Coming back from COVID-19: Tips, strategies and a silver lining

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

A panel of fast casual brand leaders shared how they're on a comeback trail post COVID-19 during the recent Fast Casual Executive Summit as well as insight on…

Grubhub, Restaurant Strong team on $2M grant support program

November 9, 2020

Grubhub, a food order and delivery platform, and The Gregg Hill Foundation's Restaurant Strong Fund, are teaming up on a $2 million support program providing…

Restaurant-transaction declines holding steady

November 9, 2020

Customer transaction declines at major U.S. restaurant chains held steady at -9% every week in October compared to the same weeks one year ago, according to…

German Doner Kebab hires former Nando's exec

November 9, 2020

German Doner Kebab, which is set to open 12 restaurants by the end of 2020 in the UK, has appointed Rich Collie as head of Project Management. Collie, who has…

Swap out the lights to keep them on

by Nancy Shenker

Multi-location restaurants have had to make significant changes to their operations this year to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Safety precautions, staffing…

Pollo Tropical, Taco Cabana parent reveals results of tough Q3 in main operating states

November 6, 2020

Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana parent company, Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc., reported a tough third quarter of results for the 13-week period ending on Sept.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe launches app, menu, promotions for holidays

November 6, 2020

Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC known for its better-for-you-smoothies and food with a tropical twist, is debuting a mobile app refresh just in time for the…

Fast casual leaders talk gender inclusivity, how females can advance

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

There are more women than ever working in the fast casual industry, but it's still quite far from being a 50-50 gender split. Three female leaders share…

Qdoba growing non-traditional units

November 5, 2020

Qdoba Mexican Eats is growing its non-traditional footprint via universities, airports and other venues. Since August, the brand has opened eight locations on…

Is your brand WILD-worthy?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

FastCasual has teamed up with Messner Reeves to create a certification program - Women In the Lead - recognizing restaurant brands that strive to include women…

Take part in the roundtable: 'How to Design a Technology Strategy for your Restaurant'

Join the discussion the afternoon of Nov. 10 to get the latest expertise on designing a solid tech strategy for your restaurant for the road ahead.

The Melt proves that kindness pays off

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Although San Francisco's The Melt, experienced a 70% drop in sales overnight when sheltering-in-place began in March, the chain is now reporting…

Pita Mediterranean 'wrappin' in the streets

November 5, 2020

Pita Mediterranean Street Food has seen off-premise dining sales (including online orders and delivery) nearly triple since March when the pandemic hit the…

Auntie Anne's, McAlister's parent adds HR leader to board

November 5, 2020

Focus Brands, the parent company of Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli and Schlotzsky's, has appointed Barbara L.

ChoppaLuna debus in London

November 4, 2020

Choppaluna has officially opened the doors of its first flagship U.K. restaurant in Bloomsbury, London. Owned by Hero Brands, which operates German Doner…

Aloha Poke exploring the world of ghosts

November 4, 2020

Chicago-based Aloha Poke will rely on ghost kitchens to introduce the brand to urban markets. The markets under consideration for Aloha Poke's first location…

REEF raises $1B to go beyond parking lot hubs

November 4, 2020

REEF, a ghost kitchen provider with over 4,500 parking lot and garage locations in the U.S, has secured two deals totalling $1 billion to help it expand…

Guthrie's launches ambitious national franchise plan

November 4, 2020

With over 40 locations across the Southeast and Midwest, Guthrie's, which specializes in chicken fingers, is ready to spread its (chicken) wings.

2020 Perfect Pitch winner: We make a 'damn good biscuit'

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Louisville, Kentucky-based Biscuit Belly took the top honor during the Fast Casual Executive Summit 'Perfect Pitch' competition, beating out three other…

Fatburger debuting 4th Singapore location

November 3, 2020

FAT Brands Inc., the parent company of Fatburger and Buffalo's Express, is opening its fourth co-branded Fatburger and Buffalo's Express in Cineleisure…