Pita Pit franchisees raise $23K for charity

July 13, 2016

An employee appreciation event within Pita Pit led to a spontaneous charity effort that netted $23,000.

A royal expansion: Kevin King crowned for Smoothie King’s quest for 1,000 stores

by Molly Wike — Intern, Networld Media Group

Meet Kevin King: the chief of development for Smoothie King, a franchise that has seen rapid growth in recent years. CEO Wan Kim has tapped King to build out…

Starbucks shakes up summer menu

July 13, 2016

Starbucks has launched new beverage options including its teavana shaken berry sangria herbal tea, coconut milk mocha macchiato, and affogato-style frappuccino.

Au Bon Pain makes a splash with summer beverages

July 13, 2016

Au Bon Pain is debuting new summer beverage menu items.

Technavio names top 8 vendors in US

July 13, 2016

The top eight vendors in the U.S. food service industry for the next four years are, according to a study by Technavio, offering a lot of value for their…

Prices, wages up at Starbucks

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although some customers are feeling slighted by Starbucks' increased menu prices, employees are happy about the raises CEO Howard Schultz promised them in an…

Pie Five opens second location in St. Louis

July 13, 2016

Pie Five and franchisee, TF Pie Group, will open the chain's second St. Louis location on July 15 on Hanley Road in Richmond Heights, according to a company…

Starbucks' China customers join the mobile fun

July 13, 2016

Starbucks this week brought its popular mobile-payment system to China as more than 2,200 stores nationwide are now equipped to handle such transactions…

Bojangles races for consumer interaction

July 13, 2016

The Bojangles' sponsorship of the Nascar Southern 500 race is being held this year with a sweepstakes that offers fans a chance to win either an "ultimate race…

Boo(ze)-hoo! Restaurant liquor sales fall for 3rd straight year

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

A new industry report shows that on-premises alcohol sales have dropped again, and the cause might just surprise you.

Dickey's BBQ honors fallen Dallas officers

July 13, 2016

Today, Dickey's Barbecue Pit representatives said that 50 of the chain's Dallas-area locations will take part in a fundraiser to honor the Dallas police…

Saladworks executive chef puts innovation on the menu

by Matthew Harper — Intern, Networld Media Group

Newly hired Saladworks Executive Chef shares insights into what makes the fast casual restaurant an ever-evolving concept.

Sports fans would embrace mobile food, drink ordering at events

July 13, 2016

Ever found yourself hungry at a sporting event, run to the concession and then, due to long lines, jog back to your seat so you don't miss alot of action?

Charleys Philly Steak introduces new breakfast choices

July 13, 2016

Charleys Philly Steaks announced in a news release that participating U.S. locations will now include three new breakfast burritos and seasoned hashbrowns on…

The Halal Guys move into Virginia location

July 13, 2016

The Halal Guys is coming to Northern Virginia, according to a company press release.  The Springfield location is set to open the middle of this month. The…

Fazoli's implements new catering and delivery strategies

July 13, 2016

Fazoli's is expanding its catering technology through The Catering Institute and MonkeyMedia Software, according a company press release, in hopes of both…

Starting an evolution: Freebirds CEO discusses mobile app, redesign

Freebirds CEO Bobby Shaw discusses why it was time for the 29-year-old brand to evolve.

Technology helping Rise to raise profile

Rise Biscuits Donuts director of technology discusses how the chain's use of technology is helping the brand expand.

Loyal customers partner with Mamoun’s Falafel

July 12, 2016

Mamoun's Falafel, the New York City Middle Eastern concept, has announced a partnership with franchisees Marina and Magdy Yacoub.

Jamba Juice dives into Detroit area with new franchises

July 12, 2016

Jamba Juice announced a development agreement in a company press release that will yield 20 new locations in the Greater Detroit market. The eight-year deal…