5 million is not enough: Panera extends pizza line

January 13, 2021

You will excuse Panera leaders if lately they seem to be smiling a lot more, after revealing that sales of their flatbread pizzas — introduced in late October…

Wing it On debuts thigh wings, 1st Georgia location

January 12, 2021

Waterbury, Connecticut-based Wing It On has rolled out thigh wings for a limited time, available in store, online or via the WIO mobile app. Third-party…

Fast casuals debuting healthy menu options

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

California-based brands Rubio's and Fatburger are offering vegetarian options, and Freebirds, based in Austin, has debuted cauliflower rice. Juice It Up has…

Restaurant transactions improve 27 points from April rates

January 8, 2021

The U.S. restaurant industry closed one of the most unpopular years in history moving its way out of the steepest declines the industry has experienced since…

Your Pie goes on a health kick

January 8, 2021

Your Pie is ushering in 2021 with a health-centered addition to its Craft Series, Healthy Choices, a news release said.

How fried chicken is laying 'golden eggs' across US

Wanna know what fried chicken brand got the most store visits in 2020? Read on.

Tc4 & Co. Hospitality acquires Mighty Fine Burgers Fries & Shakes

January 7, 2021

Tc4 & Co. Hospitality has acquired fellow Austin-based restaurant chain Mighty Fine Burgers Fries & Shakes, formerly owned by K&N Management…

Flame Broiler debuts online ordering, redesigns serving ware

January 7, 2021

Korean fast casual Flame Broiler now offers customers online ordering and has been busy redesigning both serving bowls and updating its kimchi offering.

Smoothie King posts record growth in 2020 despite pandemic

January 6, 2021

Smoothie King, the world's largest smoothie brand, opened a record 263 stores globally in 2020, despite the challenges of the global pandemic, according to a…

Shake Shack launches Korean-style chicken sandwich

January 5, 2021

Drawing inspiration from South Korean flavors, ingredients and techniques, Shake Shack has added Korean-style fried chicken to the menu. Available through…

El Pollo Loco, Yogurtland, Barberitos launch resolution-inspired LTOs

January 5, 2021

California-based fast casuals — Yogurtland and El Pollo Loco — as well as Georgia-based Barberitos have created limited-time offers to help customers keep…

Dog Haus including virtual brands in Chef Collaboration Series

December 29, 2020

Dog Haus is taking its Chef Collaboration Series to the next level with the addition of spin-off creations made exclusively for The Absolute Brands — a…

The 2021 menu battle: Comfort food vs healthier options

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Menu trends experts from Panera Bread, Buffalo Wild Wings, Luna Grill, Culinary Tides, Qdoba and Pure Green predict the coming year's top menu trends.

Relief is at hand: Legislators OK $900B COVID-era relief package

Legislators have singed a $900 billion deal to provide pandemic-era relief to individuals and businesses, including restaurants nationally.

Noodles & Co testing ravioli, tortelloni

December 17, 2020

Noodles & Co is testing ravioli and tortelloni dishes at 21 locations in Colorado, Illinois and Ohio. "Our new ravioli and tortelloni dishes offer a…

Qdoba's Mexican Cauliflower Mash coming to all US stores

December 15, 2020

By Dec. 22, Qdoba's Mexican Cauliflower Mash will be available in all U.S. locations, following its recent test on menus in Indianapolis. Created daily and…

QSR transaction numbers help temper November US restaurant sales declines

December 9, 2020

Even with COVID cases surging throughout the U.S. and some states reducing restaurant capacity, customer transaction declines at major restaurant chains…

Florida's largest food hall opening in spring

December 9, 2020

A 150,000-square-foot food hall focused on food and art will open this spring in Delray Beach less than a block south of Atlantic Avenue. The Menin Development…

Curry Up Now serving low-proof cocktails

December 8, 2020

Curry Up Now is introducing six low-proof cocktails to its menu at all San Francisco Bay Area locations as part of its Mortar & Pestle bar brand, a craft…

Meijer generating 250K restaurant-provided holiday meals

December 3, 2020

Meijer recently launched a holiday meal program designed to support local restaurants and show appreciation for its frontline store and distribution center…