LEON adding to US footprint

September 20, 2019

Just more than a year after London-based LEON brought its natural fast-food concept across the pond with a downtown Washington, D.C., location, and a month…

&pizza set to 'Zume' into new markets with mobile kitchens

September 19, 2019

D.C.-based brand 36-unit, &pizza, has paired up with Zume, Inc., to deploy Zume Forward Mobile Kitchens to expand in new markets, as well as to test…

3 fast casuals entering new markets

Chicken Salad Chick is opening in Virginia, Melt Shop is entering Florida and Jollibee is expanding into Calgary, Canada.

Muscle Maker buys back franchised unit

September 19, 2019

Muscle Maker Grill has acquired of one of its previously franchise-owned locations in Midtown Manhattan. Located at 1099 2nd Ave., the store is one of the…

Mooyah franchisee adds 4th location

September 19, 2019

Texas-based Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes opened this week in the Boston area at 199 Boston Road #8 in North Billerica, Massachusetts. The Billerica…

Teamwork makes the dream work when it comes to menu innovation

Würstmacher Adam Gertler, of Dog Haus, discusses the science and art behind the chain's Chef Collaboration Series, which invites chefs from a variety of…

Rapid Fired Pizza Comes to UD District

Rapid Fired Pizza is proud to announce a brand new restaurant that will be opening this Fall.  The newest Rapid Fired Pizza will be located at 1200 Brown…

Canada's Assembli expanding to Toronto

September 18, 2019

With three locations in British Columbia and Ontario, Assembli, a fast casual pizza and salad chain, is adding five units to the greater Toronto area.

Capriotti’s inks deal for 17 locations

September 17, 2019

Captriotti's Sandwich Shop has signed a franchise deal for 17 locations across several states, including Montana, Arizona, Idaho and Washington, by the end of…

Fransmart taps former Five Guys leader for consultant role

September 17, 2019

Scott Goodrich, a former longtime Five Guys Burgers & Fries executive, has been tapped to serve as COO and partner in King Street Advisors, the newly…

Zaxby's franchisee secures funding to add third unit

September 13, 2019

A Zaxby's franchisee has received a $2.1 million loan from TD Bank's U.S. Small Business Administration Lending Group to add to its locations.

Why illy Caffè North America COO isn't afraid to compete with Starbucks

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Barry Sheldon, president and COO for illy Caffè North America, is buzzed about the company's expansion plan for North America.

2 fast casual chicken chains adding to southern presence

September 13, 2019

Popeyes may be having a chicken sandwich shortage, but two up-and-coming fast casual chicken chains don't seem to be having an issue. Celebrity Chef Guy…

Captain D's reopens Kentucky unit damaged by fire

September 11, 2019

Captain D's is reopening its franchised location in Frankfort, Kentucky, just five months after it was damaged in a fire in February 2018, according to a…

Shaq expanding Big Chicken to Cali

September 11, 2019

Big Chicken — NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal's fast casual chicken restaurant —  is opening a second location by year's end at 252 South Brand in Glendale…

Giardino, Chop Chop Rice announce expansion plans

September 10, 2019

Two fast casual chains — Giardino Gourmet Salads and Chop Chop Rice Co. —  are celebrating their 15th birthdays this month with major growth plans.

Garden Fresh Restaurants adds to leadership team

September 9, 2019

Garden Fresh Restaurants, owner of 97 Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes restaurants, has appointed Nicole Bushnell as CMO and John Gigliotti as vice…

Huey Magoo's opens in Daytona Beach

September 9, 2019

Following nine openings in Central Florida, Huey Magoo's is now open in Daytona Beach, Florida today, President and CEO Andy Howard in in a company press…

Celebrity chef opening vegan fast casual inside Whole Foods

September 9, 2019

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Spike Mendelsohn is opening a vegan fast casual eatery, PLNT Burger, this week inside Whole Foods Market in Silver Spring…

Jamba inks 16-unit deal with former baseball player

September 5, 2019

Jamba, which dropped the "Juice" from its name in June, has signed an agreement with Dustin King, a third-generation millennial franchise, to open 1…