The science behind making Junzi

by Katie Shipp — intern, networld media group

Co-founder of Junzi, Yong Zhao provides insight to the trial and errors of creating a fast casual brand in an exploding market.

Artichoke Basille opens 1st freestanding store

July 19, 2018

Artichoke Basille's Pizza will open its first freestanding store this fall in Newington, Connecticut, also the first store in that state. The Berlin Turnpike…

Saladworks opens first Atlanta location

July 19, 2018

Saladworks has opened its first Atlanta location as part of the brand’s expansion plan, according to a press release. The location will also feature an updated…

LevelUp partners with Playfull to add gaming feature to digital restaurant orders

July 19, 2018

LevelUp is partnering with Playfull, an app that uses games to increase the frequency and volume of digital orders at restaurants, according to a press release.

Tijuana Flats introduces LTO Cheeseburger Taco

July 19, 2018

Tijuana Flats, a Tex-Mex fast casual, is bringing together tacos and burgers this summer for the Cheeseburger Taco that will be available at all locations from…

Back Yard Burgers welcomes new CEO

July 18, 2018

Back Yard Burgers has hired Scott Shotter as its CEO, according to a press release. 

Dickey's Barbecue brought to Florida by local entrepreneur

July 18, 2018

Franchisee Peter Juris, is opening a Dickey's Barbecue Pit location in Aventura, Florida this fall, according to a press release. 

Taco Cabana sees progress after strategic brand renewal

July 18, 2018

Taco Cabana is making improvements by introducing a series of menu upgrades, event programs and service enhancements, according to a press release. 

sweetFrog opening two locations in Reno

July 18, 2018

sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt is expanding its customer reach in Reno with two additional locations opened by multi-unit franchisees Larry Copponi and Gary Ricco…

Meet Fresh plans to expand

July 18, 2018

Meet Fresh, a Taiwanese dessert restaurant, is opening its second Northern California location, according to a press release.  

Shake Shack to open in the Philippines

July 18, 2018

Shake Shack will open its first Philippines location in spring 2019, according to a press release. 

Garden Catering to open in New Haven

July 18, 2018

Garden Catering is opening this August in New Haven, Connecticut according to a press release. 

Leveraging POS partners to make delivery work for you

Melanie Bradley, product marketing specialist for PAR's POS Restaurant Technology talks about how the POS system pairs well with executing delivery.

Freebirds World Burrito spices up menu with Beyond Meat's protein

July 17, 2018

Freebirds World Burrito, a fast casual known for customizable burritos, is introducing Beyond Meat's plant-based meat at the brand's 73 locations, according to…

Freshii introduces take on Caesar salad

July 17, 2018

Freshii is launching a kale Caesar salad, a limited-edition menu item reflecting Freshii's take on the classic Caesar. 

Nekter Juice Bar partners with farmers

July 17, 2018

Nekter Juice Bar is partnering with farmers across the country to provide farm fresh watermelons for two seasonal menu specials, the Watermelon Cooler Juice…

Research: Short wait times, ambiance important to fast casual customers

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Ambiance — the look and feel of the service environment — has emerged as a critical factor in guest satisfaction, according to research presented at the…

Chef JJ Johnson signs lease for fast casual concept

July 13, 2018

Chef JJ Johnson previewed a fast casual grain concept at the Chef's Club Counter and has since signed a lease on a Harlem location, according to New York…

Tropical Smoothie Cafe enjoys growth, success in first half of  2018

July 13, 2018

Tropical Smoothie Cafe enjoyed significant achievements and growth in the first half of 2018, and the brand opened 47 cafes and signed 113 franchise…

Locali signs Florida franchise deal

July 13, 2018

Locali, a Los Angeles-based healthy convenience concept, has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with Viable Foods to expand into Florida, .