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…

COVID-19 will forever change the foodservice industry

by Bruce Reinstein — President, consolidated concepts

Experts predict how the coronavirus will affect the foodservice industry through three lenses: consumers, operators and manufacturers.

EZ-Chow lands $1M investment

April 2, 2020

EZ-Chow, a digital customer engagement platform that provides online ordering solutions for restaurant and hospitality organizations looking to grow their…

Grubhub spending $30M to help independent restaurants

April 2, 2020

Grubhub is spending $30 million to support 100,000 independent restaurants in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a spokesman.

Shake Shack sales drop 29%

April 2, 2020

Although Shake Shack could be considered one of the most successful fast casual brands around, it isn't immune to the damage caused by COVID-19. CEO Randy…

Shake Shack launches DIY burger kits

April 2, 2020

Shake Shack has partnered with Goldbelly, an online marketplace, to ship DIY burger kits within seven days to customers' doorsteps. Each kit costs $4…

7 ways the CARES Act could hurt restaurants

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

The National Restaurant Association this week sent letters to leaders at the U.S. Treasury and Small Business Administration asking for clarification — and in…

Schlotzsky's CEO: Restaurants must 'lean in hard on business partners'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Schlotzsky's CEO Beto Guajardo is helping franchisees in four main areas: communications, financial support, operations and promotions.

How your restaurant can tap into the SBA funding

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The Small Business Administration has various loans for companies in need of financial help to survive the coronavirus epidemic. Experts shed some light on the…

New protocol, food safety tools audit restaurant COVID-19 practices

April 1, 2020

Steritech, a North Carolina-based food safety and pest control firm, a launched two new COVID-19 check services that can be operated virtually to ensure…

17 vendors offering freebies to help restaurants live another day

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

As restaurants struggle to keep their businesses open amid COVID-19, vendors are proving that they are ready to help.

Easing the economic pain of social distancing

Podcast Summary

Starbucks on mission to close gender pay gap

March 31, 2020

Starbucks created and launched an infographic Monday showing that it was committed to 100 percent gender pay equity.

Restaurateurs, start your engines! It's Takeout Tuesday

March 31, 2020

The Great American Takeout is amping up the activity in its second consecutive week, by both asking Americans to order delivery or pickup "at least one…

Rise Southern Biscuits signs multi-unit deal amid pandemic

March 31, 2020

Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken has signed a five-unit deal with franchisees, Dr. Parker Simon, and his partner, Bradley Turney, to open…

Pieology offers make-it-yourself 'Care Packs' for groups

March 30, 2020

Pieology has launched Pizza Care packages to send pies and other goodies to doctors, area medical professionals, first responders, family members, friends or…

8 franchisors waiving royalty fees

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburger, Barberitos, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Firehouse Subs, Gyroville, Muscle Maker Grill, Qdoba and Schlotzsky's are cutting…