Newk's launches pantry, meal kits

April 13, 2020

While many consumers are looking for ways to fill their refrigerators, Newk's Eatery has launched Newk's Pantry as well as meal kits, according to a company…

Have restaurant declines bottomed out?

April 13, 2020

U.S. restaurant customer transactions declined by 41% in the week ending April 5 compared to the same week one year ago. That followed a 42% decline in the…

Smithfield Foods closes pork facility after reporting more than 200 COVID-19 cases

April 13, 2020

Smithfield Foods, Inc. has closed its Sioux Falls, South Dakota facility, one of the largest pork processing facilities in the U.S., until further notice…

Pollo Tropical launches Pollo Pantry

April 13, 2020

With the launch of the Pollo Pantry, Pollo Tropical guests at the brand's more than 140 Florida locations may pick up the brand's citrus-marinated chicken in…

Jollibee partners with DoorDash to roll out delivery service

April 13, 2020

As the world navigates COVID-19, Jollibee is serving guests via drive-through, carryout and has also launched delivery via DoorDash across the United States…

Juice it Up, I Heart Mac & Cheese waiving franchise fees

April 13, 2020

In an effort to support their franchisee communities impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, I Heart Mac & Cheese and Juice It Up are waiving a variety of…

Third-party delivery services push back against San Francisco cap

by David Jones — Editor, Networld Media Group

April 13, 2020

Several of the top restaurant food delivery services pushed back against a 15% cap on restaurant food delivery fees announced Friday by San Francisco in order…

DoorDash drops commission rate for small restaurant brands

April 10, 2020

In a $100 million effort to help restaurants with fewer than five locations stay afloat during the COVID-19 outbreak, DoorDash is slashing commissions by 50…

Just Salad launches Just Grocery delivery service, meal service

April 9, 2020

Customers can order groceries with their salads at Just Salad in New York City. It's selling fruit, vegetables, bathroom tissue, sparkling water and paper…

Restaurants to Congress: We need more funding

April 9, 2020

The National Restaurant Association told Congressional leaders Thursday morning that while the COVID-19 relief funds they passed are a vital tool to help…

Rubio's, Cowboy Chicken, Boston Market have Easter dinner covered

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Many Americans typically spend Easter Sunday at large family gatherings, which isn't possible this year with COVID-19 still running its course. Several fast…

El Pollo Loco rescinds annual outlook on 1.5% Q1 sales drop

April 9, 2020

The 480-unit mostly Western U.S. chain, El Pollo Loco, reported that its Q1 sales fell 1.5% for the period that ended March 25. Still, before the pandemic…

Starbucks withdraws fiscal 2020 guidance due to coronavirus

April 9, 2020

Starbucks Corp. on Wednesday withdrew its guidance for fiscal 2020 on account of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a shareholder letter from Kevin Johnson…

Panera launches grocery service

April 8, 2020

Panera customers may now add a few groceries to their coffee orders thanks to the launch of Panera Grocery. Leveraging the Panera supply network, the program…

Starbucks commits $10M to help employees

April 8, 2020

Starbucks has committed $10 million to establish the Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Program as part of its ongoing efforts to support…

Zaxby's, Bruegger's Bagels go the family route

April 8, 2020

In an effort to meet the needs of families sheltering at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, two eateries are offering up customized family offerings.

Jolt Software giving free access to COVID-19 checklists

April 8, 2020

Jolt Software, a company that helps restaurants and businesses achieve food safety, team accountability and employee performance is allowing restaurants to…

Restaurant industry pulling together to battle pandemic

Bradley Cooper chats with Cherryh Cansler, editor of FastCasual, about how restaurants and foodservice vendors are coming together to help one another as well…

Wingstop sees Q1 same-store sales boost despite COVID-related shift

April 7, 2020

Wingstop Inc. released preliminary fiscal first-quarter results showing a boost in same-store business following the switch to takeout and delivery due to the…

SoBol CEO, franchisee not giving up during COVID-19

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Sobol Co-founder Jason Mazzarone is doing everything he can to help his 6-year-old business survive.