&pizza to continue New Jersey expansion

January 13, 2022

Fast-casual pizza chain &pizza will continue its New Jersey expansion with three proposed locations, according to a NJ.com report.

Hottest tech trends of 2022

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurants are investing in technology to conquer a plethora of challenges including labor shortages and food safety concerns.

WOWorks hits 2021 growth spurt

January 13, 2022

WOWorks, which is made up of Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and The Simple Greek, added 60 restaurants and signed 28 franchise…

Parent company of Red Mango, Orange Leaf names president

January 13, 2022

JAMCO Interests operating partner Sherif Mityasto can now add president to his resume. The former chief experience officer for TGI Fridays is now overseeing…

Former Astros pitcher adds to his Ike's Love & Sandwiches lineup

January 13, 2022

Ike's Love & Sandwiches has opened its second Houston location (2518 A Rice Blvd) in partnership with Mark Appel, a former pitcher for the Houston Astros.

Slim Chickens ends 2021 with 350 signed agreements

January 12, 2022

Fayetteville, Arkansas-based Slim Chickens closed out 2021 by signing more development deals — 350 — than ever and also opened nearly 40 locations, including…

Cheech creates ghost kitchen with 'stoners' in mind

January 12, 2022

Now that the recreational use of cannabis is legalized in 18 states, celebrity weed-enthusiast Cheech Marin, of "Cheech & Chong" fame has teamed up Chef…

Voodoo Doughnut sets up shop in Washington

January 12, 2022

Portland's Voodoo Doughnut opened the doors this week to a shop in Vancouver, Washington, at 8203 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., marking the brand's 12th unit but…

ItsaCheckmate expands partnership with Grubhub

January 12, 2022

ItsaCheckmate, a technology provider for streamlining digital orders and menus, is expanding its partnership with online food delivery marketplace Grubhub.

Starbucks to spend $1.5B with diverse suppliers by 2030

January 11, 2022

Starbucks announced Tuesday that it would spend $1.5 billion with diverse suppliers as part of its focus on advancing racial and social equity. In FY21, the…

Dunkin' franchisees bringing Curry Up Now to North Carolina

January 11, 2022

San Francisco-based Curry Up Now has signed a multi-unit deal to open at least five Curry Up Now restaurants as well as its sister brand, Mortar and Pestle…

Sajj opening ghost kitchen inside grocery store

January 11, 2022

Bay-Area based Mediterranean fast casual concept SAJJ Mediterranean is opening within Ralphs grocery store in L.A., thanks to a partnership with ghost kitchen…

Tropical Smoothie CEO: '2021 was best year yet'

January 11, 2022

Although many brands would say 2021 was one of its most challenging years, Tropical Smoothie Cafe isn't one of them.

Juice It Up expanding California desert footprint

January 11, 2022

Juice It Up, a smoothie, açai bowl and raw juice chain, has opened its first location in Palmdale, California. Featuring the brand's fresh new store design…

Raising Cane's opens 600th unit

January 11, 2022

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is opening its 600th location Tuesday in Corona, California, the company's second location in the area. The opening kicks of…

District BBQ is 'Halal-certified'

January 10, 2022

The Washington D.C. metro now has a halal barbecue smokehouse, thanks to founder Ahmad Ashkar making the decision to make his fast casual brand, District BBQ…

Azule Taqueria opening in NYC

January 10, 2022

A wave of tacos from Azule Cantina is hitting Manhattan's food scene this month bringing a beach-inspired Los Angeles vibe to the heart of Midtown.

Slim Chickens hatches 150th store

January 10, 2022

Fayetteville, Arkansas-based Slim Chickens, which features dine-in and drive-thru service in the better-chicken segment, is opening its 150th restaurant this…

Smoothie King sales surge in Q4

January 10, 2022

Despite a turbulent time for the restaurant industry, Smoothie King, which has 1,300 global locations, reported a 16.5% sales increase year-over-year…

Restaurant owner outlines plan to 'fix the RRF grants'

John Pepper, CEO of Boloco, wonders why one of his stores received $275,000 in grants, while the units that needed the funding more were left with nothing. He…