Panera testing CarPay

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

September 8, 2022

Panera Bread is testing CarPlay in some stores, allowing loyalty members with iPhones to access the Panera app to place an order from their car dashboards.

WaBa Grill's Q2 same-store sales up 2%

September 7, 2022

WaBa Grill has reported that its Q2 same-store sales rose to $43.7 million — up 2.2% from the previous year.

ClusterTruck founder rolls out self-tested delivery platform

September 7, 2022

Chris Baggott and Meredith Sandland have created Empower Delivery, a software company that allows delivery-centric restaurants to profitably and sustainably…

Panera testing AI at the drive-thru

September 7, 2022

Panera Bread is testing AI technology in drive-thru lanes in an effort to improve and enhance the guest experience.

Chipotle teams up with NFL stars to launch LTOs

September 7, 2022

Chipotle Mexican Grill is teaming up with NFL wide receivers CeeDee Lamb, Michael Irvin, Dez Bryant and Drew Pearson to launch a national television commercial…

I Heart Mac and Cheese signs 1st international deal

September 6, 2022

I Heart Mac & Cheese is planting a flag in Ontario, Canada, thanks to an agreement with franchisee Hirad Sorkhab.

Starbird flocks to franchising

September 6, 2022

Starbird has launched a national franchise program to expand to Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Illinois and Florida.

Au Bon Pain reveals 'bold' prototype

September 6, 2022

Au Bon Pain has revealed a store design that promotes convenience and off-premise dining without straying from the chain's roots as a French bakery, Au Bon…

Freddy's rolls out online fundraising platform

September 6, 2022

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has tapped Force4Good as its online platform for community fundraising.

Jamba launches boba, marketing campaign

September 6, 2022

Jamba fans may now add Strawberry Bursting Boba and Sweet Tapioca Boba pearls to their smoothies, bowls or iced beverages. The boba launch is also the brand's…

Taking a lunch break benefits diners, restaurants

September 6, 2022

Taking that lunch break, an act nearly 40% of people do occasionally, rarely or never, offers up a slew of benefits to both dining patrons and restaurants.

Yo-Kai Express teams with Ippudo, TableMark on ramen udon autonomous restaurant

September 5, 2022

Yo-Kai Express Inc., a Silicon Valley-based maker of a machine that creates hot ramen noodles on demand, has teamed with TableMark, a frozen food manufacturer…

Freddy's adds to leadership team

September 5, 2022

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has named Brian Wise as COO and Jerry Kunz as VP of finance.

The Great Greek Mediterranean adding to Michigan footprint

September 2, 2022

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, owned by United Franchise Group, has opened a location at 8233 Byron Center Ave., SW in Byron Center, Michigan, under the…

Why restaurants are dropping phone lines for voice bot systems

September 1, 2022

More restaurants are replacing direct phone lines with voice bots to allow workers to focus on serving, cooking and internal operations.

Thanx teams with Ovation to boost feedback capability

September 1, 2022

Loyalty and guest engagement platform Thanx is partnering with Ovation, an actionable guest feedback platform, to boost real-time customer feedback…

BD's rolling out dragonfruit cocktail, chicken bowl

September 1, 2022

Dallas-based BD's Mongolian Grill has created a Dragon Fruit Paloma cocktail, putting an Asian-spin on a south-of-the-border favorite.

Slim Chickens expanding in Florida

September 1, 2022

Arkansas-based Slim Chickens has opened a restaurant at 518 N Tyndall Pkwy. in Callaway, Florida, under the direction of multi-unit operating group, North…

Sweet Paris entering Minnesota

August 31, 2022

Sweet Paris Creperie & Cafe is opening four stores in Minnesota, specifically the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas, increasing the chain's store count to 2…

Blaze Pizza markets back-to-school campaign

August 31, 2022

Fast-casual concept Blaze Pizza has announced its Back to School campaign, according to a press release.