Big Chicken opening in Carson City

December 28, 2023

Big Chicken, founded by basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, is opening next week in Carson City, Nevada, at 444 East William Street Center, as part of a…

Starbucks stores home to EV charging stations

December 28, 2023

Volvo Car USA will deploy 50 Volvo and Starbucks branded EV chargers at 15 Starbucks locations along a 1,350-mile route between the Denver area and Seattle…

Bubbakoo’s adding 3rd Orlando location

December 28, 2023

Bubbakoo's Burritos is adding a location next week in Orlando, marking the area's third store. Located at 2304 South Kirkman Road, the restaurant is owned and…

Taziki's opens 9 locations in 2023

December 27, 2023

It was 25 years ago when founders Keith and Amy Richards discovered small-table Mediterranean cafes on a trip to Greece. When they returned home to Birmingham…

Captain D's franchisees converting Hardee's, Church's locations in New Jersey, Georgia

December 21, 2023

Nashville-based Captain D's has signed two franchise development agreements in New Jersey and Georgia. Both agreements are with experienced business leaders…

The Habit adding 2nd Fontana, California store

December 20, 2023

The Habit Burger Grill, a California-based restaurant company owned by Yum Brands, is opening a drive-thru restaurant Friday in Fontana, California.

Black Rifle Coffee taps Creative Realities for digital signage

December 20, 2023

Black Rifle Coffee, a coffee brand that has branched into retail coffee locations, has partnered with Creative Realities, a technology firm offering digital…

Slice House by Tony Gemignani celebrates 100th franchise deal

December 20, 2023

Slice House by Tony Gemignani has inked deals for 100 franchise units. The San Francisco-based brand launched franchising efforts 18 months ago in California…

California Fish Grill dives into voice AI

December 20, 2023

To allow restaurant staff to focus more on the customer experience inside its 55 restaurants, California Fish Grill replaced its traditional phone system with…

Freddy's continues Canadian expansion

December 20, 2023

Wichita, Kansas-based Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has signed its second development agreement for Canada. Led by Dan Arndt of ZZA Hospitality…

Salad Station eyes Florida for expansion

December 20, 2023

Salad Station is seeking franchisees in the Orlando/Daytona Beach area to aid its goal of tripling its footprint by the end of 2026.

Just Poke debuting Kraken Box, expanding menu, chef collabs

December 19, 2023

Just Poke, a Seattle-based fast casual chain with restaurants throughout western Washington and British Columbia, is adding three locations next year, making…

Pepper Lunch signs multiunit deals for Hawaii, Florida

December 19, 2023

Pepper Lunch, a Japanese-born concept with over 500 locations in 15 countries, has signed two development agreements for North America, hot on the heels of its…

Boston Market's future is up in the air

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, 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…