Penn Station East Coast Subs franchisee adds to portfolio

September 25, 2018

Cardinal Cheesesteaks, a franchisee of Penn Station East Coast Subs, has purchased the Elizabethtown and Radcliff Penn Station locations, bringing its total to…

Psst: What's the secret code for free tacos?

September 25, 2018

Chronic Tacos, a California-inspired Mexican grill, is celebrating National Taco Day Oct. 4 by giving customers a free taco. The chain will announce the secret…

I ♥ Mac & Cheese signs multi-unit deal in North Carolina

September 25, 2018

I ♥ Mac & Cheese, a fast casual concept specializing in made-to-order macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches and salads, has awarded a multi-unit…

Farmer Boys expands Orange County footprint

September 25, 2018

Farmer Boys, a fast casual burger concept with 93 locations throughout California and Nevada, has opened its 10th Orange County restaurant in the city of…

Shake Shack cleared for landing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

September 25, 2018

Shake Shack is opening today in the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Concourse A near Gate 28, as part of a  joint venture between Concessions…

Chipotle launches 'For Real' campaign to shine light on real ingredients

September 25, 2018

Chipotle Mexican Grill has launched an integrated marketing campaign — For Real — to emphasize its commitment to preparing real food made with real…

Starbucks CEO announces corporate layoffs

September 25, 2018

Starbucks CEO told employees via memo last week that corporate layoffs and a variety of other changes were coming soon in an effort to increase slowing sales…

Fall menu trends: Pumpkin is a heavy favorite but it's not the season's only LTO

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

October is nearly here, which triggers most restaurants to roll out their fall menus. And while pumpkin is still a favorite of the season, other flavors and…

Dunkin' Donuts' loyalty program dissected during free webinar

September 25, 2018

When it comes to loyalty programs, Dunkin' Donuts and its DD Perks rewards platform check just about all the boxes. And to help other brands learn from the…

Rapid Fired Pizza to open 2 more stores

September 25, 2018

Rapid Fired Pizza plans to open two stores later this year, one in the Eastern Kentucky city of Ashland on Central Avenue, and a second restaurant at an…

Taylor Gourmet investor pulls funds, chain closes

September 24, 2018

Taylor Gourmet, a 10-year-old Washington D.C.-based hoagie chain closed all 17 of its locations this weekend, after KarpReilly, the private equity firm that…

Swiss Chalet: Maintaining a connection with your employees leads to profits

Moe Khawaja, a Swiss Chalet owner and operator since 2001, talks with Hughes' Tim Tang about the effect of happy employees making happy consumers.

Charleys Philly Steaks opens 600th unit, plans 400 more by 2022

September 21, 2018

Charleys Philly Steaks celebrated its 600th restaurant opening last week in Lancaster, Ohio. The unit, 732 North Memorial Dr., is the chain's second location…

Why fast casuals should ditch plastic straws

Non-biodegradable plastic is everywhere and that's a big problem that has the restaurant sector abuzz with how to transition out of their disposable plastics.

Dickey's says aloha to Hawaii

September 21, 2018

Dickey's Barbecue Pit franchisee Danny Malabotis is bringing the Dickey's Barbecue Pit location to Hawaii, a news release said. Opening next month in…

California Fish Grill makes commitment to sustainability official by joining Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch

September 21, 2018

In an effort to continue to serve only sustainably caught or raised seafood in all 22 of its locations, California Fish Grill has partnered with Monterey Bay…

Veggie Grill takes on Berkeley, California

September 20, 2018

Veggie Grill opened its first Berkeley, California, location last week and celebrated by making a $1,000 donation to the Berkeley Student Food Collective, a…

Charleys Philly Steaks reports faster service speeds with updated POS system

September 20, 2018

Charleys Philly Steaks has started upgrading its POS system, rolling out Par's cloud-based Brink POS system in each of its 594 domestic locations. The rollout…

Jersey Mike's, Chipotle among powerhouse brands discussing innovative training methods

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Executives from Chipotle, Jersey Mike's, Holler & Dash and Rise Biscuits Donuts will weigh in on how and when to upgrade training methods.

Farmer's Fridge builds kiosk system to ensure freshness

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Most entrepreneurs in the self-service space rely on commercially available equipment and management software, but Luke Saunders and his team at Farmer's…