Zaxby's hires former Jack in the Box VP as CDO

September 9, 2020

Zaxby's has hired Vanessa Fox, formerly senior vice president and CDO at Jack in the Box, as chief development officer. She will report directly to co-founders…

Urologist opening Main Squeeze Juice in Mississippi

September 9, 2020

Main Squeeze Juice Co. — a juice and smoothie bar franchise whose ownership group includes New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead and former Saints wide…

Pumpkin spice is back, but will COVID-19 hinder sales?

September 9, 2020

While many traditional fall rituals like back-to-school shopping and football games have been altered this year by COVID-19, one fall tradition hasn't faltered…

Cousins franchisee opens second unit

September 9, 2020

Silva Subs LLC, owned by Elias Silva Jr. and Tracy Silva, is now the owner of the Cousins Subs restaurant at 2541 East Main St. in East Troy, Wisconsin. The…

Panera powering up customers

September 9, 2020

The first 2,020 consumers who sign up Thursday for the Panera Coffee Subscription (typically $8.99) will earn a month of free coffee and Wi-Fi. For those who…

How Urban Plates negotiated for more outdoor space

John Zagara, the co-founder of Urban Plates, reveals how he secured more space from his landlords to expand patios at 10 of his locations amid COVID-19.

JDE Peet’s names Fabien Simon CEO

September 9, 2020

Fabien Simon rings the bell for the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange. JDE Peet's, which is owned by JAB Holdings and owns Peet's Coffee, Douwe…

Everbowl inks 20-unit franchise deal

September 8, 2020

Everbowl is opening 20 units in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and California thanks to a franchise partnership with WAGS Capital, a boutique investment firm…

Kansas City's Ravenous opens inside food hall

September 8, 2020

Kansas City's Ravenous, a fast casual concept that began operating late last year out of Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room, now has its own space. Chef…

Arkansas Walmart welcomes sushi concept

September 8, 2020

Six months after opening the nation's first Hissho Sushi & Craft Beer Bar, the company is bringing the concept to northwest Arkansas, launching its second…

Panera names former McDonald's exec as COO

September 8, 2020

Panera Bread has named a former McDonald's president, Debbie Roberts, as EVP and COO.

Chipotle launches in-app group ordering, Tik-Tok challenge

September 8, 2020

Chipotle Mexican Grill is introducing a family TikTok challenge called #ChipotleSponsorUs to celebrate the launch of its group ordering feature on the Chipotle…

Tropical Smoothie Cafe acquired by Levine Leichtman Capital

September 8, 2020

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, has acquired Tropical Smoothie Cafe LLC, which has more than 70 units in 44 states.

Famous Dave's launching dual-branded restaurant

September 4, 2020

Famous Dave's and franchisee Dave Crimmins are working together to open a restaurant in Colorado Springs to serve food from Famous Dave's as well as Texas…

All systems 'go' for Just Eat Takeaway.com Grubhub acquisition

September 4, 2020

Amsterdam-based Just Eat Takeaway.com N.V. and Grubhub Inc. said this morning that the companies have received all required regulatory approvals for Just Eat…

Costa Coffee considers laying off 1,650

September 4, 2020

Costa Coffee, the U.K. based coffee house chain that has its own coffee vending machine known as Costa Express, will eliminate as many as 1,650 on account of…

Dickey's selling direct-to-consumer butchered meats, pre-cooked sides

September 4, 2020

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is giving fans access to restaurant-quality cuts of meat, premium pre-cooked sides and desserts, unveiling a line-up of retail products…

Fast Casual Top 100 brands share these 3 traits

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

For the past 14 years, FastCasual has recognized the industry's leading brands in its annual Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers report. Sweetgreen, a…

El Pollo Loco launches loyalty program

September 3, 2020

El Pollo Loco Inc. has launched a loyalty program, Loco Rewards, that allows customers to earn more points and rewards for their favorite menu items …

The Whimsy Cookie Company offering gluten-free option

September 3, 2020

The Whimsy Cookie Company has rolled out a gluten-free version of its signature sugar cookie.