Ritchie in, Schnatter out as Papa John's CEO

December 22, 2017

John Schnatter has officially stepped down as CEO of Papa John's, although he will remain a chairman. Steve Ritchie, the brand's COO, will replace Schnatter…

Dickey's, Freshii, Boloco leaders predict 2018 fast casual trends

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

An increased focus on delivery, the elevation of vegetarian and vegan concepts and finding ways to operate in smaller areas are just a few predictions from 1…

Fat Burger opening 3 in 1 concept in Japan

December 21, 2017

Fatburger, and Buffalo's Express, owned by FAT Brands, is opening its first Japanese location in April 2018. Located insideTokyo's Shibuya 109 building, the…

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers growing in Pennsylvania

December 21, 2017

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement to grow its footprint in Pennsylvania.The deal will bring eight…

Mod puts former Red Robin exec in top culinary role

December 21, 2017

Mod Pizza has hired a former Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews executive to lead its culinary team. Robin Hamm will serve as vice president of culinary for…

RedBrick debuts in Garden State

December 21, 2017

RedBrick Pizza Kitchen Café has opened the first store with its new design on Shoppes Boulevard in North Brunswick, New Jersey, a news release said. It's the…

Chipotle customers report illness after eating at LA unit

December 20, 2017

Public health officials in Los Angeles are investigating a possible illness tied to a Chipotle restaurant at 4550 W. Pico Blvd., in Los Angeles, according to a…

Fiesta Restaurant Group promotes VP to CIO role

December 20, 2017

Fiesta Restaurant Group, the parent company of Taco Cabana and Pollo Tropical, has promoted Ryan Nowlin to the newly created position of chief information…

Keep Austin Winged: Wingstop testing delivery in Austin

December 20, 2017

Wingstop Restaurants, which has more than 1,000 locations worldwide, is expanding delivery to Austin, Texas. Following the success of delivery tests in Las…

Tropical Smoothie Cafe signs multi-unit deal for Florida expansion

December 20, 2017

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has signed a second deal in less than a year with franchisee and U.S. Army veteran Emily Harrington. Harrington, who has four locations…

Costa Vida landing at Salt Lake City International Airport

December 20, 2017

Costa Vida, a 94-unit fast casual Mexican concept, is opening a full-service location today in the Salt Lake City International Airport.    "Costa Vida is…

Cauldron Ice Cream expanding in Northern California

December 20, 2017

Orange County's Cauldron Ice Cream has signed a multi-unit franchise deal to bring five locations to Northern California over the next five years. The ice…

Jack in the Box sells Qdoba

December 19, 2017

Jack in the Box is selling Qdoba for $305 million to the investment firm, Apollo Global Management, according to a company press release.

Dickey's Barbecue continues California expansion

December 19, 2017

Dickey's Barbecue Pit continues its expansion in California with a new location in Napa slated to open in 2018. California locals, Rene and Gwen Bassett, will…

Dat Dog opening in College Station, Texas

December 19, 2017

Louisiana-based Dat Dog is opening in College Station, Texas.   The restaurant marks Dat Dog's first location outside of Louisiana and will be owned by…

Ono Hawaiian BBQ opens 66th unit

December 19, 2017

Ono Hawaiian BBQ opened its 66th restaurant Monday in Rialto, California.    "As Ono continues to grow and expand, we are humbled as a company and thrilled…

Foodservice industry's Top 7 social media campaigns of 2017

From Wendy's to Coke, check out seven foodservice companies that won the internet this year.

Airports still hot venue for limited-service brands

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

Airports are the No. 1 non-traditional expansion market for QSR brands, and Austin, Texas, has positioned itself to be right in the center of the action.

Squisito opening 5th franchised unit

December 18, 2017

Squisito Franchise Enterprises has signed a deal with franchisee Kevin Trump to open its fifth franchised Squisito Pizza & Pasta unit in Fairfax County…

Food truck founder adds a little 'Seoul' to the taco scene

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

A passion for food, combined with a desire to improve his lot in life and a little luck propelled David Choi, the son of Korean immigrants, to launch Seoul…