4 ways restaurants can add 'flexibility, versatility' to customer experience

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Most restaurants know they need to be more flexible and offer customers versatility, but what does that mean exactly?

New Zealand fast casual expanding using Oracle Cloud

January 25, 2019

New Zealand-based Cafe Anatolia is looking to expand across the country and has tapped Oracle Food and Beverage Simphony Cloud to ensure that customers receive…

How USAA manages disruption: 'We have to keep advancing and innovating'

by Suzanne Cluckey — Owner, Suzanne Cluckey Communications

Matt Schultz, lead digital strategy and insights manager at USAA, talks with Tim Tang, director of enterprise solutions at Hughes, about disruption in the…

Starbucks reports 4 percent increase in global same-store sales

January 25, 2019

Starbucks Corporation saw a 4 percent increase of its fiscal first-quarter global same-store sales, driven by 4 percent growth in the U.S., CEO and President…

Granddaddy of marijuana-themed brands, Cheba Hut perfects food-and-fun-first culture

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

This week, QSRweb Editor Shelly Whitehead rolls into the food truck category for a look at that business, while marijuana brand, Cheba Hut and its Chief…

Squisito opens Northern Virginia location

January 24, 2019

Squisito Pizza & Pasta has opened a new store in Oakton, Virginia under local franchisees, Kevin and Jake Trump in the Fairfax County area.

Daphne's Mediterranean launching Texas stores next month

January 24, 2019

Daphne’s Mediterranean will officially arrive in Texas with two store openings in Dallas come February.

Chicken Salad Chick entering Ohio market

January 24, 2019

Chicken Salad Chick is entering the Ohio market this spring with an opening in Columbus, according to a company press release. Owned and operated by first-time…

Fazoli's giving more than 1K meals to furloughed federal workers

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 24, 2019

With no end in sight to the government shutdown, Fazoli's has extended its offer to help feed federal workers not receiving pay, CEO Carl Howard said in an…

Tropical Smoothie Café taps Charles Watson as CEO

January 24, 2019

Charles Watson, chief development officer for Tropical Smoothie Café, is stepping into the role of CEO.

Penn Station president: 3 ways to survive the 'fast casual slump'

Craig Dunaway, president of Cincinnati, Ohio-based Penn Station East Coast Subs, which has more than 300 locations, says brands must know the difference…

Capriotti’s hires Brent Erwin as finance senior VP

January 24, 2019

Brent Erwin has been named senior vice president of finance for Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, a news release said.

Fajita Pete's launches rebrand with revamped logo, website

January 24, 2019

Fajita Pete's has refreshed its brand to reflect the authenticity of its menu and focus on fresh fajitas, according to a press release.

Plant-based foodservice shipments skyrocketed in 2018

January 23, 2019

Need proof plant-based proteins are definitely a restaurant 'thing' these days? Here's some from NPD Group which said the cases of plant-based protein from…

Chowbus raises $4M in funding round

January 23, 2019

Chowbus is getting $4 million of funding in a round led by Greycroft Partners and FJ Labs, according to a press release.

Beyond the government shutdown: Why protecting customers from contamination is up to you

While the FDA does play a critical role in protecting our country's food supply, the truth is that even with a government shutdown, the vast majority of food…

Fatburger, Buffalo's Express launch co-brand in Scotland

January 23, 2019

Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express have opened a co-branded location in Dundee, Scotland. It is the first of many co-branded restaurants in the works, according…

Juice It Up debuts mobile app that rewards guest loyalty

January 22, 2019

Juice It Up Is launching a loyalty-focused mobile app that gives guests a personalized digital experience.

Fast Casual Executive Summit doubling 'Perfect Pitch' contestants, adding $5k prize

For a chance to be one of six finalists chosen to pitch their concepts, brands must nominate themselves here by June 14

Firenza, Mahana Poke join list of brands feeding federal workers affected by shutdown

January 22, 2019

As the government shutdown passes the 30-day mark, two Virginia-based fast casual brands — Firenza Pizza and Mahana Poke — have joined the growing list of…