Hurricane Grill & Wings launches fast casual model

September 28, 2020

FAT Brands Inc., the parent company of Fatburger and eight other restaurant concepts, is opening a Hurricane Grill & Wings in Chula Vista, California. It…

I Heart Mac & Cheese adding to Florida, Georgia

September 28, 2020

I Heart Mac & Cheese is opening a store in Pooler, Georgia, and another in Winter Park, Florida, under restaurant industry veteran franchisee Dona Chavis.

Dave's Hot Chicken continues SoCal expansion

September 25, 2020

Los Angeles-based Dave's Hot Chicken is adding a sixth unit Monday when it opens at 1350 E. Colorado St., in Glendale, California.

Trend-Toppers Edition: Starring Starbird, 'star' plants

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

In the annals for hot food trends, chicken and plant-based menu items are definitely having their "moments." For proof, look no further than chicken-centric…

Utah food hall welcomes chef Marc Marrone as partner

September 24, 2020

SkinnyFATS founder Reed Allen Slobusky is teaming up with Las Vegas-based Chef Marc Marrone and Todd Lunger — who co-own Graffiti Hospitality — to add concepts…

Slim Chickens hatches 10-unit deal

September 24, 2020

Slim Chickens, based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, has inked a 10-unit deal with The Davis Group to open in Jackson, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. The…

Blaze Pizza to add 2 Idaho units

September 24, 2020

Blaze Pizza said franchisees, Denny, Drew and Chase Wagstaff have taken over existing locations of the brand in Meridian, Eagle and Nampa, Idaho and plan to…

Qdoba ready to grow

September 23, 2020

Qdoba Mexican Eats has launched a franchise initiative focused on building out regions in Arizona, Southern California, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Nevada, New…

Curry Up Now expanding Georgia footprint

September 23, 2020

Curry Up Now has opened the doors at its second location in the greater Atlanta area. The restaurant — at 915 Memorial Dr., SE Suite 210 in the Madison Yards…

Japan home to 50 Jambas by 2025

September 23, 2020

Jamba has signed a 50-unit deal for Japan with Adastria Eat Creations Inc. — a subsidiary of one of the largest fashion and apparel companies in Japan. The…

The Local Culinary adds 5 brands to portfolio

September 23, 2020

Following the launch of its ghost kitchen franchise model in July, The Local Culinary has added five brands to its roster of offerings, which includes 5…

Mendocino Farms opens 34th unit

September 23, 2020

Mendocino Farms, a fast casual sandwich and salad shop based in Southern California, opened Wednesday in Mission Valley, marking the chain's fifth location in…

Savory adds The Crack Shack to portfolio

September 22, 2020

Savory has invested in Southern California's The Crack Shack, marking Savory's first investment since the close of its inaugural $90 million fund, according to…

Fatburger adds Washington location

September 21, 2020

FAT Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger and Buffalo's Express, is opening a co-branded Fatburger and Buffalo's Express in George, Washington. Located a…

SoFresh expanding in Tampa

September 17, 2020

Tampa-based SoFresh, an emerging fast casual concept, has finalized plans to open Carrollwood and Lakeland locations in the fall, said John Williams Jr.…

Carrabba’s Italian Grill co-founder expanding fast casual concept

Chef and Restaurateur Damian Mandola, co-founder of Carrabba's Italian Grill, and Paul Avery, president and CEO of the World of Beer Bar & Kitchen chain and…

Paris Baguette expanding amid pandemic

September 17, 2020

As the pandemic continues, Paris Baguette has not halted its franchise sales expansion. The chain has signed two franchise deals in Brea and West Covina…

El Pollo Loco donating $100K to Latina-owned small businesses

September 17, 2020

El Pollo Loco Inc. is honoring its Hispanic heritage and Los Angeles roots by donating $100,000 to Latina-owned small businesses in Los Angeles during Hispanic…

Consistency in Restaurant Expansion

A major part of successful growth is providing the same experience to guests no matter which location they visit.

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Former McDonald's franchisee expanding Chicken Salad Chick in Oklahoma

September 16, 2020

Auburn, Alabama-based Chicken Salad Chick is expanding in Oklahoma with its newest restaurant in Chisholm Creek, according to a company press release. Located…