Bellagreen unveils new look in Houston

November 9, 2017

Houston-based Bellagreen has opened a new prototype concept in Vintage Marketplace in Houston, marking the company's sixth opening. Formerly called Ruggles…

Buona expands hometown presence

November 9, 2017

Buona, The Original Italian Beef, opened its newest location last week to more than a thousand customers at 613 North McClurg Court in Chicago, according to a…

Restaurants honoring vets with freebies

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

A variety of restaurant brands are thanking vets for their service with free meals.

Panera announces CEO stepping down, acquirement of Au Bon Pain

November 9, 2017

Panera CEO Ron Shaich will step down as CEO effective Jan. 1, 2018, allowing him to better allocate his time between Panera; initiatives for JAB, which…

PJ's Coffee brewing franchising opportunities in Mississippi

November 8, 2017

PJ's Coffee of New Orleans, a Ballard Brands brand, is looking to open up to 30 locations in Mississippi over the next two to three years. Via franchising, the…

NRA applauds House decision to narrow definition of joint employer liability

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 8, 2017

The U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday passed the Save Local Business Act, a decision that the National Restaurant Association described as a win for…

To franchise or not: &Pizza, Blaze CEOs debate which business model is best

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Jim Mizes and Michael Lastoria debate franchising vs sticking with a company-owned business model.

Firenza Pizza going to Kansas City

November 7, 2017

Firenza Pizza is set to open its first Kansas City, Missouri, restaurant Tuesday in the Shops At Boardwalk at 8624 N. Boardwalk Ave., according to a company…

Muscle Maker Grill inks 10-unit deal for Kuwait

November 7, 2017

Muscle Maker Grill has inked a franchise agreement to open 10 locations throughout Kuwait, marking its first international territory. Committed to providing…

Fiesta CEO: Hurricanes to blame for Q3 declines

Taco Cabana and Pollo Tropical hoping to bounce back by following its parent company's four-point revitalization plan.

Wingstop testing delivery in Chicago

November 7, 2017

Wingstop is testing delivery of its wings, fries and new sides in Chicago following a successful trial in the Las Vegas market, according to a company press…

Chipotle upgrades mobile app

November 6, 2017

Chipotle has created a new mobile app that is available for download starting today on Apple and Android devices, according to a company press…

Fazoli's launches app-based loyalty program

November 6, 2017

Fazoli's has launched its first app-based loyalty program with mobile ordering capabilities. Users that download and sign up for Fazoli's Rewards will get a…

DMK Burger Bar signs 1st franchise deal

November 6, 2017

Chicago's DMK Burger Bar has signed its first franchise partner, Carolyn Michael, according to a company press release. Michael, who is a multi-unit operator…

Jon Smith making global debut in UK

November 3, 2017

Jon Smith Subs is going global opening its first international location early next year in Kingston, an area of southwest London, England. It's partnered with…

Chicken Salad Chick opening 17th Georgia unit

November 3, 2017

Chicken Salad Chick is expanding in Georgia with the opening of a restaurant in Statesboro. Marking the Peach State's 17th Chicken Salad Chick, the Statesboro…

Canadian start-up with a Caribbean bent shows passion integral to Perfect Pitch win

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

A Toronto mom-and-pop focused on a Caribbean native's love for his culture, along with his new bride's love for him took home honors at this year’s Perfect…

Investing for growth? Veterans flag top priorities

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

A panel during the Fast Casual Executive Summit at the Nashville Omni explored the questions management should ask before investing in growth initiatives.

Tijuana Flats expanding presence in Carolinas with 2 openings

November 3, 2017

Tijuana Flats is leaving its mark on the Carolinas with the opening last week of its first location in Lexington, South Carolina, which precedes a Nov. …

Study: 'It's time to develop marketing strategies to hook Gen Z'

November 3, 2017

To reach today's student generation, referred to as Gen Z, foodservice providers need a marketing strategy tailored to that audience.