Fazoli's exploring AI ordering at drive-thru

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Doug Bostick, president of Fazoli’s, is testing drive-thru voice AI in 12 company restaurants.

Big Chicken adding 3rd Florida location

July 25, 2023

Melbourne, Florida, is the next destination for Big Chicken, founded by basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal.

Chipotle celebrating National Avocado Day with free concert tickets

July 25, 2023

In partnership with the Peruvian Avocado Commission, Chipotle Mexican Grill is turning up the volume for National Avocado Day — July 31 — by giving fans…

Shake Shack rolls out picnic kits

July 25, 2023

Shake Shack is closing out National Picnic Month (July) with an experience to bring guests back to its Madison Square Park roots. The brand, which opened its…

The Big POS Reframe

Old habits die hard. And POS has become an old habit in the restaurant industry. For 40+ years, POS was the only piece of technology in the restaurant — and…

Newk's taps former Fazoli's exec to lead franchise sales

July 24, 2023

Newk's Eatery has hired David Boatright as director of franchise sales to lead the expansion of the brand.

Fatburger riding into Six Flags

July 24, 2023

Los Angeles-based FAT Brands Inc., the parent company of Fatburger and 16 other restaurant concepts, is opening Fatburger in San Antonio at Six Flags Fiesta…

Zaxby's hires former Dollar General exec as CFO

July 24, 2023

Zaxby's has hired Dollar General's former SVP and chief strategy officer, Donny Lau, as CFO. He previously held numerous roles at Yum Brands and will lead the…

How voice AI is driving customer satisfaction, growth

July 24, 2023

In today's fast-paced world, customers demand speed and convenience. When it comes to food ordering, voice AI is a game-changer. By allowing customers to place…

Mother-daughter duo opening 2nd Farmer Boys unit

July 21, 2023

The mother-daughter team of Leeza Brazier and Leila Bakkali are launching their second Farmer Boys location in Perris, California, following their 2018 opening…

Freddy's adds several locations to growth pipeline

July 21, 2023

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, based in Wichita, Kansas, is kicking of Q3 with several openings, including an agreement for eight locations in…

Technology bridging gap between pandemic, restaurant industry renaissance

by Brian Duncan — President, me&u USA

Restaurants are still trying to fill 2 million jobs, and with a near 10% increase in the cost of food, 92% of restaurant operators are justifiably worried.

Potbelly founder acquires 27 locations

July 21, 2023

Potbelly Corp. has finalized a 27-shop agreement in Maryland with the company's founder Bryant Keil and his son, Hampden. The agreement grants the duo…

Tesco cafes go digital

July 21, 2023

UK-based Tesco, which has nearly 5,000 grocery and retail locations, is streamlining the digital ordering processes in all its cafes via a partnership with…

ICXA to honor Elevate winners at 7th annual summit

by Alicia Lavay — Executive Director, ICX Association

The ICX Association will honor five companies as winners of the 2023 Elevate Awards during a ceremony at its upcoming annual conference, the Interactive…

Sweetgreen hits Wisconsin

July 20, 2023

Sweetgreen, based in Los Angeles, opened its first Wisconsin restaurant Tuesday in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward neighborhood. Located at 300 East Buffalo…

Brothers opening 2 Chill-N Nitrogen stores

July 20, 2023

Miami-based Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream, a made-to-order nitrogen ice cream brand, will open Friday n Pembroke Pines, Florida, at 16024 Pines Blvd. Owned by…

Juice It Up entering San Diego

July 20, 2023

Newport Beach, California-based Juice It Up, a smoothie, açaí bowl and raw juice chain, is entering the San Diego market thanks to a six-unit agreement with…

Embracing Sustainability: The Eco-Friendly Advantages Of Linerless Sticky Labels

Linerless sticky labels offer a greener alternative to traditional labels and a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice for businesses.

3 fast casual chicken brands expanding footprints

July 19, 2023

Three fast casuals specializing in chicken — Connecticut-based Haven Hot Chicken, Slim Chickens, which is headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and…