Micro-influencers: Using them to attract Gen Z, millennials to your restaurant

by Kate Finley — Founder, President, Belle Communication

The authenticity and relatability of micro-influencers resonate with younger audiences on a personal level, fostering a connection that transcends traditional…

Noodles & Co franchisee opens 16th store

February 21, 2024

Noodles & Co franchisee Little Deep Pasta, a subsidiary of restaurant management company Cultivate Solutions, has opened its 16th location, located in…

Focus rebranding to GoTo Foods

February 21, 2024

Focus Brands, the parent company of the Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister's Deli, Moe's Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky's brands, has changed…

Curbit partners with Ovation to streamline guest experience

February 20, 2024

AI-driven order company Curbit has partnered with Ovation, a guest feedback system, to streamline brand interactions with guests, offering an elevated guest…

Getting loyalty right

February 20, 2024

Industry veterans will offer invaluable insights on building successful loyalty programs, doing loyalty right (IHOP, Potbelly, The European Pizza Company) and…

Ellianos Coffee adding to Florida footprint

February 20, 2024

Ellianos Coffee, a drive-thru specialty coffee brand, has opened in Marianna, Florida, at 2095 Hwy 71, and is owned and operated by the same team as the…

Slim Chickens franchisee opening 10th location

February 20, 2024

Arkansas-based Slim Chickens is continuing its Kentucky expansion with an opening next month in Owensboro at 3724 Frederica St., under the direction of the…

Canadian fast casual deploying Revel POS platform in 225 stores

February 20, 2024

Canada-based Lazeez Shawarma is deploying the Revel POS platform at its 225 locations in hopes of supporting future growth.

At the Watercooler with Tal Clark of Instant Financial

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, joined a start up team in the fintech space to be involved with businesses that create solutions focused on improving the…

Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ expands food trucks in multiple states

February 19, 2024

Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, a fast casual franchise, plans to expand its food truck presence in New Jersey, North and South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee…

Naf Naf Grill making Charlotte debut

February 19, 2024

Naf Naf Grill, a Middle Eastern fast casual restaurant, is making its North Carolina debut in Charlotte at 10706 Providence Road.

How disinfectant wipes can improve foodservice cleanliness, training

by Fast Casual

The advent of single-use, disposable wipes has revolutionized the way that cleaning and sanitation practices are carried out in the foodservice industry…

Black Rock Coffee takes on Texas expansion

February 19, 2024

Montgomery, Texas, residents will notice that Black Rock Coffee Bar, 8784 Hwy., 105 W. Suite 100 at the intersection of Highway 105 and Walden, opened its…

Former Subway executive leading franchise sales at Chick N Max

February 19, 2024

Wichita-based Chick N Max, a fast casual chain specializing in chef-crafted sandwiches and almond-wood smoked wings and tenders, has hired former Subway…

Chopt betting on 'digital-only' model

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Chopt, a nearly 90-unit chain based in New York is adding a third "digital-forward restaurant" featuring self-order kiosks from Bite.

Starbucks stores becoming more inclusive

February 16, 2024

Thanks to its "Inclusive Spaces Framework," Starbucks' store experience will be more accessible and inclusive for all employees, customers and communities.

The Rise of Social Commerce: How Retailers Can Leverage Social Media

Explore social commerce and how retailers can leverage it to their advantage with Star Micronics' ecommerce and online ordering hardware.

Pasta-focused fast casual opening in Boston

February 15, 2024

Husband-wife Billy and Eva Axiotis are teaming up to open BE Pasta Bar, a fast casual pasta shop next month in Boston at 1026 Commonwealth Ave. The BE in the…

Craveworthy launches equity crowdfunding campaign

February 15, 2024

Craveworthy Brands, the fast casual restaurant platform company behind several brands including Dirty Dough, Genghis Grill, BD's Mongolian Grill, has launched…

Corner Bakery increasing sales amid turnaround strategy

February 15, 2024

When SSCP, owner of Cici's Pizza, Applebee's and Sonic Drive-In, acquired Corner Bakery Cafe last June for $15 million, its goal was to stabilize the brand and…