Tijuana Flats opens in Brooksville, Florida

October 9, 2017

Tijuana Flats has opened a restaurant in Brooksville, Florida, marking the seventh store opening this year.   Located at 12320 Cortez Blvd., a half a mile…

The Hummus & Pita Co spreading to Denver

October 9, 2017

The Hummus & Pita Co. has signed a five-unit franchise deal for the Denver market. The company signed the franchise deal with Denver entrepreneur Rachid…

Why the fast casual bubble isn't really bursting

by Juan Martinez — Principal, PLG

Without a doubt, there are way too many fast casual concepts, but those that make the right changes in order to drive unit economics will continue to thrive.

Analyst uncovers 3 keys to global growth

by Stephen Dutton — Analyst, Euromonitor International

To become more relevant, global operators are decentralizing control and relying on local franchisees to present the best version of their brands to the…

Food Network TV star launching fast casual concept?

October 6, 2017

Giada De Laurentiis, TV chef and Food Vegas restaurateur, is planning a fast casual pasta chain,  according to Eater NY.

Dickey's opens in Rolla, Missouri

October 6, 2017

Dickey's Barbecue Pit franchisees plan to bring the chain's Texas-style barbecue to their town of Rolla, Missouri, a news release said. This franchising trio…

Newk's introducing 1st Indiana unit

October 6, 2017

Newk's Eatery is opening its first Indiana location Monday in Greenwood, a news release said.    "Newk's brings a fresh take on fast casual dining that…

Buffalo Wild Wings-owned R Taco signs multi-unit deal in Ohio

October 6, 2017

R Taco — backed by Buffalo Wild Wings — has inked a multi-unit development agreement with ThreeWitt Enterprises Inc., to open in Dayton, Ohio. The franchise…

Kiosks drive add-on orders for French fast casual

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The self-order kiosks enable customized orders, delivering higher tickets for this startup offering French street food.

Freddy's co-founder steps into CEO role

October 5, 2017

Randy Simon, co-founder of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, is now its CEO and president. Simon, who has been a multi-unit franchisee for a variety…

London's Orange Buffalo food truck opening brick-and-mortar unit

October 5, 2017

The Orange Buffalo, having gained a following in London's food truck scene for its New York-style buffalo chicken wings coated with homemade sauce, will open…

5 things you can learn from your restaurant's dumpster

Waste data provides cost savings and operations efficiencies.

California Tortilla pushes 1st expansion outside core market

October 4, 2017

California Tortilla is expanding the brand outside its core market of the mid-Atlantic region, according to a company press release.

Morton's Steakhouse legacy partners with James Beard-nominated chef to franchise Chicago's DMK Burger Bar

October 4, 2017

Five-time James Beard nominated Chef Michael Kornick, Morton's Steakhouse legacy David Morton and David Grossman have joined forces to franchise Chicago's DMK…

Dog Haus breaks ground in Illinois

October 4, 2017

California-based Dog Haus has broken ground in Decatur, Illinois, with plans to open early next year, according to a company press release

Captain D's accelerates growth in Louisiana, Tennessee

October 4, 2017

Captain D's is opening two restaurants in the Southeast today. One is in Denham Springs, Louisiana, and marks the brand's third opening in the Greater Baton…

Will Danny Meyer fund your concept?

October 4, 2017

Shake Shack Founder Danny Meyer is looking to back upscale fast casuals focused on taking care of employees, according to a story in NY Eater.

Captain D's names director of ops

October 3, 2017

Captain D's is putting a veteran of the brand, who started at the company at age16, in one of its top operations jobs, a company news release said. Summer Sims…

Cooks, baristas tops in US wage growth in September

October 3, 2017

The latest annual year-over-year wage growth report is out for September, showing continued snail's pace growth in wages overall, but also indicating that…

Gigi's Cupcakes expands to Utah

October 3, 2017

Gigi's Cupcakes has awarded a multi-unit franchise agreement to enter Utah with the first location set to open in Logan in early 2018. Franchisee Matt Weston…