Hot chicken + hot deals: 2 ways QSRs are igniting 2020 sales

In this edition of the QSRweb podcast, Dave's Hot Chicken CEO Bill Phelps talks about building a brand on simple, but sizzling chicken sandwiches, while a…

Virtual Chef Challenge: Meatless is on the menu

Watch three fast casual chefs create original meatless recipes.

Bagels made from eggs only?

September 9, 2020

Einstein Bros. and Cuisine Solutions have created gluten-free Eggels, available Sept. 17 on Einstein menus across the country — excluding airport, hotels and…

Tropical Smoothie Cafe acquired by Levine Leichtman Capital

September 8, 2020

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, has acquired Tropical Smoothie Cafe LLC, which has more than 70 units in 44 states.

Chef gives 4 reasons to get on board with seafood

By Chef John Livera, consulting chef for Norwegian Seafood Council and president of Red Barn Kitchen in the Decatur Municipal Airport Seafood delivers on…

LTOs prove summer has staying power

Summer may be nearly over, but several fast casuals are hanging on with LTOs inspired by the season's freshest produce and hottest flavors.

Your Pie does hot chicken 'pizza-style'

August 17, 2020

Your Pie is getting in on the hot chicken craze with an LTO pumped full of spice and hot peppers. The Chicken Al Pastor pizza features house-made…

NRA applauds Sen Schumer's move to co-sponsor $120B Restaurants Act

New York Democrat and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is co-sponsoring the Restaurants Act -- a very good move, according to the NRA.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Fazoli's tap ghost kitchens to advance business

August 14, 2020

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is launching virtual kitchens as its latest franchise opportunity and plans to open the facilities in Chicago, Houston, Orlando and…

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill launches redesign

August 6, 2020

Since opening 16 years ago in South Beach, Florida, in an 800-square-foot store, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill now boasts 13 locations and this month updated its…

Dickey's Barbecue Pit food truck model grabbing big attention

August 3, 2020

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is expanding its food truck business with the development of seven truck units.

Walmart partners with Impossible Foods to offer customers meatless burger

July 31, 2020

Walmart is selling the Impossible Burger, made by Impossible Foods, in more than 2,000 stores as well as online and through its mobile app.

How Seafood chef is making the most out of 'chaotic times'

Sloane Emden, the corporate chef of Angry Crab Shack, said instead of resisting the changes spurred by the pandemic, chefs should adapt and reinforce their…

Starbucks swings to fiscal 3Q loss, but sees daylight

by David Jones — Editor, Networld Media Group

July 29, 2020

Starbucks Corp. swung to a fiscal third-quarter loss as the global coffee house continued to deal with the impact of COVID-19, although executives said the…

Is Chicago's Hey Sugar as good as it looks?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

"Hey, Sugar" is no longer only a term of endearment; it's a fast casual bakery in Geneva, Illinois, and the creation of Owner Sarika Singh, who opened the…

Yelp: Pandemic permanently closes nearly 16K restaurants

July 27, 2020

Sixty percent of the more than 26,000 restaurants that were temporarily shuttered by the pandemic will not reopen, according to the Yelp Economic Average…

Hungry Howie's pushes its borders, while Lavu puts a premium on online promotion

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

Hungry Howie's CEO joins today's podcast with the brand's plan to "move on out" around its Motown-area home and beyond. Then Lavu's CEO points to the…

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf gets 'Smashed'

July 22, 2020

Smashburger is serving a line of milkshakes created by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on Sunday to celebrate National Coffee Milkshake Day. A single-day promo…

3 ways healthy fast casuals can increase sales amid COVID-19

After months of eating pizza delivery or burger takeout, people are starting to get back on track with their healthy eating habits, and fast casuals can…

Rapid Fired LTO solves the 'pizza or barbecue' dilemna

July 21, 2020

With many of us in these warm summer days torn on dinner choices between ordering pizza and firing up the grill, Ohio-based Rapid Fired Pizza is providing…