4 menu trends fast casual operators should master

These four trends are continuing to grow in popularity, and here’s how and why you should play with them on your menu.

Presented by FastCasual.com

Zoup! broth now sold in 7,000 stores

December 4, 2019

Zoup! Good, Really Good Broth, a certified organic broth product, is now in over 7,000 stores after the brand signed up more than 2,400 new supermarket…

Cook's Tortas jumps into franchising with Fransmart's help

December 3, 2019

Fast casual Mexican sandwich brand,Cook's Tortas, is launching a franchise program with the help of development company, Fransmart.

Main Squeeze Juice expands New Orleans footprint

November 26, 2019

Main Squeeze Juice Co., which opened its initial store in New Orleans, is planning to add another location in early 2020. The store will be located at 82…

Fast casual LTOs hitting the sweet spot

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Holidays are a time of indulgence, which is why a plethora of fast casual chains from coffee concepts to sandwich joints, have released winter menus inspired…

Moe’s Southwest Grill 'all-digital/kiosk-only' restaurants coming to Pittsburgh, Charlottesville

November 20, 2019

Moe's Southwest Grill will introduce its first two "All-Digital/Kiosk-Only" locations in the first quarter in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Charlottesville…

Webinar to explore food safety excellence

'How to achieve excellence in food safety: Best practices to drive your food safety performance' on Dec. 5 will be sponsored by Steritech.

Chipotle's carne asada is here to stay — for now

November 14, 2019

Chipotle Mexican Grill is extending its latest menu addition, carne asada, through the end of the year and into the first quarter of 2020. Originally…

2ndKitchen seed funding hits $4.35M

November 14, 2019

2ndKitchen, which provides a kitchenless custom dining experience, has raised $4.35 million in its seed funding round, according to a press release.

Delivering a frictionless guest experience: one size doesn't fit all

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Technology allows restaurants to deliver a better guest experience, but companies still need to test new solutions since no one tool meets all companies…

The Dolly Llama signs franchise group to expand ice cream waffle brand nationwide

November 11, 2019

The Dolly Llama, which operates four ice cream waffle outlets in Los Angeles, recently signed DCV Franchise Group as its franchising partner to expand the…

Burgerville exec: 'Sustainability isn't just for plant-based burgers'

November 7, 2019

As plant-based meat options continue to appear on fast casual menus in an effort to offer customers more sustainable options, Burgerville is making its own…

10-year outlook: commercial foodservice poised for growth as away-from-home dining expands

November 5, 2019

The commercial foodservice industry will continue to expand as Americans eat more meals away from home, but operators face a host of challenges from a more…

Dog Haus, Ike's, Zoup leaders say being trendy is definitely not 'where it's at'

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

The name of the game now in limited-service menu innovation has less to do with following the waves of trends that regularly sweep through food service and…

Chowbotics upgrades robotic salad making kiosk

October 31, 2019

Chowbotics has introduced Sally 2.0, the newest iteration of its fresh food robot, which first came to market in 2018 and is in action at more than 7…

2019 Perfect Pitch winner: 'Best fried chicken in the land of fried chicken'

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

Louisville, Kentucky brand, Royals Hot Chicken is not only a hot commodity in its fried chicken-steeped home base, but also managed to burn up the competition…

Fatburger following the plant-based road

October 29, 2019

Although most known for its beef burgers, Fatburger has been catering to vegans lately. The Los Angeles-based chain, owned by Fat Brands, added a plant-based…

Chipotle prepping for Boorito time, running low on carne asada LTO

October 28, 2019

This year, like for the past 19 years, Chipotle Mexican Grill is celebrating Halloween with its "Boorito" event which offers discounts to customers wearing a…

Chef Chatter: How one high-end chef brought shawarma to San Diego's fast casual scene

Chef Ibrahim wanted to expand his culinary passion by bringing one of the most popular Middle Eastern street foods, shwarma, to San Diego at Simsim Outstanding…

LemonShark Poke installs self-serve beer tap at Florida location

October 25, 2019

LemonShark Poke, a fast casual restaurant chain, has installed a six-tap self-serve beer tap at its recently opened location in West Palm Beach, Florida…