Extra! Extra! How the odd pairing of newspapers and pizza built a successful brand for Pizza Press

by Nicole Troxell — Associate Editor, Networld Media Group

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Read about how two seemingly unrelated concepts - pizza and newspapers - have merged together to create a brand experience at…

Persona slated to open 3 locations in southeast

Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria has inked a development agreement for three restaurants in the Southeastern United States, including South Carolina, North Carolina…

Your Pie looking for national growth in the midst of fast casual pizza boom

With 22 units open, Your Pie is hoping to break out of the Southeast and go nationwide.

Are grocery and c-stores a threat or opportunity for fast casual restaurants?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

While new offerings may put some grocery stores and c-stores in direct competition with fast casual brands, new partnerships also present new opportunities for…

Potatopia is pushing potatoes to the center of the plate

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

With a goal of more than doubling Potatopia's unit count in 2015, Alan Dikker has his sights set on elevating the lowly spud.

Stutz ready to gear up growth for McAlister's

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

McAlister's Deli plans to add 30 new locations in 2015, and Carin Stutz, its new president, would like to step up the pace even more.

North Dakota oil boom spurs fast casual restaurant growth

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Thanks at least in part to its energy sector, it makes sense for North Dakota to be on the radar for restaurant developers.

Is Panera 2.0 starting to pay off?

by Nicole Troxell — Associate Editor, Networld Media Group

Panera will report on its Q4 and FY 2014 earnings on Feb. 12, and the question on everyone's mind is, "How's that 2.0 thing going?" We sat down with Panera's…

The top five fast casual stories for January 2015

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The top stories in January centered on restaurants poised for breakout years through franchising and growth; the secrets to Starbucks' success and CEOs' takes…

Juice It Up! gears up for aggressive expansion under new VP

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The California-based juice bar and smoothie concept hired its first-ever VP of Business Development in November, and Laina Sullivan is ready to take it…

Is Zoës Kitchen poised for a breakout year?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Going public landed $42 million on the Mediterranean-inspired concept's balance sheet, and Zoës Kitchen is ready to put those dollars to work growing its…

Strong growth ahead in 2015, predicts the IFA, but threats are looming

While the economic forecast is strong, headwinds caused by the NRLB's joint employer ruling, minimum wage hikes and ACA implementation could curtail QSR…

Pond: Poised to make a splash in 2015

This could be the breakout year for Hunter Pond and his East Hampton Sandwich Co. The young entrepreneur's three-unit chain is set to double its footprint in…

The four 'Cs' driving Jason's Deli's success

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Jason's Deli racks up around $2.5M in AUVs. It's achieving that success by sticking with its core strengths, listening to customers, maintaining control and…

Secrets to successful restaurant site selection

Tour prospective sites in order from worst to best, which will allow you to become more confident, ask better questions and be more in control of the leasing…

Smashburger CMO: Better burgers are here to stay

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Smashburger grew by about 20 percent this year, and it's likely it will continue that pace next year, according to newly-appointed CMO Josh Kern.

COO: Newk's riding high on 'second wave' of fast casual

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Jim Greco, newly-appointed COO of Newk’s Franchise Company, sees an opportunity for the chain to supplant early leaders like Panera thanks to culinary-driven…

Who's the boss? Tips for avoiding joint employer liability

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Franchisors must clearly define their roles to exclude control over the terms and/or conditions of franchisee's employees.

Is it possible to deliver fine dining experience for $10?

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Frank Klein, CEO of Asian Box, thinks it's possible. The Asian concept sources sustainable ingredients, makes its own sauces and butchers its own meat.

E-2 visa leads UK entrepreneur to California dream

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Franchising is an ideal fit for many foreign entrepreneurs seeking to live and work in the US.