Pieology gets nutty with Dessert Pizza made with Nutella

November 15, 2023

Pieology has introduced the Dessert Pizza made with Nutella to its menu, according to a press release.

Gen Z sipping on craft beverages, less alcohol

November 15, 2023

Gen Z, which is made up of people between the ages of 11 and 26, is the largest and most diverse generation with a spending power of $360 billion and craves…

How Vicious Biscuit plans to conquer brunch

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

South Carolina-based Vicious Biscuit is taking its "Body by Biscuit" messaging and its $2.5 million AUVs cross-country with franchising opportunities.

Dave’s Hot Chicken using AI to maximize 3rd party delivery profitability

November 15, 2023

Los Angeles-based Dave's Hot Chicken has tapped LoopAI, a SaaS provider specializing in maximizing third-party delivery profitability for restaurants, to help…

Salad Station tripling footprint in 3 years

November 15, 2023

Salad Station is seeking franchisees to triple its footprint by 2027.

Buddy's Pizza on the rise of Detroit-style in the pizza industry

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

We talked to Buddy's new CEO, Chris Tussing, to learn the history of Detroit-style pizza and what's making the style so popular in this episode of the Pizza…

5 fast casuals receive grants, training to scale restaurants

November 14, 2023

Be Nimble Foundation, a social enterprise dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive tech ecosystems, released the second cohort of its Melon Kitchen…

Ziggi's Coffee announces Atlanta expansion

November 14, 2023

Colorado-based Ziggi's Coffee is adding 50 locations to the Atlanta area, marking its largest development deal to date.

Dave's Hot Chicken embracing data-driven approach to menu testing

November 13, 2023

Dave's Hot Chicken, a Nashville-style hot chicken franchise based in Los Angeles, has tapped Bikky, a customer data platform for multi-unit restaurants, to…

Smoothie Factory launching sister brand

November 13, 2023

Smoothie Factory is opening a sister concept, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, aimed at customers seeking a refreshing and wholesome dining experience. Located at…

Chick N Max opening Texas unit

November 13, 2023

Wichita, Kansas-based Chick N Max has signed a lease for a location in Lufkin, Texas. It will open in the first quarter of next year under the direction of…

Rethinking restaurant customer engagement, loyalty strategies

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

A panel talk on loyalty programs at the recent Fast Casual Executive Summit featured Bob Andersen, president of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill; Jon Asher…

Sip Fresh inks 3-pack deal

November 13, 2023

Sip Fresh, which serves fresh fruit-based juices, teas and specialty drinks, has signed a three-unit agreement in Orange County with family business owners…

WOWorks, Craveworthy Brands, Cousins Maine Lobster execs talk menu optimization, strategy

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Adam Terranova, senior director of growth for WOWorks, Jeremy Theisen, chief growth and development officer at Craveworthy Brands and Annie Tselikis, director…

Noodles & Co names former Panera president interim CEO

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

November 10, 2023

After reporting Tuesday that it was on its way to improving its financial performance, Noodles & Co announced Friday that CEO Dave Boennighausen was…

Beans & Brews Coffeehouse continues Texas expansion

November 9, 2023

Beans & Brews Coffeehouse, a drive-thru coffee franchise based in Utah, has inked a multi-unit development deal with James Reed to introduce the brand to…

Teriyaki Madness opening in Cincinnati

November 9, 2023

Colorado-based Teriyaki Madness is opening its first Cincinnati location Friday in Hamilton, Ohio, at 2889 Joseph Dr. Franchisee Kush Patel, a 21-year-old…

Chipotle hires 2 human resources VIPs

November 9, 2023

Chipotle Mexican Grill has hired Ilene Eskenazi as its chief human resources officer as well as Lois Alexis-Collins as chief people officer, field operations.

Shipley Do-nuts names CFO, VP of Operations

November 8, 2023

Houston-based Shipley Do-Nuts has hire a CFO and VP of Operations to fuel expansion plans. Brad Reynolds, who previously served as the CFO at Blaze Pizza and…

5 reasons to visit Kansas City for Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit, produced by Networld Media Group, will host its eighth annual event there in Kansas City, March 24-26. The…