Qdoba growing non-traditional units

November 5, 2020

Qdoba Mexican Eats is growing its non-traditional footprint via universities, airports and other venues. Since August, the brand has opened eight locations on…

Is your brand WILD-worthy?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

FastCasual has teamed up with Messner Reeves to create a certification program - Women In the Lead - recognizing restaurant brands that strive to include women…

Take part in the roundtable: 'How to Design a Technology Strategy for your Restaurant'

Join the discussion the afternoon of Nov. 10 to get the latest expertise on designing a solid tech strategy for your restaurant for the road ahead.

The Melt proves that kindness pays off

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although San Francisco's The Melt, experienced a 70% drop in sales overnight when sheltering-in-place began in March, the chain is now reporting…

Pita Mediterranean 'wrappin' in the streets

November 5, 2020

Pita Mediterranean Street Food has seen off-premise dining sales (including online orders and delivery) nearly triple since March when the pandemic hit the…

Auntie Anne's, McAlister's parent adds HR leader to board

November 5, 2020

Focus Brands, the parent company of Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli and Schlotzsky's, has appointed Barbara L.

ChoppaLuna debus in London

November 4, 2020

Choppaluna has officially opened the doors of its first flagship U.K. restaurant in Bloomsbury, London. Owned by Hero Brands, which operates German Doner…

Aloha Poke exploring the world of ghosts

November 4, 2020

Chicago-based Aloha Poke will rely on ghost kitchens to introduce the brand to urban markets. The markets under consideration for Aloha Poke's first location…

REEF raises $1B to go beyond parking lot hubs

November 4, 2020

REEF, a ghost kitchen provider with over 4,500 parking lot and garage locations in the U.S, has secured two deals totalling $1 billion to help it expand…

Guthrie's launches ambitious national franchise plan

November 4, 2020

With over 40 locations across the Southeast and Midwest, Guthrie's, which specializes in chicken fingers, is ready to spread its (chicken) wings.

2020 Perfect Pitch winner: We make a 'damn good biscuit'

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

Louisville, Kentucky-based Biscuit Belly took the top honor during the Fast Casual Executive Summit 'Perfect Pitch' competition, beating out three other…

Fatburger debuting 4th Singapore location

November 3, 2020

FAT Brands Inc., the parent company of Fatburger and Buffalo's Express, is opening its fourth co-branded Fatburger and Buffalo's Express in Cineleisure…

Due Cucina opens 2nd location

November 3, 2020

Seattle-based Due Cucina is opening its second location next month in Kirkland, Washington's The Village at Totem Lake, 12670 120th Avenue NE, Suite 170.

Huey Magoo's rolls out mobile app

November 3, 2020

Huey Magoo's has created a mobile app to allow customers to order and pay for curbside or delivery orders.

Wingstop debuts 1,500th unit

November 3, 2020

Dallas-based Wingstop Inc. has opened its 1,500th restaurant. Located at 8675 W. Rome Blvd., in Las Vegas, the milestone follows the news of Wingstop's 4…

Project Wellness fuels 32% sales increase

November 3, 2020

As with so many restaurant companies, the pandemic initially had a significant impact on Nekter Juice Bar, but a little resilience led to a 32% increase in…

Charleys Philly Steaks, BIBIBOP Asian Grill, Lennys Grill growing strong in 2021

November 3, 2020

COVID-19 has not slowed down plans for Gosh Enterprises Inc., a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes Charleys Philly Steaks, BIBIBOP Asian…

Pieology donates 21K pies to food bank

November 3, 2020

Pieology Pizzeria donated more than 21,000 chicken crust pizzas to Sante Fe, New Mexico-based food bank, a news release said. The pizzas have 44 grams of…

The lowdown on upcoming menu trends: McAlister's, Ike's, other restaurateurs weigh in

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

On the menu trend flavor front, searing "heat" is turning to smoke, while coffee is sliding over to make room for tea, and customers are trading in exotic…

Le Pain Quotidien adding 10 NYC units

November 2, 2020

Le Pain Quotidien is adding 10 units to New York City, according to a press release from its parent company, Aurify Brands, which also owns The Little Beet…