Pushing boundaries: Top 10 menu trends of 2017 revealed

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Combining cuisines from all over the world will be 2017's No. 1 trend. Other trends include spicier flavor profiles, more vegan and veggie options and DIY…

Rapid Fired lands in northern Kentucky

December 30, 2016

The Greater Cincinnati suburb of Florence, Kentucky, is the latest city to see a Rapid Fired Pizza open — this one squarely in the middle of the city's…

The lucky 13: Twitter features to maximize restaurant marketing

by Seshu Madabushi — Founder & CEO, mKonnekt

Twitter has effectively been our micro-blogging friend for a decade, which has changed the face of marketing because this great promotional tool allows brands…

El Pollo Loco creates 'under 500-calorie menu' for New Year's dieters

December 29, 2016

El Pollo Loco is pitching in to help all those soon-to-be New Year's dieters achieve their weight loss goals by launching a new under-500-calorie menu.

New Dickey's franchisee to open in Virginia

December 29, 2016

Dickey's Barbecue Pit said it will open in Loudoun County, Virginia, this coming fall, under ownership of first-time franchisee, Chris Mills, according to a…

'If in doubt, leave it out': The lessons in Cinnabon's Carrie Fisher tweet

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

Cinnabon's poorly received social media post about Carrie Fisher, upon her death this week, has restaurant leaders talking about how best to prevent such…

5 findings inside diners' minds make great guides for 2017

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

NPD Group recently outlined its top five predictions about the American diner's state of mind as it relates to the dinner plate. Taken collectively, these five…

3 New Year's resolutions to improve profitability, optimize sourcing, reduce risk

by Vishy Visweswaran — Chief Technology Officer, SCA Technologies

All restaurant brands need to make sure they have a strong supply chain and a well-developed risk management strategy. You may not be able to predict the…

Lighten up: 7 fast casuals prepping for the new year

by Cherryh Butler — editor, fcc

Several brands are adding healthier menu alternatives just in time to help customers make their New Year's resolutions.

Fast Casual openings and additions to kick off 2017

December 28, 2016

Fast casual brands are taking a deep breath and heading into 2017 with gusto and great hope, with new sites opening and new offerings appearing on menus. Here…

Diversified spins off Bagger Dave's

December 28, 2016

Diversified Restaurant Holdings — the largest franchisee for Buffalo Wild Wings and creator and operator of Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern — announced this week…

Hawaiian barbecue chain opens North Hollywood site

December 27, 2016

Ono Hawaiian BBQ opened a North Hollywood, California location last Thursday in NoHo Commons Retail Center on Lankershim Boulevard, according to a press…

Juice It Up! expands California presence

December 27, 2016

Juice It Up! has opened its latest unit in Riverside, California. Sadana Corp., which also owns the recently opened location in Northridge, California, is the…

Vitality Bowls continues growth in new year

December 27, 2016

In the last year, Vitality Bowls has signed 27 new agreements in markets across the country, opened 11 new restaurant locations in three states, added a sixth…

Pita Pit Canada rolls out 'disruptive packaging technology'

December 27, 2016

In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Pita Pit Canada has traded the traditional waxed paper used to wrap its sandwiches for thinbarrier eco, a…

Penn Station CEO: We need 3 things to grow

Craig Dunaway of Penn Station East Coast Subs talks about franchise growth challenges, customer engagement and labor processes at the 2016 Fast Casual…

3 surprising food-safety practices that could harm your brand

An effective food safety program is essential, but not all tactics implemented in the interest of good food safety are An effective food safety program is…

Kids eat free over winter break at Dickey's

December 22, 2016

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is hoping its offer of letting kids eat free over winter break will help keep them and their parents busy, according to a company press…

Tijuana Flats gets 'turnt up'

December 22, 2016

The Tijuana Flats opening today in Orlando, Florida, is the first of the brand's units with an updated format, according to a company press release. The menu…

Are you accounting for those holiday gift cards correctly?

by Dustin Minton — National Restaurant Practice Co-Leader, BDO USA, LLP

For many restaurants, the holiday season bustles with promotions, parties and gift card sales. But amid the season's cheer, restaurants must account for these…