Nespresso USA files suit against Peet’s Coffee for alleged trademark infringement

March 18, 2022

Nespresso USA Inc. has sued Peet's Coffee in Manhattan federal court claiming that the company's coffee pods violate Nespresso's capsule design trademark…

Firehouse Subs franchisee bringing Big Chicken to Texas, Oklahoma

March 18, 2022

Firehouse Subs franchisee Coby Jones has signed an agreement to open six Big Chickens across West Texas and Central Oklahoma. Founded by basketball Hall of…

Pincho, Hattie B’s tapping Thanx hidden menu capability

March 18, 2022

Florida-based burger and kebab concept Pincho and Nashville-based Hattie B's Hot Chicken are deploying hidden menus to diners by tapping Thanx Loyalty 3.…

Urban Plates helping employees find child-care services

March 18, 2022

To support the needs of employees with children, California-based Urban Plates has partnered with TOOTRiS to help its 650 employees find child care. Through…

Oath Pizza to open in Los Angeles

March 18, 2022

Oath Pizza will open three units in the greater Los Angeles area, with the first opening in fall 2022, according to a press release.

Noodles & Co testing plant-based chicken

March 18, 2022

Noodles & Company is testing Panko Chicken made by Impossible Foods in select markets. Guests may order the meatless option in the chain's Orange Chicken…

Torchy's founder returns to CEO role

March 17, 2022

Torchy's Tacos founder Mike Rypka has returned to lead the Austin-based brand as CEO.

Fatburger deepening Alaskan presence

March 17, 2022

FAT Brands Inc., the parent company of Fatburger, Buffalo's Express, and 15 other restaurant concepts, is expanding its presence in Alaska with three locations…

Blaze Pizza signs franchise agreement for Chattanooga

March 17, 2022

Blaze Pizza has signed a franchise agreement to expand the brand's presence in Chattanooga, bringing three units to southern Tennessee, according to a press…

Marco's signs 46 unit deal for Phoenix

March 17, 2022

Marco's Pizza has inked a 46 store deal in Phoenix, according to a company press release.

Mutts Cantina opening Arizona locations

March 16, 2022

Mutts Canine Cantina, a pet 'eater'tainment brand, has finalized the lease for a franchise location in Gilbert, Arizona. Slated to open in early 2023, the…

WOWorks announces 'biggest technology upgrade in company history'

March 16, 2022

WOWorks, the parent company of Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and The Simple Greek, has deployed its biggest technology upgrade in…

Starbucks to have 55,000 stores by 2030

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

March 16, 2022

Shortly after Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson announced his retirement Tuesday, he told shareholders during the brand's annual meeting the company would continue…

Qdoba adds 3 execs to leadership team

March 16, 2022

Qdoba Mexican Eats has added three industry leaders to its development team. Former Sonic executive Lori Osley is the chain's VP of Franchise Development, Kyle…

Sweetgreen relaunches Outpost program

March 16, 2022

Sweetgreen has relaunched its Outpost Program with a plant-forward rebrand, hoping to invite nature into the workplace and emphasize health and wellness for…

DoorDash debuts gas rewards program

March 16, 2022

Delivery platform DoorDash is launching a gas rewards program to help drivers facing increasing prices at the gas pump.

Fazoli's names president as Carl Howard retires

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Doug Bostick, who has been with Fazoli's for the past 21 years, will serve as president and shares his plans for growing the brand.

Starbucks names Howard Schultz interim CEO

March 16, 2022

Starbucks CEO and President Kevin Johnson is retiring after a 13-year tenure at the company, including the last five years as CEO, according to a company press…

Chipotle testing chip-making robot

March 16, 2022

Chipotle Mexican Grill is testing a chip-making robot, Chippy, developed by Miso Robotics.

Starbucks testing reusable cups, EV charging kiosks, recycle app

March 15, 2022

Starbucks is launching several initiatives designed to help support sustainability efforts, including a reusable cup program, a waste and recycling app to…