Chip Cookies bakes up plans for 500 stores in 5 years

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Chip Cookies has 10 units in Utah and Idaho. The brand's leadership plans to open 500 stores in the next five years.

Introducing the 2022 Fast Casual Perfect Pitchers

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Following a global contest, five concepts will compete in The Perfect Pitch at the annual Fast Casual Executive Summit. Here's a sneak peek of the presenters.

I Heart Mac and Cheese signs 1st international deal

September 6, 2022

I Heart Mac & Cheese is planting a flag in Ontario, Canada, thanks to an agreement with franchisee Hirad Sorkhab.

Starbird flocks to franchising

September 6, 2022

Starbird has launched a national franchise program to expand to Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Illinois and Florida.

Why limited-menu concepts are the future of franchising

Chris Wyland, chief development oficer, of Roll-Em-Up Taquitos, describes why a limited menu is a recipe for success.

Au Bon Pain reveals 'bold' prototype

September 6, 2022

Au Bon Pain has revealed a store design that promotes convenience and off-premise dining without straying from the chain's roots as a French bakery, Au Bon…

Freddy's rolls out online fundraising platform

September 6, 2022

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has tapped Force4Good as its online platform for community fundraising.

Jamba launches boba, marketing campaign

September 6, 2022

Jamba fans may now add Strawberry Bursting Boba and Sweet Tapioca Boba pearls to their smoothies, bowls or iced beverages. The boba launch is also the brand's…

Taking a lunch break benefits diners, restaurants

September 6, 2022

Taking that lunch break, an act nearly 40% of people do occasionally, rarely or never, offers up a slew of benefits to both dining patrons and restaurants.

Yo-Kai Express teams with Ippudo, TableMark on ramen udon autonomous restaurant

September 5, 2022

Yo-Kai Express Inc., a Silicon Valley-based maker of a machine that creates hot ramen noodles on demand, has teamed with TableMark, a frozen food manufacturer…

Freddy's adds to leadership team

September 5, 2022

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has named Brian Wise as COO and Jerry Kunz as VP of finance.

The Great Greek Mediterranean adding to Michigan footprint

September 2, 2022

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, owned by United Franchise Group, has opened a location at 8233 Byron Center Ave., SW in Byron Center, Michigan, under the…

Why restaurants are dropping phone lines for voice bot systems

September 1, 2022

More restaurants are replacing direct phone lines with voice bots to allow workers to focus on serving, cooking and internal operations.

Thanx teams with Ovation to boost feedback capability

September 1, 2022

Loyalty and guest engagement platform Thanx is partnering with Ovation, an actionable guest feedback platform, to boost real-time customer feedback…

BD's rolling out dragonfruit cocktail, chicken bowl

September 1, 2022

Dallas-based BD's Mongolian Grill has created a Dragon Fruit Paloma cocktail, putting an Asian-spin on a south-of-the-border favorite.

Slim Chickens expanding in Florida

September 1, 2022

Arkansas-based Slim Chickens has opened a restaurant at 518 N Tyndall Pkwy. in Callaway, Florida, under the direction of multi-unit operating group, North…

Sweet Paris entering Minnesota

August 31, 2022

Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe is opening four stores in Minnesota, specifically the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas, increasing the chain's store count to 2…

Blaze Pizza markets back-to-school campaign

August 31, 2022

Fast-casual concept Blaze Pizza has announced its Back to School campaign, according to a press release.

Pokemoto opens 3rd location in 10 days

August 31, 2022

Pokemoto, Muscle Maker Inc.'s Hawaiian poke bowl restaurant concept, has opened its 11th Connecticut location in Colchester, Connecticut, with nine more signed…

Rubio's upgrades loyalty program

August 31, 2022

Rubio's Coastal Grill is launching an updated rewards program, enabling guests to cash in points for free drinks, desserts, tacos and entrees. Designed to be…