Smoothie King's Q2 sales up 34%

July 22, 2021

After posting 18% same-store sales increase year-over-year in Q1, Smoothie King is back with an even better second quarter with a 34% same-store sales increase.

Todd Stottlemyre's poke brand readies for national expansion

July 22, 2021

Koibito Poke, an Arizona-based concept co-founded by former MLB pitcher Todd Stottlemyre, has opened its newest location in Scottsdale debuting a new design…

Chaia opening DC pop-up location

July 22, 2021

Chaia, a plant-based concept headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, has signed the lease for its third location, a pop-up shop slated to open this fall in the…

How Penn Station keeps customers safe on, off-premise

July 21, 2021

As more Americans get vaccinated and dine-in restrictions lessen, restaurants are preparing for traffic increases.

RFIS 2021 Sponsor Preview: Chatmeter

Chatmeter's software is the franchise solution for maintaining brand consistency at every location. From listing management to review monitoring, Chatmeter's…

Virtual restaurant network expands brand portfolio

July 21, 2021

Two Mediterranean menus, TZKI and Tza Tza Pitzas, will be the latest brands available via virtual restaurant service Nextbite come late August.

Chipotle's Q2 results 'stun' industry watchers

July 21, 2021

"Stunning" is how industry watchers described Chipotle's second-quarter results after the Colorado-based chain reported Tuesday that earnings per share came in…

Savory Restaurant Fund leader talks creating loyal customers, raving fans

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Alonso Castañeda, VP of brand development and strategy for the Savory Restaurant Fund, shared how the portfolio of brands is harnessing social listening and…

Noodles & Co finally focusing on franchising: Why now?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

John Ramsay, the newly appointed VP of Franchise Sales at Noodles & Co., describes why the Colorado chain is leaning into franchising after 25 years.

Sweetgreen's Seasonal Sounds brings music to lunch breaks

July 21, 2021

Los Angeles-based Sweetgreen has a new way to keep customers humming during lunch via Seasonal Sounds, a platform allowing them to download curated playlists.

Shake Shack investing $10M in employees

July 21, 2021

To help meet its goal of adding 35 to 40 U.S. locations by year's end, Shake Shack is investing $10 million in raises, bonuses and leadership development…

SAVI Controls, LG bringing upgraded AV displays to Buffalo Wild Wings

July 20, 2021

SAVI Controls, a commercial AV control and automation systems producer, is teaming with LG Business Solutions, which offers commercial displays, to showcase LG…

Fantasma Kitchens opening 3 fast casual brands

July 20, 2021

Fantasma Kitchens, a ghost kitchen concept created by chef and restaurateur, Lanny Lancarte, will open in September on the north side of Fort Worth, Texas.

RFIS 2021 Sponsor Preview: Rosnet

Founded in 1998, Rosnet has grown into a respected leader in the restaurant technology marketplace with thousands of locations utilizing the company's food…

Just Salad lands first-time investor to fuel growth

July 20, 2021

New York-based Just Salad has completed its "largest-ever capital raise," with participation by the investment firm Closed Loop Partners, as well as returning…

Scooter's Coffee names William Dolan VP of Real Estate

July 20, 2021

Scooter's Coffee, a drive-thru coffee chain, has named William Dolan VP of Real Estate, according to a company press release. Dolan will handle store…

Clean Juice names NFL's Tim Tebow as brand ambassador

July 20, 2021

NFL tight end and former quarterback Tim Tebow is starring in Clean Juice's first national TV spot as well as in social media campaigns, point-of-purchase…

Expansion plans soaring at Slim Chickens

July 19, 2021

Fayetteville, Arkansas-based Slim Chickens has inked 254 multi-unit franchise agreements and opened 17 stores since January.

Bluestone Lane adds marketing expert to board of directors

July 19, 2021

Bluestone Lane, a 51-unit Australian-inspired specialty coffee chain based in New York City, has added Lisa Mann to its board of directors.

WaBa's latest location sports drive-thru, digital menu boards

July 19, 2021

WaBa Grill, which serves rice bowls, is opening its latest Orange County location in Tustin, California. It features a drive-thru and the brand's recently…