Expanding the Brick-and-Mortar Footprint with Kiosks and Automated Retail

Interactive kiosks and automated vending solutions are driving the future of retail, and connectivity is the fuel making it happen.

Schlotzsky's restaurants becoming 'wonderfully weird'

July 22, 2019

By the end of the summer, all 370 Schlotzsky's locations will have the chain's new branding. Known now as Schlotzsky's Austin Eatery, the company is bringing…

'Big Bang Theory' star describes her restaurant as 'vegan healthy Subway sandwich restaurant'

July 22, 2019

Mayim Bialik, an actress best known from her roles on televisions shows "Blossom" and "Big Bang Theory," is also a mother and neuroscientist. And now, she's in…

Luckin' Coffee brewing up business in Middle East

July 22, 2019

China's Luckin Coffee Inc. and Kuwait Food Company Americana are partnering to launch a coffee business in the Middle East and India, according to a company…

Embracing Restaurant Technology

Technology has been a part of the foodservice industry for decades, but its role in profitable operations is becoming increasingly prominent.

Presented by FastCasual.com

This week in salad: Just Salad, Coolgreens, Mixt, Salata put down new roots

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

People under 40 have increased the annual eatings per capita of fresh vegetables by 10 percent and frozen vegetables by 13 percent over the last decade. And…

Curry Up Now opening in Atlanta

July 19, 2019

Curry Up Now is opening its first Atlanta-area unit July 30 at 1575 Church St., in Decatur, Georgia. "We've been eagerly waiting to open our doors and…

From food trucks to popping pearls, Wetzel's Pretzels CEO sees bright future

In the twists and turns of everyday QSR operations, few brands get more twisted, tasty and fun than West Coast-born and bred, Wetzel's Pretzels. On this week's…

SOCi's Google My Business integration puts brands where the online search action is

July 19, 2019

SOCi took another step toward providing its clients chains better capabilities to localize messages system-wide. The chain social media management platform…

Why the restaurant industry doesn't support minimum wage hike

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill to nearly double the minimum wage over six years, but it probably won't advance in the Republican-led…

Shake Shack getting down in New Orleans

July 18, 2019

Shake Shack is opening its first Louisiana shack Friday in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, according to a company press release. Located at 3501 Veterans…

Slim Chickens receives fat investment

July 18, 2019

Slim Chickens has accepted an investment from Atlanta-based equity investment firm 10 Point Capital. Although terms of the deal were not disclosed, Founder and…

Remodeled Fazoli's units report 12% sales lift

July 18, 2019

It looks like Fazoli's brand reboot is paying off. The chain ended Q2 with 3.9% sales growth and saw a 4.5% increase in franchise sales, with company locations…

Thanx rolls out enhanced mobile ordering, loyalty programs for Pincho, By Chloe

July 17, 2019

Thanx, a San Francisco-based customer engagement firm for retail and restaurants, is upgrading the mobile apps of two fast casual chains — Pincho Factory Inc.…

Upserve teams with OnDeck to speed financing to restaurants

July 17, 2019

Upserve, a restaurant management platform, will provide online financing options from OnDeck, an online lender to small businesses, under a partnership between…

Dig Inn drops the 'Inn'

July 17, 2019

After eight years since it first opened in New York City, Dig Inn has changed its name to Dig, according to Founder Adam Eskin.

Joella's Hot Chicken heats up with expansion plans

July 17, 2019

Louisville-based Joella's Hot Chicken is doubling its footprint, opening nine stores in the Southeast and Midwest by the end of 2019, according to a company…

Cinnaholic on a roll

July 16, 2019

Cinnaholic, which serves plant-based cinnamon rolls, has opened 10 franchises since January and has more than 100 locations in the pipeline. Although it has 3…

How restaurants, former inmates can help one another

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Inspired by "getting his own a break" when he was younger, Brandon Chrostowski founded the Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute in 2007, a six-month…

Fast casuals, QSRs leases spike up in Manhattan since 2010

July 16, 2019

Fast casual and quick-service restaurants account for 35% of food and beverage leases in Manhattan, a big spike from 15% in 2010. And that figure is expected…