the U.S.

Just Salad opens 1st drive-thru location

January 13, 2025

Just Salad, which has over 90 locations, has opened the first of many drive-thru locations planned for the year, said Nick Kenner, founder and CEO.

Using customer data to boost loyalty

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

A panel at the upcoming Restaurant & Innovation Summit in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from March 11 to 13 will examine how restaurants can leverage data to…

6 steps to building a debt-free restaurant

by Robby Berg — Sr. Director of Ops, Accounting, and HR, Fresh Restaurant Group

Multi-unit Genghis Grill franchisee reveals six strategies for opening a second location with no debt.

Shake Shack to hit 1,500 units

January 13, 2025

Shake Shack Inc. CEO Rob Lynch said the chain has the potential to hit 1,500 company-operated units, versus the prior target of 450 provided in conjunction…

MOUNTAIN MIKE’S PIZZA EXPANDS HOUSTON-AREA PRESENCE WITH OPENING IN FULSHEAR

Leading Family-Style Pizza Chain Grows Texas Footprint to Ten Locations

Garden Catering fights childhood cancer

January 10, 2025

New York-based Garden Catering is inviting the community to support "Queen Willa's Countdown to the Bell" by selling $5 coupon booklets with 100% of proceeds…

Speaker Spotlight: David "Rev" Ciancio, Salad House and more

Rev Ciancio, marketing and chief eating officer for Salad House, Crazy Pita, Handcraft Burgers & Brew and Branded Strategic, shares a look at his career, his…