Starbucks exec takes top spot at El Pollo Loco

March 1, 2018

Former Starbucks executive Bernard Acoca has a new gig as El Pollo Loco's president and CEO. He begins the job March 12, succeeding CEO Steve Sather, who is…

Goodcents signs multi-unit deal for Middle East expansion

February 28, 2018

Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs has signed a master franchise agreement for its first international development. The Kansas-based company struck a deal with Brands…

Georgia's Gusto hoping to add more passion to fast casual fare

February 28, 2018

Dining doesn't usually include a call to action, but at Gusto, a two-unit concept based in Georiga, lunch and dinner are an opportunity for self-expression…

Costa Vida testing full-service, drive-thru unit in Idaho

February 28, 2018

Costa Vida, a 95-unit casual chain known for its fast casual Mexican cuisine, opened a full-service and drive-through location today in Eagle, Idaho, according…

Ahipoki opens 9th restaurant in North Scottsdale, Arizona

February 28, 2018

Ahipoki opened the doors this week to its newest location at 9301 E. Shea Blvd., in Scottsdale, Arizona

Starbucks gives inside look to newest Reserve store in Seattle

Starbucks has opened the doors of its Starbucks Reserve in Seattle, where customers can sample small-lot Starbucks Reserve coffees and Princi food.

How Cracker Barrel is reaching Gen Y, Z consumers through fast casual concept

Mike Chissler, chief operating officer of Holler & Dash, pulls back the curtain on Holler & Dash — Cracker Barrel's fast casual concept serving southern style…

Blaze pizza sales on fire with 51% increase over previous year

February 27, 2018

Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza has grown phenomenally fast over the last year reporting an eye-popping 51 percent growth in system-wide 2017 sales to $279 million.

Freddy's accelerates growth in the Midwest

February 27, 2018

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is accelerating expansion in the Midwest with the opening of seven locations spread throughout Illinois, Indiana…

Butterfly acquires Modern Market

February 27, 2018

Butterfly, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in the food sector, has acquired Modern Market, founded in 2009, by Anthony Pigliacampo and Rob…

HuHot franchisee proves life goes on after Olympics end

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Jay Warick, a bronze medalist in Taekwondo at the 1988 Olympics, has used his passion for training and hard work to build a successful career in the restaurant…

Which Wich opens shop in Europe

February 26, 2018

Which Wich has entered the European market by opening its first location in London this week through AAA Investment House. A news release said that the company…

Blaze opens in Chicago, New York and Michigan this week

February 26, 2018

Chicago, east-central Michigan and Upstate New York all get new Blaze franchises this week, beginning with a grand opening in the auto-centric city of Auburn…

Coney Island Hot Weiner Shop to enter the Dallas/Fort Worth market

February 26, 2018

Coney Island Hot Weiner Shop, a 93-year-old brand, has entered the Dallas/Fort Worth market through a franchise agreement with Southlake, Texas based…

Wellbilt buys Crem International

February 26, 2018

Restaurant equipment provider, Welbilt Inc., has signed an agreement to buy Crem International (Avaj International Holding AB) from Priveq Investment Fund IV…

Zoes Kitchen reports revenue increases, $2.2 million decrease in taxes

February 23, 2018

Zoe's Kitchen reported Thursday that revenues were not only up during Q4 of 2017, but for the entire year as well. Total revenue increased 15.2 percent to…

Pieology, Slim Chickens, Fazoli's among brands taking marketing to the cloud

February 23, 2018

Cloud-based engagement and loyalty platform Punchh has signed on nine brands to its Punchh Restaurant Marketing Cloud. Among them are Fazoli's, Norms…

Why Smiling Moose is betting on full-service concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli — based in Colorado with 16 units in seven states — unveiled a prototype last month in Denver for a casual dining version of…

Rush Bowls firing up blenders in Berkeley

February 22, 2018

Colorado-based Rush Bowls has signed a development deal to open early this year in Berkeley, California, according to a company press release.  The…

Gyroville sells 3rd franchise unit

February 22, 2018

Gyroville, a build-your-own Mediterranean fast casual restaurant, has added a third franchise location to its roster. Franchisee Anthony Nohra owns the…