Social media backlash leads to Starbucks reversing ban on Black Lives Matter apparel

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 12, 2020

After enduring a social media backlash Thursday, Starbucks has not only reversed its policy on banning employees from wearing apparel in support of Black Lives…

Taco John's: A QSR that dares fast casuals to 'follow us'

With a fresh look and a plan to add more than 75 stores in the next few years, Wyoming-based Taco John's, is having something of a rebirth 52-plus years into…

Green Market Cafe launching franchising amid pandemic

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although the pandemic isn't yet behind us, two restaurateurs are moving ahead with franchise plans for their up-and-coming concept, Green Market Cafe.

JustEat Takeaway to buy Grubhub in $7.3B stock deal

June 10, 2020

JustEat Takeaway.com NV agreed to buy Grubhub Inc. in an all stock transaction valued at $7.3 billion, creating the world's largest food delivery platform…

Starbucks closing 400 stores

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Over the next 18 months, Starbucks will increase convenience-led formats in company-operated locations with drive-thru and curbside pickup options, as well as…

Luna Grill hires former Taco Bell exec as president

June 10, 2020

Luna Grill has named Rich Pinnella, a former Taco Bell executive, as president of the Mediterranean concept with 50 locations in southern California and the…

Just Eat Takeaway closing in on merger with Grubhub

June 10, 2020

Just Eat Takeaway.com NV confirmed that it is in advanced negotiations on an all-stock deal to merge with Grubhub Inc., in a statement released this morning. 

Chicken Salad Chick making its metro Louisville debut

June 10, 2020

Chicken Salad Chick is making its Indiana debut in the suburb of Jeffersonville, which is on the border of Kentucky and Indiana and is in the Louisville…

Pieology launches new menu, ordering system

June 10, 2020

California-based Pieology launched a new menu and simplified its ordering system for all U.S. locations, according to a news release. 

Steritech 'Hometown Heroes' program helped 8,100 on front lines

June 10, 2020

Food safety company, Steritech, recently paid its respects to what it calls its Hometown Heroes — front line health, long-term care and emergency workers — in…

Mooyah opening in New York, Virginia, California

June 9, 2020

Plano, Texas-based Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes is breaking ground in new markets, due in part to agreements finalized with franchise owners, who chose…

BellyMelly launches contactless menu ordering for post-COVID-19 recovery

June 9, 2020

BellyMelly, an online food ordering platform, has launched a contactless app-based ordering system designed to help restaurants open their dine-in operations…

Chef Dani Garcia opening fast casual concept

June 9, 2020

Spanish chef, Dani García, is opening a fast casual concept — Minük by Dani García —  in partnership with C3, a food and beverage platform launched earlier…

Farmer Boys names replacement for retiring president

June 9, 2020

David Wetzel, Farmer Boys' former senior vice president of operations, has replaced Karen Eadon as president and COO, who retired after six years with the…

ParTech adds SynergySuite to Brink POS ecosystem

June 9, 2020

ParTech Inc., a provider of POS software and integrated technical solutions to the restaurant and retail industries, has added SynergySuite to its Brink POS…

Restaurant transactions slowly rebound as dine-in service returns

June 9, 2020

Nearly three-quarters, 68%, of U.S. restaurants are able to reopen dine-in service as COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted and customer transactions are on a…

Captain D's enters 23rd state

June 8, 2020

With its Monday opening in Clinton Township, Michigan, Captain D's has entered its 23rd U.S. state. Located at 35134 Groesbeck Highway, the restaurant follows…

Juice It Up returning to College Station

June 8, 2020

Juice It Up is returning to College Station, Texas, opening in its previous location that closed in 2017 on the corner of Rock Prairie Road and Longmire Drive…

Muscle Maker Grill hires VP of Real Estate

June 8, 2020

Muscle Maker Grill Inc, the parent company of Muscle Maker Grill & Healthy Joe's, has appointed Pat Chiacchia as VP of Real Estate and Non-Traditional…

BurgerFi going public?

June 8, 2020

BurgerFi International is on its way to becoming a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The better-burger chain, which has 125 locations in 2…