Menu-labeling enforcement finally takes effect

May 4, 2018

As of today, restaurant chains with 20 or more stores must be following those long-delayed menu-labeling regulations or face the possibility of penalties. The…

California Tortilla COO shares top LTO-mastering tips

If you don't continue to evolve your menu, customers will eventually get bored and encounter menu burnout

The Halal Guys to launch catering rewards program

May 4, 2018

The Halal Guys, a fast casual Middle Eastern restaurant, is launching its first-ever catering rewards program on May 6. The new program will integrate with the…

California Supreme Court places hurdle on classifying workers as independent contractors

The Court's recent ruling applies a more rigid standard to wage and hour violations that typically are the greatest source of exposure for businesses…

Dirt Candy founder: Why tipping is sexist, racist, misogynistic

Amanda Cohen, founder of NYC's Dirt Candy, chats with Fast Casual about why she doesn't allow tipping in her restaurant.

Toast launches tech to help streamline kitchen, FOH ops

May 3, 2018

Toast has unveiled Toast Go, a fully integrated point-of-sale, handheld device custom-built for restaurants, according to a press release. Toast Go combines…

Subway CEO stepping down

May 3, 2018

Subway CEO Suzanne Greco is retiring June 30, with the faltering chain's current Chief Business Development Officer Trevor Haynes stepping into the interim…

Tropical Smoothie Cafe expands into Indiana with 8-store agreement

May 2, 2018

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has signed a franchise development agreement to expand its presence in Indiana, according to a press release.

Newk's to open 11 locations in West Texas, San Antonio

May 2, 2018

A new franchise partner plans to open 11 Newk's restaurants in West Texas and the San Antonio metro area.

Aloha Poke taps former Potbelly exec as CEO

May 1, 2018

Aloha Poke Co., a Chicago-based Hawaiian-style fast casual poke restaurant chain, has hired Chris Birkinshaw as CEO. He joins Aloha Poke following six years in…

Hummus shake makes May debut at The Hummus & Pita Co.

May 1, 2018

The Hummus & Pita Co. has created a Hummus Shake to honor National Hummus Day, which is Sunday, May 13, according to a company press release. Guests will…

Smoothie King opening 150 units this year

May 1, 2018

Smoothie King is continuing its growth spurt, signing 36 franchise agreements this quarter across 14 states, according to a company press release. The company…

Uberrito signs 1st airport deal

May 1, 2018

Uberrito has signed an agreement with SSP America to commercially develop and operate a location at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport — the restaurant's…

Zoes Kitchen enhances loyalty program

May 1, 2018

Zoes Kitchen has upgraded ZK Rewards, its omnichannel loyalty program launched late 2017. In recognition of the company's iconic stripes used as part of its…

Former Jack in the Box president named CEO of Boston Market

May 1, 2018

Frances Allen is replacing George Michel as CEO of Boston Market, according to a company press release.

Nominations now open for 'The Perfect Pitch'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Entries are being accepted through June 8. Three finalists will be selected by Aug. 8 to make their five-minute pitch on Oct. 9 at the summit.

Melt Shop on expansion mission

April 30, 2018

Melt Shop franchisee Drew Smith has assumed ownership of the company's King of Prussia Mall location in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, located just northwest…

Togo's unveils new look

April 30, 2018

Togo's has implemented a system-wide brand refresh anchored by its new anthem, "True to the Sandwich," and its new sandwich, the Pretzelrami. The 47-year-old…

Uncovering top 3 growth trends in foodservice

by Stephen Dutton — Analyst, Euromonitor International

While consumer spending is growing, the way consumers spend into foodservice is changing

Chipotle rolls out delivery via DoorDash

April 30, 2018

Chipotle Mexican Grill has tapped DoorDash to provide delivery from more than 1,500 restaurants across the country, the company's largest delivery footprint to…