Chipotle halts growth of Asian fast casual concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

October 27, 2016

Chipotle is getting out of the Asian fast casual market, saying this week that although it's not necessarily closing its 15 ShopHouse units in D.C., Maryland…

Back Yard Burgers raises nearly $100K for No Kid Hungry

October 27, 2016

Back Yard Burgers raised more than $92,000 for No Kid Hungry, a campaign from national non-profit, Share Our Strength, created to eliminate childhood hunger in…

Fazoli's launches new look

October 26, 2016

Fazoli's has debuted a design that was created to help keep the brand relevant. Although the chain first updated its look in 2011, it was time for another…

Fiesta Restaurant Group closes 10 Pollo Tropical units

October 26, 2016

Fiesta Restaurant Group, parent company of Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana, has closed 10 Pollo Tropical units and will rebrand up to three in Texas as Taco…

Veggie Grill raises $22M to expand brand

October 26, 2016

Veggie Grill has raised $22 million to help it grow. Investments came from Brentwood Associates, a private equity firm and existing shareholder of Veggie…

California pizza concept offers 'create-your-own' beer

October 26, 2016

A new pizza brand is setting up shop on the California coast called Blast & Brew. The fast casual Neapolitan pizza restaurant offers artisanal pizzas and…

Chipotle reports Q3 struggles, plans to rebound

October 25, 2016

Chipotle reported that its revenue decreased 14.8 percent to $1 billion over the third quarter, which ended Sept. 30.

Johnny Rockets to open 100 Australian units

October 25, 2016

Johnny Rockets is planting a flat in Australia, partnering with JR Restaurants Australia to bring 100 units to the country. The first restaurant is set to open…

Omnivore, POSitouch team up on cloud solution

October 25, 2016

Omnivore is collaborating with POSitouch on a new POS cloud-based technology.

Freebirds offers free kid’s meal during Halloween weekend

October 25, 2016

Freebirds World Burrito will offer free kid's meals with the purchase of an entree from Oct. 28 through Oct. 31, according to a release.  

Former Panera executive assumes Pieology COO role

October 25, 2016

Pieology Pizzeria announced that industry veteran and former Panera Bread executive, Clay Sanger, is joining the company as chief operating officer. The…

Miami Grill forms international leg to fuel global growth

October 24, 2016

To fuel international growth of Miami Grill and Salad Creations outside of the USA, the brand has formed Miami Grill International Inc with an international…

Former president of Universal Studios now directing Lemonade

October 24, 2016

Lemonade Restaurant Group, a Los Angeles-based brand that serves seasonal California cuisine, has named Larry Kurzweil as its president and CEO, effective Dec.

Life after McDonald’s: former marketing exec becomes Uncle Maddio’s franchisee

October 21, 2016

Former McDonald's executive Craig Tappin has returned to his Denver hometown to open three Uncle Maddio's units. The deal will bring the total Uncle Maddio's…

Angela Mia tomato products now non-GMO

October 20, 2016

ConAgra Foodservice said of of the Angela Mia tomato items are now non-GMO project-verified and are labeled as such to meet the growing consumer demand for…

BurgerFi seeks DC franchisees

October 20, 2016

BurgerFi is hunting for franchisees in the Washington D.C. area, specificially in Montgomery County, Maryland and Fairfax County, Virginia. The company is…

Fazoli's sees record growth

October 20, 2016

Fazoli's franchise-owned restaurants reported a 5.1 percent same-store sales increase during the fiscal year second quarter, ending Sept. 30, according to a…

Rise Biscuits Donuts expands to Denver

October 20, 2016

Rise Biscuit Donuts has signed a multi-unit franchise deal to expand in Denver, Colorado.

Schlotzsky's seeks Arizona franchisees

October 20, 2016

Schlotzsky's is aiming to expand in Arizona and seeking qualified franchisees in the Phoenix area.

Air Force vets launching two Dickey's BBQ in Colorado

October 20, 2016

Air Force veterans Bob and Barbara Rusnak plan to launch their fourth and fifth Dickey’s Barbecue Pit stores in Colorado Springs, come next year.