Boston Market's future is up in the air

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

December 18, 2023

The future of Boston Market is in jeopardy after owner Jignesh Pandya filed for personal bankruptcy on Dec. 8 with the Eastern District of Pennsylvania…

Honeygrow opening 40th store

December 18, 2023

Toms River, New Jersey, will be home to Honeygrow's 40th location when the Philadelphia-based chain opens Friday inside the Ocean County Mall.

Beans & Brews Coffeehouse percolating into Texas

December 15, 2023

Beans & Brews Coffeehouse, a drive-thru coffee franchise, is opening the first of three San Antonio locations Saturday. Two others will open in Q1 of 2024.

Jinya Ramen Bar levels up loyalty program, app

December 15, 2023

At Jinya Ramen Bar, the focus on "kaizen" — the Japanese practice of continuous improvement — runs deep in the company's culture and guides its customer…

Fazoli's returning to Arizona

December 14, 2023

Fazoli's, a portfolio company of FAT Brands, has returned to return to Mesa, Arizona, after closing a former location there in 2004.

MOD Pizza introduces trio of game-day pizza favorites

December 14, 2023

MOD Pizza has introduced the Tailgate Trio, a group of pizzas inspired by game-day appetizers, according to a press release.

FastCasual releases 2024 '20 Brands to Watch'

December 14, 2023

Customer demand for innovation and customization in food menus, as well as a preference for food infused with new and bold flavors, is driving growth. These…

Beef-a-Roo ending 2023 with 5 openings

December 14, 2023

Beef-a-Roo, a Midwest-based concept, has opened five locations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Indiana over the past six months, according to, Next Brands, a…

Cowboy Chicken launches wings to celebrate football season

December 14, 2023

Wings and football go hand-in-hand, which is why Dallas-based Cowboy Chicken is adding wings to the menu in four flavors — lemon pepper, BBQ, Buffalo and…

BurgerFi, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza opening co-branded unit

December 13, 2023

BurgerFi International Inc., owner of BurgerFi and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings, is opening its first co-branded BurgerFi and Anthony's restaurant…

Mo' Bettahs debuting 50th location

December 13, 2023

The fresh flavors of Hawaii, the 50th state, are coming to Draper Friday when the 50th Mo' Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food restaurant opens at 163 E. 13800 S.

Chipotle invests in regenerative farming robots

December 13, 2023

Through its $50 million Cultivate Next venture fund, Chipotle Mexican Grill is investing in Greenfield Robotics, a company focused on making regenerative…

Scooter's Coffee opens 750th store

December 11, 2023

Frisco, Texas, is home to the 750th location of Scooter's Coffee, which opened Monday.

Big Chicken dribbling into Arkansas

December 11, 2023

Shaquille O'Neal-owned Big Chicken is opening in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Jan. 3, at 2190 MLK Blvd., as part of a 40-unit deal with Northwest Arkansas…

Island Fin Poke opens 1st location with pick-up window

December 11, 2023

Florida-based Island Fin Poké Co. is hoping to elevate its customer experience with the opening of its first location featuring a pick-up window. Marking its…

Pizza Marketplace's Top 100 Movers & Shakers nominations deadline extended

December 11, 2023

Pizza Marketplace's Top 100 Movers & Shakers list is back for 2024 and your brand could be listed!

Shake Shack's Randy Garutti retiring

December 11, 2023

Shake Shack Inc. CEO Randy Garutti is retiring next year after serving the company for over 20 years but will serve as an adviser through the end of 2024…

Graze Craze going global

December 11, 2023

Graze Craze, a franchise within the graze-style food category, has expanded its brand footprint internationally, planting its first locations in Australia and…

CaliExpress by Flippy automated restaurant to open in California

December 8, 2023

Cali Group, a holding company using technology to transform the restaurant and retail industries, has teamed with Miso Robotics, creator of the Flippy…

Pure Green, Gopuff launch cold-pressed juices

December 8, 2023

New York City-based Pure Green and Gopuff, an instant commerce platform, have created a line of cold-pressed juices — Gopuff x Pure Green Refreshers — made…