Chipotle taps Kerry Bridges as food safety leader

February 1, 2019

Chipotle Mexican Grill has hired Kerry Bridges as vice president of food safety to replace James Marsden when he retires in the next few months.

Starbucks schools employees as former CEO mulls presidential quest

February 1, 2019

Starbucks is advising employees on how to respond to potential customer interaction regarding former CEO and chairman Howard Schultz’s latest book and his…

Squaring the square: White Castle VP tells how brand develops new slider spin-offs

In this podcast, White Castle Vice President Jamie Richardson tells how the brand keeps innovating on that famous little square of beef, while Blockchain Tech…

Pieology pies 'veg out'

January 31, 2019

California-based, Pieology,  said it has become the first fast-casual pizza brand to offer customers three meatless toppings, including Spicy Italian Sausage…

The Madera Group to open 11 locations by year's end, first overseas store

January 29, 2019

Expansion is clearly on the near horizon for The Madera Group, which plans to open 11 locations in the U.S. and abroad by the end of 2019.

Salata Salad Kitchen debuts revamped design, dining environment

January 25, 2019

Salata Salad Kitchen’s Lake Mary, Florida, location will not only be its first in the state but will boast the brand's revamped restaurant design and…

Daphne's Mediterranean launching Texas stores next month

January 24, 2019

Daphne’s Mediterranean will officially arrive in Texas with two store openings in Dallas come February.

Tropical Smoothie Café taps Charles Watson as CEO

January 24, 2019

Charles Watson, chief development officer for Tropical Smoothie Café, is stepping into the role of CEO.

Capriotti’s hires Brent Erwin as finance senior VP

January 24, 2019

Brent Erwin has been named senior vice president of finance for Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, a news release said.

Fajita Pete's launches rebrand with revamped logo, website

January 24, 2019

Fajita Pete's has refreshed its brand to reflect the authenticity of its menu and focus on fresh fajitas, according to a press release.

Chowbus raises $4M in funding round

January 23, 2019

Chowbus is getting $4 million of funding in a round led by Greycroft Partners and FJ Labs, according to a press release.

Fatburger, Buffalo's Express launch co-brand in Scotland

January 23, 2019

Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express have opened a co-branded location in Dundee, Scotland. It is the first of many co-branded restaurants in the works, according…

Jon Smith Subs aims to launch 35 stores this year

January 18, 2019

The new year will be one of expansion for Jon Smith Subs as the brand expects to open 35 stores.

bellagreen attains plastic footprint reduction goal

January 18, 2019

Last year bellagreen pledged to reduce its plastic footprint by 50 percent come March 2020. The Texas-based fast casual has achieved its goal 14 months early…

Fatburger, Buffalo's Express open co-branded location in Dubai

January 18, 2019

Fatburger and Buffalo's Express have opened a co-branded location in the Dubai Mall, marking the second location for the brands in United Arab Emirates.

Taking a chopped salad QSR on the road: Chop Stop CEO talks brand expansion

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Can a meat-and-potatoes guy’s chopped salad QSR survive outside of Southern California? Podcast spotlight interviewee Mark Kulkis is convinced of that fact as…

Luna Grill signs first licensing deal

January 17, 2019

Luna Grill has signed its first licensing deal and it's for a location inside the $226 million Sycuan Casino development in San Diego.

Capriotti’s adds Rhode Island to its franchise map

January 17, 2019

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is moving into Rhode Island with plans to open the first of three franchise locations by April.

'So, what are ya' drinkin'?' One of this year's most complicated questions

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The answer to that age-old question, "So, what are you drinkin'?" has gotten a lot more complicated. But pizza brands that don't brush up on their answers to…

Pokeatery opening first East Coast location Jan. 12

January 10, 2019

Hawaiian poke concept Pokeatery will open its first East Coast store on Saturday, Jan. 12 in Charlotte, North Carolina.