Cinnabon, McAlister's parent names tech leader to board

January 27, 2021

Focus Brands, the parent company of Cinnabon, McAlisters, Jamba and several other limited-service brands, has named digital transformation executive, Gurmeet…

Virtual restaurant start-up lands $7M in funding

January 27, 2021

Mealco, a NYC-based start-up allowing chefs and restaurants to create virtual restaurant concepts, has landed $7 million in seed funding to upgrade its…

ParTech integrates XP contactless ordering kiosks

January 27, 2021

ParTech, a a wholly owned subsidiary of PAR Technology Corp. and provider of point-of-sale software and integrated technical solutions to the restaurant and…

Israeli startup introduces self-serve kiosk with facial recognition for restaurants

January 26, 2021

Preciate, an Israeli startup, has introduced self-serve kiosks with facial recognition for restaurants, according to an israel21.org report.

Bbot new seed investment from Rally Ventures increases funding to $7.3 million

January 26, 2021

Bbot Inc. a restaurant and hospitality tech startup focused on simplifying and improving the ordering and payment process, announced the closing of a $…

Restaurant industry down 2.5 M jobs, what's next?

January 26, 2021

The restaurant industry is still limping along, according to the National Restaurant Association, which Tuesday released its annual State of the Restaurant…

Brothers opening 3rd Hummus & Pita Co location

January 26, 2021

The Hummus & Pita Co. is opening next week in Montgomery, Alabama at 7131 Eastchase Pkwy. To celebrate its grand opening, the brand will give free meals to…

Wow Bao rolling toward 1000 partner kitchens

January 26, 2021

Chicago-based Wow Bao's partner kitchen program launched last year is on track to have 1,000 locations by the end of 2021, according to CEO Geoff Alexander…

Restaurant sales, traffic not so merry during holiday season

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 26, 2021

Although restaurants across the world have been doing their best to pivot operations by expanding digital and contactless services, traffic and sales are still…

Juice It Up breaks sales record in 2020

January 26, 2021

Juice It Up broke its sales record in 2020, reporting that same-store sales were up 14.75% and that franchisees' average unit volume increased over 13% when…

Kitchen United adds 2nd Chicago location

January 26, 2021

Pasadena, California-based virtual kitchen company, Kitchen United, has signed its second lease agreement in Chicago, as the company continues to execute its…

Potbelly adding North Carolina unit

January 26, 2021

Potbelly Sandwich Shop is opening this spring in Cary, North Carolina. Set to become the brand's third shop in the Triangle and the eighth in the state, the…

Webinar to explore why brands needs text message marketing in 2021

January 25, 2021

If you ask marketing experts to name one of the best marketing tool for fast casual restaurants today, text messaging is most likely at the top of the list.

Goodcents franchiees welcoming meatier sandwiches

January 25, 2021

Goodcents franchisees are excited about a menu change launching Monday that will add 30% more meat to its popular sub sandwiches and potentially draw new…

Texas A&M alumni opening 3rd Rush Bowl unit

January 25, 2021

Rush Bowls is going to College Station, Texas, thanks to Texas A&M alumni Mike and April Fuchs signing a deal to open their third Rush Bowls at 1509 Texas…

Freddy's posts solid 2020 earnings

January 25, 2021

Despite operating amid the pandemic, 2020 was a good year for Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. AUV growth increased 6.5%, and year-over-year sales…

Chipotle's Super Bowl ad: 'Can a burrito change the world?'

January 25, 2021

Chipotle Mexican Grill will premiere its first Super Bowl commercial during the second quarter of Super Bowl LV (Feb. 7) when the Kansas City Chiefs face the…

Everytable launches 'mix-and-match' menu

January 25, 2021

Everytable has launched Everytable Essentials, a selection of mix-and-match menu items for guests wanting to create a new dish or amp up a favorite recipe. The…

Greek Xpress rolls out nationwide franchising

January 22, 2021

NYC-based Greek Xpress is partnering with franchise development group Fransmart to roll out nationwide franchising. The brand has continued to build momentum…

Hot Rocks debuts stone-conveyor oven focused on maintenance, ease of use.

January 22, 2021

Hot Rocks, a spin-off of Picard Ovens and dedicated to the pizza industry, has created the GEN3 — a stone-conveyor oven focused on two key elements …