Chipotle launches lemonade-scented candle

August 16, 2022

To celebrate National Lemonade Day on Aug. 20, Chipotle is launching a lemonade-scented candle inspired by fans who "accidentally" fill their water cups with…

Friendly's upgrading POS system

August 16, 2022

In an effort to better serve its customers, Friendly's Restaurants is rolling out a cloud POS system, Revel Enterprise, at its 120 locations.

Restaurant gift card sales continue recovery

August 15, 2022

The number of gift cards sold in 2021 increased by 22%, year over year, and sales in the first half of 2022 are just 2% behind the 2021 level.

3 ways technology can help solve labor shortages

Caroline Price of Toast reveals how operators can use technology to help cover labor shortages.

Panera appoints CFO

August 12, 2022

Panera Brands Inc., which includes Panera Bread as well as Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Brands, has hired Konrad Meyer as chief financial officer to…

California-based Epic Wings to open first Florida location

August 12, 2022

Epic Wings will open its first Florida location in Clearwater, Florida, according to a press release.

El Pollo Loco signs 4-unit deal in Seattle

August 11, 2022

El Pollo Loco Inc. has signed a multi-unit development deal to open four restaurants in Seattle.

Q2 gives Slim Chickens something to cluck about

August 11, 2022

Slim Chickens is hatching major growth plans, inking over 120 development agreements in 2022 and bringing the total of units in development to over 900. The…

Sweetgreen cutting corporate staff, still committed to growth

August 11, 2022

In an effort to save about $4 million, Sweetgreen reported this week that it is cutting corporate staff by 5% (20 people) and moving its Los Angeles-based…

Fast Casual Hall of Fame inductees include Fazoli's, Panera Bread, Native Brand leaders

Fazoli's former CEO Carl Howard, Native Foods CEO Carin Stutz and Blaine Hurst, former Panera Bread CEO, make up the inaugural class of the Fast Casual Hall of…

Blaze Pizza increases fundraiser donations

August 11, 2022

Blaze Pizza will increase ongoing donations to school-related organizations by 5% for dine-in and online fundraisers during the month of September, according…

Mendocino Farms opens 50th unit

August 11, 2022

Mendocino Farms, a fast casual serving sandwiches and salads, is rolling out its 50th location next week in San Diego's North County in Encinitas at 268 N. El…

Chicken Salad Chick adding to Atlanta footprint

August 10, 2022

Chicken Salad Chick will expand its reach across Atlanta when it opens next week within the Perimeter Marketplace shopping center at 4706 Ashford Dunwoody…

Bonchon opens to-go, delivery-only location

August 10, 2022

Bonchon, a Korean double-fried chicken chain, is opening its 27th California store in Brentwood at 5611 Lone Tree Way. Owned by local entrepreneurs Thomas Tran…

Rise Biscuits hitting up West Coast

August 10, 2022

Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken is hitting the West Coast, opening its first California outlet Saturday in Thousand Oaks.

Fazoli's opening in Dublin, Virginia

August 10, 2022

Fazoli's is opening next week in Dublin, marking its first southwest Virginia location and second in the state.

NYC Italian restaurateurs opening fast casual spinoff

August 10, 2022

Serafina has been serving Italian cuisine in New York for decades and is now debuting a fast casual brand, Serafina Express, to meet the needs of busy New…

Post-pandemic, consumers want their coffee more than ever

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The coffee industry has a big opportunity to promote out-of-home coffee given the consumer's rising coffee appreciation.

Pollo Campero hires marketing director

August 10, 2022

Mark Priestland, a former Papa John's marketing executive, is joining Pollo Campero as marketing director to help the brand add 250 restaurants in the U.S. by…

Scooters brewing up growth in Illinois

August 10, 2022

Scooter's Coffee, an Omaha-based drive-thru coffee franchise, is expanding its Illinois presence in Champaign, Urbana, Danville and Paris, Illinois. The…