Illinois mandating food-allergen training, who's next?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

States are starting to mandate allergen training, but forward-thinking brands are doing it on their own.

Danny Meyer's '60 Minutes' a plug for phasing out tipping?

October 10, 2017

The Restaurant Opportunities Center United applauded Sunday night's "60 Minutes" segment on multi-brand restaurateur and Shake Shack founder, Danny Meyer…

Tropical Smoothie Cafe adds 5 industry vets to leadership team

October 9, 2017

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has added five industry veterans to its corporate leadership team. According to a company press release, they include:

Texas food hall will feature 14 fast casual brands

October 9, 2017

Chef John Tesar is opening his fast casual brand — Knife Burger — inside a food hall early next year in Fort Worth, Texas. Crockett Street Food Hall — which is…

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…