Automation doesn't have to be a dirty word in foodservice - Part 1 of 3

by Sagi Rochman — CEO, Better Chains

Automation has taken on the aura of a dirty word in foodservice with its potential to inflict widespread job losses, not to mention a perception of a colder…

Automation: The possibilities of robo-restaurateuring - Part 3 of 3

by Sagi Rochman — CEO, Better Chains

Complete Automation in a foodservice operation is relatively rare at the moment, but that is changing almost by the day.

Automation: Transformative touch at the table - Part 2 of 3

by Sagi Rochman — CEO, Better Chains

Exponential improvements in foodservice technology can, not only help accelerate industry growth, but also trim the costs that have grown into a heavy layer of…

Marco's attracts 2 industry franchise veterans for aggressive growth plan

March 15, 2017

Marco's Pizza has hired a couple industry vets to help grow its footprint. John Ramsay is now vice president of franchise development services, and Travis…

ICX Association extends entry deadline for annual Elevate Awards

March 14, 2017

Nomination deadline for the Association's annual awards has been extended to April 3.

Schlotzsky's exec chef: 'Gender doesn't define success'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The chef, who was featured in numerous television shows on The Travel Channel, Telemundo Network, the Cooking Channel and Fox Utilísima Network, is fluent in…

Gatti's gets back to business in a big way

March 14, 2017

Nearly 50 years after it last sold franchises, Gatti's is opening the chain up for entrepreneurs, who want a piece of its pie, according to a news release. The…

Shopkeep acquires ChowBOT

March 14, 2017

Thousands of limited-service restaurants will have access next year to new technology thanks to ShopKeep's acquisition this week of online ordering software…

Stay solid: Join the movement to add 'e' to Pi Day

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Enough of this obscure 3.14 math stuff. Join restaurateurs everywhere to make this day about the real "pie" — the one dripping with cheese on a steamy crust.

Global checklist: 7 must-ask questions before planting flags outside your home country

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Just because a concept takes off in one area doesn't mean it's meant to cross borders. Waiting too long, however, is also a huge mistake. Answer these seven…

Kat Cole: 'Female leaders must mentor other women'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Kat Cole started in the industry as a hostess when she was 17. She now leads Focus Brands, overseeing 4,500 ice cream shops, bakeries, restaurants, and cafes…

Using technology to comply with menu-labeling legislation

There is simple and intuitive software out there that provides access to calorie counts and nutritional information at the click of a button, empowering the…

PizzaRev continues international expansion 'south of the border'

March 13, 2017

PizzaRev has opened its third international franchise location in Mexico in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon. The development is led by Grupo Galeria…

Brand new way for brands to engage on-the-go

March 12, 2017

Brands seeking new efficiencies and novel approaches to mobile subscriber engagement are taking note of Google's introduction of its Rich Communication…

Is the UAE restaurant industry in trouble?

The problem has more to do with the lack of integrity of some operators leading "bad brand" than industry saturation.

The Flame Broiler opens in Tempe

March 10, 2017

The Flame Broiler this week opened a unit in Tempe, Arizona. Although it's the fist Flame Broiler location to arrive in the Phoenix area, it's the second…

HuHot implements online learning platform for employees

March 10, 2017

HuHot Mongolian Grills is rolling out a learning management system — HuHub —   to provide online learning, testing and certifications. It differentiates itself…

New fast casual brand debuts as Pie Five conquers new territory

March 10, 2017

A new fast casual pizza brand is debuting in Iowa, while another fast casual pizza brand —  Pie Five —   is adding its first Tulsa restaurant next week.

Buffalo Wild Wings CEO: 'Having diverse leadership brings out the best in any industry'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Sally Smith believes women make great leaders because they "figure out a way to do it all."

Chipotle closing Asian fast casual concept

March 9, 2017

Chipotle is closing its Asian fast casual brand, ShopHouse.