New virtual summit focuses on innovation, customer experience in self-service, kiosk, vending industries

Networld Media websites, Vending Times and Kiosk Marketplace, are launching a virtual summit that promises to bring attendees the very best in self-service…

Gyro Shack owners gearing up for major expansion

July 16, 2020

Gyro Shack, which was recently acquired by Boise-based entrepreneurs Mark Urness and Matt Jeffries, is launching an aggressive franchising strategy, according…

Robotic video display kiosk can invite diners to 'roll on in' for pizza

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

What if you had a way to send out a kind of unpaid emissary who displayed an enticing video of your brand's menu items to passersby to pull them in to eat? Or…

Focus Brands names Krause as CDO, taps Muir to lead sales

July 15, 2020

Focus Brands, the parent company of Carvel and Cinnabon, named veteran franchise development executive Brian Krause as chief development officer, succeeding…

Smokey Bones Chicago offers on-demand delivery via Postmates

July 15, 2020

Chicago barbeque lovers can now order Smokey Bones' famous slow smoked ribs, pulled pork, wings and other popular menu items for pickup or contactless delivery…

Chipotle celebrating 100th Chipotlane this month

July 15, 2020

Chipotle Mexican Grill will celebrate the opening of its 100th Chipotlane, the brand's drive thru digital order pick-up lane, this month at its newest store…

NRA sends emergency restaurant support plan to legislators

The National Restaurant Association tells Congress the industry needs help and it needs it now.

Tropical Smoothie Café opened 43 Cafes, signed 103 franchise deals since January

July 15, 2020

Tropical Smoothie Café said it has signed 103 new franchise agreements and opened 43 new stores this year already in 25 states. In fact, the brand said in a…

Coca-Cola rolls out contactless Freestyle beverage dispenser

July 15, 2020

The Coca-Cola Co. is rolling out contactless, triggered via smartphone, for its Freestyle self-service dispenser used in restaurants, as the coronavirus…

Yogurtland expands dairy-free offerings

July 15, 2020

If you like piña coladas and eating vegan, Yogurtland may have the dairy-free flavor for you: Piña Colada swirl. Fortified with Vitamin C, the gluten-free…

Muscle Maker Grill expanding at Texas Tech

July 15, 2020

Muscle Maker Grill Inc., the parent company of Muscle Maker Grill and Healthy Joe's, has signed a lease to open a Muscle Maker Grill this fall in the Medical…

Marugame Udon noodling around in London

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 15, 2020

Marugame Udon, a 1,000-unit udon noodle and tempura chain based in Japan, is opening early next year in London as the result of a joint venture between…

Bbot raises $3M to drive contactless dining platform forward

July 14, 2020

Bbot Inc., a restaurant and hospitality startup focused on simplifying and improving order and pay processes, has raised $3 million in a seed funding round led…

Fat Brands looks to raise $9M in Series B offering

July 14, 2020

Fat Brands Inc., the parent company of Fatburger, Elevation Burger, Ponderosa and other brands, announced the pricing of 360,000 shares of Series B cumulative…

Kraft Heinz invests $48M to expand Missouri manufacturing operation

July 14, 2020

Kraft Heinz has announced plans to invest in its Springfield, Missouri manufacturing facility as part of a five-year, $48 million project to enhance its…

Merchants Foodservice CEO urges support for emergency foodservice relief bill

July 14, 2020

Andy Mercier, president and CEO of Merchants Foodservice, based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has called for support of the bipartisan bill introduced to…

Newsflash: Pizza boxes ARE recyclable says paper association

July 14, 2020

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today released new industry guidance that aims to clear up consumer confusion regarding the…

Farmer Boys names former CKE, YUM exec as VP of Finance

July 14, 2020

Farmer Boys has hired restaurant industry and finance veteran Joseph Ortiz to serve as its VP of finance and accounting, where he will lead the respective…

With patent in hand, Mici 'presses' forward with national franchising

The 16-year-old brand is now franchising.

Chipotle tests cilantro-lime cauliflower rice

July 13, 2020

Chipotle Mexican Grill will start testing cilantro-lime cauliflower rice at 55 Denver stores and throughout Wisconsin this Wednesday, July 15, a news release…