Stacey Kane joins King Street as CMO

April 9, 2020

King Street Consultants has tapped Stacey Kane as CMO for its "fractional C-Suite" consulting firm. With more than 25 years of restaurant and franchise…

Restaurants to Congress: We need more funding

April 9, 2020

The National Restaurant Association told Congressional leaders Thursday morning that while the COVID-19 relief funds they passed are a vital tool to help…

Rubio's, Cowboy Chicken, Boston Market have Easter dinner covered

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Many Americans typically spend Easter Sunday at large family gatherings, which isn't possible this year with COVID-19 still running its course. Several fast…

El Pollo Loco rescinds annual outlook on 1.5% Q1 sales drop

April 9, 2020

The 480-unit mostly Western U.S. chain, El Pollo Loco, reported that its Q1 sales fell 1.5% for the period that ended March 25. Still, before the pandemic…

Chef Chatter: Shuckin' Shack COO reveals science behind menu innovation

Shuckin’ Shack COO and Chef Bill Bartlett discusses what makes the seafood concept stand out in the crowded segment.

Starbucks withdraws fiscal 2020 guidance due to coronavirus

April 9, 2020

Starbucks Corp. on Wednesday withdrew its guidance for fiscal 2020 on account of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a shareholder letter from Kevin Johnson…

Panera launches grocery service

April 8, 2020

Panera customers may now add a few groceries to their coffee orders thanks to the launch of Panera Grocery. Leveraging the Panera supply network, the program…

Starbucks commits $10M to help employees

April 8, 2020

Starbucks has committed $10 million to establish the Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Program as part of its ongoing efforts to support…

Zaxby's, Bruegger's Bagels go the family route

April 8, 2020

In an effort to meet the needs of families sheltering at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, two eateries are offering up customized family offerings.

Jolt Software giving free access to COVID-19 checklists

April 8, 2020

Jolt Software, a company that helps restaurants and businesses achieve food safety, team accountability and employee performance is allowing restaurants to…

Restaurant industry pulling together to battle pandemic

Bradley Cooper chats with Cherryh Cansler, editor of FastCasual, about how restaurants and foodservice vendors are coming together to help one another as well…

Wingstop sees Q1 same-store sales boost despite COVID-related shift

April 7, 2020

Wingstop Inc. released preliminary fiscal first-quarter results showing a boost in same-store business following the switch to takeout and delivery due to the…

SoBol CEO, franchisee not giving up during COVID-19

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Sobol Co-founder Jason Mazzarone is doing everything he can to help his 6-year-old business survive.

Bringg raises $30M to scale delivery platform

April 7, 2020

Bringg, a delivery orchestration platform, has completed a series D funding round led by Viola Growth aimed at helping businesses across verticals keep up with…

Starbucks enhances mental health care for employees, eligible family members

April 7, 2020

Starbucks is partnering with Lyra Health to provide employees and their eligible family members 20 mental health sessions with a therapist or coach each year.

How the CARES Act can help large restaurant brands

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, signed into law at the end of March, provides new loan programs that vary depending on a company’s…

Third 'Takeout Tuesday' moves to top others with major prizes

April 6, 2020

The Great American Takeout returns Tuesday for its third week, this time with a chance to win a year of free takeout, according to a news release.  As an…

Restaurant transactions drop 42% in wake of COVID-19 dine-in closures

April 6, 2020

Restaurant customer transactions in the U.S. fell sharply in the last week of March, dropping 42% compared to the same week in 2019, and full-service…

Franchisors on the sale hunt despite COVID-19 crisis

April 3, 2020

About two-thirds of franchisors are actively advancing franchise sales efforts despite the COVID-19 pandemic hitting across the globe.

I Heart Mac & Cheese heading to Arizona

April 3, 2020

I Heart Mac & Cheese, a concept specializing in made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, has signed a franchise agreement…