Franchising News & Media

Island Fin Poké opening first Illinois location in Downers Grove

July 7, 2021

Island Fin Poke, a fast casual restaurant known for Hawaiian style build-your-own poke bowls, plans to open its first Illinois location in Downers Grove Market…

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Bonchon leaning into fast casual format

July 7, 2021

Thanks to a shift in operational initiatives, Bonchon, which has been serving Korean fried chicken in a casual dining environment since 2002, is outpacing most…

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PF Chang's expanding to-go model

July 6, 2021

Although known for serving upscale Asian food, P.F. Chang's entered the limited-service market last year with its first to-go concept and is stoking the fire…

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Pieology fires up 1st UK store

July 6, 2021

Tustin, California-based Pieology has opened its first store in the United Kingdom, which it said in a news release is part of its efforts to spread the…

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Slim Chickens adding to Maryland presence

July 6, 2021

Slim Chickens, a fast casual franchise featuring dine-in and drive-thru service, has added a location in Bowie, Maryland, under the direction of D&D Slims…

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BurgerFi ramping up growth via 3 channels

July 6, 2021

After going public in December 2020 and being named FastCasual's 2021 Brand of the Year, BurgerFi International Inc. is expanding its presence through three…

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Pokemoto launches app, online ordering

July 6, 2021

Pokemoto, a 14-location poke concept owned by Muscle Maker Grill Inc., is expanding its digital presence via a partnership with Snackpass, a social e-commerce…

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Chicken Salad Chick continues growth in Kentucky

July 2, 2021

On the heels of its Paducah, Kentucky, debut just last month, Chicken Salad Chick will open another Kentucky location July 14 in Hopkinsville at 4014 Ft.

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The Habit Burger Grill aims for growth in East, West Coast markets

July 2, 2021

The Habit Burger Grill, a fast casual chain specializing in charbroiled hamburgers, plans to continue expansion, hitting markets in New England, California…

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Modern Market Eatery looks to hit more campuses after Notre Dame success

July 1, 2021

Modern Market Eatery, a fast casual restaurant offering nutritious menu items, plans to expand to more college campus prompted by recent success at the…

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Lucky's Hot Chicken hatching major growth plans

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although it's less than 1 year old, Dallas-based Lucky's Hot Chicken ain't cluckin' around. With two locations open, it's on target to open five more next year…

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Bellagreen testing carry-out, delivery-only prototype

July 1, 2021

Bellagreen, a fast casual brand featuring salads, burgers, pasta, tacos, dessert and wine, is testing a carryout and delivery-only prototype in Houston.

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Pancheros opening in Bismarck mall

July 1, 2021

Pancheros Mexican Grill is opening at the Kirkwood Mall in Bismarck, North Dakota, marking the area's third location, according to a company press release.

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Lego Master Builder promoting Shake Shack's latest opening

July 1, 2021

Shake Shack is opening its ninth Massachusetts location Monday in Somerville at the base of Assembly Row's newest residential building, Miscela, at 35…

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Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh touches down at Salt Lake City airport

June 30, 2021

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, owned by WOWorks brand, partnered with OHM Concession Group LLC, to open a location Monday inside the Salt Lake City…

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Why South African pet retailers wrapped paws around Mutts Canine Cantina

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Pavan and Deeve Shree are opening the first franchised location of the fast casual cantina and dog park.

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Creator of 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation' co-creates drive-thru pizzeria

June 29, 2021

Scott Godino Jr., the founder of B.A.R. (Born And Raised) restaurant concept in Las Vegas, has partnered with Anthony E. Zuiker, who created the TV franchise…

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Junzi Kitchen founders opening permanent location of pop-up concept

June 29, 2021

Chef Lucas Sin has developed a new menu for Nice Day, the Chinese-American concept that he and Junzi Kitchen CEO Yong Zhao launched last summer as a pop-up…

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Curry Up Now ramps up Texas expansion

June 28, 2021

San Franciso-based Curry Up Now has signed a lease to open Austin's first location in Domain Northside, a mix-use retail space. Austin franchise partners…

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Hoots Wings opening 16 Philadelphia units

June 28, 2021

Thanks to a deal with ANZ Hospitality LLC, Hoots Wings is opening 16 units in the greater Philadelphia area as part of its five-year goal to build 50 locations…

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