Laying it on thick: Sauce sales set to soar

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

By 2027, the culinary sauce market in the U.S. is projected to be worth nearly another $12 billion or $55.3 billion annually. A lot of that money will be spent…

Blendid teams with Jamba on robotic smoothie maker in Walmart store

December 2, 2020

Blendid, an autonomous, contactless robotic kiosk that offers fresh smoothies, has teamed with Jamba to introduce a co-branded kiosk at a Walmart in Dixon…

Clean Juice adds soup to the menu

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

December 1, 2020

Pure Green, Veggie Grill and Wow Wow have added winter-inspired menu items.

Smokey Bones adds some lift to Wing Experience

December 1, 2020

Casual dining brand, Smokey Bones, is doubling down its efforts with its nearly 1-year-old chicken wing virtual brand, The Wing Experience. The company said in…

Paris Baguette reveals 11 cakes of Christmas

November 30, 2020

Paris Baguette, a bakery-cafe specializing in pastries, breads and cakes, has created 11 festive cakes inspired by the holiday season featuring snowflakes…

Yes, Virginia, there is karma: Momofuku's David Chang wins 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'

Momofuku founder and celebrity restaurateur, David Chang, became the first celebrity to win "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." The winnings will help restaurant…

Chipotle testing brisket

November 30, 2020

Chipotle Mexican Grill is testing smoked brisket at 64 restaurants in Cincinnati and part of Sacramento, California. Chipotle's latest protein features smoked…

Paciugo Gelato drops cocoa bombs

November 24, 2020

Known for its Italian-style artisanal gelato, Paciugo Gelato Caffe is now offering handmade cocoa bombs that melt and release cocoa and marshmallows when hot…

Peet's Coffee teams up with 49ers on 'Faithful Blend'

November 20, 2020

Peet's Coffee and the San Francisco 49ers have teamed up to promote the chain's Faithful Blend. Crafted by Peet's, it embodies the same confidence, strength…

The 'winter (LTO) is coming'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Customers around the world may be forced to change their holiday plans because of the pandemic, but one constant that they can always count on is that their…

Beyond Meat launching 2 burger options

November 16, 2020

Beyond Meat Inc., which produces plant-based meat, is launching two versions of its Beyond Burger nationwide in early 2021. They will include the brand's…

You have a salad ... in a bar?

November 12, 2020

Innovation is a big part of most fast casual menus, and Washington D.C.-based Fresh Baguette is no exception. It created two salads, but the twist is that they…

In the Zaxby's sauce universe, it's good to be a jerk

November 11, 2020

Sandwich and dipping sauces are proving to be instrumental in the race for customers, and on that front one brand recently distinguished itself with hot and…

Muscle Maker expanding meal plan delivery service

November 11, 2020

Muscle Maker Inc., the parent company of Muscle Maker Grill, Healthy Joe's and MMG Burger Bar, is rolling out its meal plan service on a larger scale. Through…

Plant-based meat options: Why it's a big deal to customers

by Jana Zschieschang — CMO, RMS

Since COVID, one in five consumers reported making healthier eating choices, according to the International Food Information Council, and it appears swapping…

Tropical Smoothie Cafe launches app, menu, promotions for holidays

November 6, 2020

Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC known for its better-for-you-smoothies and food with a tropical twist, is debuting a mobile app refresh just in time for the…

Pita Mediterranean 'wrappin' in the streets

November 5, 2020

Pita Mediterranean Street Food has seen off-premise dining sales (including online orders and delivery) nearly triple since March when the pandemic hit the…

Auntie Anne's, McAlister's parent adds HR leader to board

November 5, 2020

Focus Brands, the parent company of Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli and Schlotzsky's, has appointed Barbara L.

Pieology donates 21K pies to food bank

November 3, 2020

Pieology Pizzeria donated more than 21,000 chicken crust pizzas to Sante Fe, New Mexico-based food bank, a news release said. The pizzas have 44 grams of…

The lowdown on upcoming menu trends: McAlister's, Ike's, other restaurateurs weigh in

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

On the menu trend flavor front, searing "heat" is turning to smoke, while coffee is sliding over to make room for tea, and customers are trading in exotic…