Velvet Taco comes to Buckhead, Georgia

July 30, 2018

Velvet Taco is opening its first Georgia location in March 2019, in the town of Buckhead, according to a press release. 

How can a summer salad keep your brand relevant?

Michael Haith, Teriyaki Madness CEO,  talks about why summer salads impact brands relevance, and how to make a profit.

Starbucks COO says innovation key to reigniting falling frappuccino sales

July 27, 2018

Declining frappuccino sales have inspired Starbucks to up its game when it comes to specialty coffee options. The chain, which reported Thursday that global…

Even Stevens Sandwiches president leaves brand to launch fast casual group

July 26, 2018

Michael McHenry, former president of Even Stevens Sandwiches, left his position as president in early June 2018, to launch a new venture, The McHenry Group…

Lemonade releases catering menu

July 25, 2018

Lemonade Restaurant Group, a California-based concept with 28 locations, is introducing catering packages and updated menu offerings, according to a press…

Black Rock Coffee partners with PlayerLync for training

July 24, 2018

Black Rock Coffee Bar has partnered with PlayerLync for its digital employee training and operations platform, a news release said.

Fast casual stocks expected to soar

July 24, 2018

Fast casual restaurant operators should soon be enjoying dramatic growth in quarterly results. 

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh acquires stake in La Boulangerie

July 24, 2018

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh CEO James Park and Michael Staenberg, co-owners of Denver-based Garbanzo, have acquired an equity interest in the café bakery…

A beginner's guide to analyzing restaurant data

by Dave Bennett — President & CEO, Mirus Restaurant Solutions

Dave Bennett, of Mirus, offers simplified steps on how to analyze restaurant data provided by Mirus.

Taco Cabana sees progress after strategic brand renewal

July 18, 2018

Taco Cabana is making improvements by introducing a series of menu upgrades, event programs and service enhancements, according to a press release. 

Freebirds World Burrito spices up menu with Beyond Meat's protein

July 17, 2018

Freebirds World Burrito, a fast casual known for customizable burritos, is introducing Beyond Meat's plant-based meat at the brand's 73 locations, according to…

Research: Short wait times, ambiance important to fast casual customers

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Ambiance — the look and feel of the service environment — has emerged as a critical factor in guest satisfaction, according to research presented at the…

Oprah invests in True Kitchen

July 12, 2018

Oprah Winfrey has made an investment in True Food Kitchen, a healthful fast casual brand based in Phoenix with 23 units, according to a company press release.

Taco Del Mar acquired by High Bluff Capital Partners

July 10, 2018

High Bluff Capital Partners has added Taco Del Mar to its portfolio, according to The Seattle Times. 

Toast secures $115M in funding

July 10, 2018

Toast, a restaurant management platform, has secured $115 million in Series D funding for research and development, recruit talent and expand its market…

Gen Z revealed highest spenders in survey

A study reveals three ways for restaurant brands to increase sales.

Survey: 3 ways to increase restaurant sales

A study reveals three ways for restaurant brands to increase sales.

Why a balanced relationship is key for succeeding as a franchisor, franchisee

by Judy Mottl — editor, Retail Customer Experience Networld Media Group

Experts at the recent International Franchise Expo offered insight and advice on striking the perfect balance in the franchisor-franchisee relationship. It's…

Everytable drops prices in lower-income areas

July 3, 2018

Everytable, a Los Angeles-based fast casual focused on healthful foods, is bringing low-cost options to low-income neighborhoods, according to CNBC. Investors…

The counter: restaurant industry scorecard for Q1 2018

Adam Berebitsky discusses why sales rose in Q1 and what will determine restaurants’ success for the second half of the year.