Newk's names franchisee of year

May 4, 2016

Newk's Eatery has named Cassandra Stokes as its franchisee of the year. Stokes, of Sekots Too LLC, has been a franchisee for nearly three years, due to high…

Smashburger's Tom Ryan named chief brand officer

May 4, 2016

Smashburger has announced Tom Ryan, company co-founder, will assume the role of chief brand officer, spearheading brand evolution as the company expands across…

Pie Five hopes to hit jackpot with casino development deal

May 4, 2016

Pie Five Pizza Co. has announced a development partnership with existing franchise partners Fred Gustin and Kurt Guttshall, of Slice of the Pie LLC and veteran…

Noodles & Co remains upbeat despite Q1 share losses

May 4, 2016

Although Noodles & Company reported negative earnings per share for Q1, revenues were up 7.8 percent compared to the same quarter last year, according to…

Site selection secrets for restaurant tenants

The commercial space chosen by a restaurant tenant can be a deciding factor in the success or failure of the business.

Blazing Onion adopts digital menu platform

May 3, 2016

Lynnwood, Washington-based fast casual restaurant chain Blazing Onion has deployed eTouchMenu at its restaurant in Gig Harbor, Washington, and plans to launch…

Nekter Juice Bar accelerates growth in Q1

May 3, 2016

Nekter Juice Bar signed 29 franchise agreements in the first quarter of 2016, growing its footprint in the United States by more than 50 percent, according to…

Jersey Mike's offering all-digital customer experience

May 3, 2016

Jersey Mike's Subs is taking its rewards program digital, inviting customers to create a single online Jersey Mike's account, linking their Shore Point…

Carin Stutz leaves McAlister's for Red Robin

May 3, 2016

Carin Stutz has traded her role as president of McAlister's Deli to serve as EVP and chief operating officer at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, according to a…

Pieology opens 2nd second Florida location

May 2, 2016

Pieology Pizzeria is opening in Ponte Vedra Beach, its second Florida location. Located in Nocatee Town Center East, Pieology Ponte Vedra Beach features…

Splick.it acquires ONOSYS to make going mobile easy for restaurants

May 2, 2016

Splick.it and ONOSYS  have joined forces to provide multi-unit restaurants access to a mobile and online ordering system, integrated loyalty and catering…

Gone fishing: Why LSRs are angling for seafood

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Consumers are more familiar with seafood, which means LSRs can now be creative when it comes to adding fish to the menu.

Knowing the pros and cons of DIY data warehouse, BI solutions

by Dave Bennett — President & CEO, Mirus Restaurant Solutions

Stakeholders within restaurant companies of all sizes have begun acknowledging the value of having access to timely, accurate and actionable information. The…

For the love of loyalty: How mobile drives customer engagement

Enabling the mobile channel — perhaps through loyalty, ordering, payment or other capabilities — is the next big step for fast casual leaders looking to remain…

Dickey's Barbecue Pit expands brand to 11 Ohio locations

April 29, 2016

After signing a three-store development agreement, Dickey's Barbecue is on the verge of 11 total locations in Ohio. 

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt partners with "The Angry Birds Movie"

April 29, 2016

Menchie' Frozen Yogurt will offer limited edition flavors, Angry Birds gummy toppings, movie-themed spoons and two specialty cups all inspired by Sony's new…

Payment breaches to continue despite US EMV liability shift

With the adoption of EMV technology in full swing, two questions remain top of mind: will the transition to chip and PIN make credit cards and transactions…

Au Bon Pain releases spring menu

April 28, 2016

Au Bon Pain as released its spring menu, according to a company press release, which contains lighter flavors, including a Turtle Latte, Power Protein…

El Pollo Loco aims to double customer satisfaction with salad offerings

April 28, 2016

With its tagline "Fresh from the Grill," El Pollo Loco launched a line of four Double Chicken Salads: Avocado Mango Chile, Avocado Taco, Southwest Bacon and…

Why Chipotle should be kicking food-safety issues 'new-school'

New-school technology could help restaurants teach and enforce food safety standards more effectively than old-school practices.