Pumpkin spice, iced drinks drive Starbucks Q4 sales

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Cold coffee beverages accounted for nearly 80% of total beverage sales in U.S company-operated stores, and the pumpkin spice platform was up 17%.

Chip Cookies bakes up plans for 500 stores in 5 years

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Chip Cookies has 10 units in Utah and Idaho. The brand's leadership plans to open 500 stores in the next five years.

Why 1 DC taco joint is franchising after 11 years

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

After 11 years in business, Washington D.C.-based TaKorean, a fast casual brand serving Korean flavors with a Latin-American twist founded as a food truck in…

Why 2022 is 'one sweet year' for Cinnaholic

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Although 2022 is only half-baked, Cinnaholic is cooking with gas, opening 11 locations, with an additional 15 projected to open by year's end. This year's…

P.F. Chang's, Shipley Do-Nuts, WOWorks, Oath Pizza share ways to lure multi-unit operators

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Franchisors need strong listening and communication skills, as well as a strong brand foundation, when looking to partner with multi-unit franchisees.

Taco Del Mar ready to grow with local focus, great food

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Taco Del Mar once had upwards of 300 stores. Now, wth just under 100, and new ownership, the brand is eager to grow with a local focus and great food.

Chick-fil-A, P.F. Chang's, IHOP leaders share tips for successful franchisor-franchisee connection

Top restaurant brands offer insight on what factors are critical in developing a successful franchisor-franchisee relationship.

Savannah Seafood Shack boiling nationwide

The restaurant, which has been featured on the Cooking Channel, Food Network and the Travel Channel, is scouting for locations in the the top 40 media markets…

FAT Brands CEO denies fraud allegations, looks forward to growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Andy Wiederhorn said his lawyers will prove his innocence and that FAT Brands is growing strong.

Mici Italian has big plans for 2022

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Mici Italian has seven units in the Denver area. The company is poised for growth and has plans to double its size in 2022.

Friendly's getting friendly with fast casual prototype

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Friendly's CEO describes why it was time for the brand to join the fast casual world.

Fusian founders launching chicken concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Hunny Bee’s is the third restaurant concept for Ohio-based Paceline Restaurant Partners, which also owns the sushi concept, Fusian, and The Wizard of Za, a…

Roll-Em-Up Taquitos on a franchising fast track

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Roll-Em-Up Taquitos has three stores open, but 11 deals for 80 units in the works. With regional expansion plans, the company might just be coming to a center…

Famous Toastery relaunches franchising, doubling presence by 2024

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

After surviving the pandemic, Famous Toastery is poised to grow out of its home market of Charlotte, expanding into Virginia and Tennessee, and two of its…

Upscale Indian restaurant launching fast casual spinoff

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

After establishing himself as a leader on the Indian restaurant scene in Georgia with his fine-dining restaurant — Sankranti — Srivivasa "Nimms" Nimmagadda is…

COVID-19 forces Soupergirl to close cafes, embrace retail

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Although COVID-19 forced Soupergirl to close its two cafes, the mother-daughter duo behind the Washington D.C. company is doubling its revenue in 2022 thanks…

Experts share insight on keeping franchisees happy

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

A top challenge for franchisors is keeping franchisees engaged, happy and aligned with brand goals. Experts offered up tips and best practices to do just that…

Multi-unit franchisors talk expansion plans, issues plaguing growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Franchising can be difficult in the best of times, but add in supply chain issues, labor shortages and a pandemic and it can be downright impossible. A panel…

Franchise experts offer insight, best practices for attaining success

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Four franchise industry leaders shared tips, insight and best practices for achieving success as a franchise and franchisee at the 2021 Restaurant Franchising…

Why vampires, secret agents are taking delivery gigs

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Josh Sugarman, chief experience officer and founder of Codename Burg3r and Vampire (dot) Pizza, describes his concepts as "an entirely new type of restaurant…