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…

Smashburger leans into AI for digital ordering

November 7, 2023

After testing AI-driven dynamic-order throttling from Curtbit in 60 locations, Denver-based Smashburger rolled out the software last month to 129 locations…

Doozee Bespoke Ice Cream Bar Shop to open in Key West

November 7, 2023

Doozee Bespoke Ice Cream Bar Shop is set to open on Duval Street in Key West on Nov. 13, according to a press release.

Mo' Bettahs bets on Vegas

November 7, 2023

Mo' Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food is opening its first Nevada location in Las Vegas. Marking its 47th location nationwide, the store will open next week at 102…

Wow Bao opens 7th airport location

November 7, 2023

Chicago-based Wow Bao has debuted at the Salt Lake City International Airport in partnership with OHM Concession Group.

Jars tapping Square to streamline operations

November 7, 2023

Jars, a dessert-in-a-jar concept by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, has tapped Square to help grow and streamline its business, a high-volume concept leveraging…

Swig opens 1st franchise

November 6, 2023

After announcing in 2022 that it was offering franchise opportunities, Swig, which debuted in 2010 as a soda shack in St. George, Utah, opened its first…