Panera announces CEO stepping down, acquirement of Au Bon Pain

November 9, 2017

Panera CEO Ron Shaich will step down as CEO effective Jan. 1, 2018, allowing him to better allocate his time between Panera; initiatives for JAB, which…

To franchise or not: &Pizza, Blaze CEOs debate which business model is best

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Jim Mizes and Michael Lastoria debate franchising vs sticking with a company-owned business model.

Firenza Pizza going to Kansas City

November 7, 2017

Firenza Pizza is set to open its first Kansas City, Missouri, restaurant Tuesday in the Shops At Boardwalk at 8624 N. Boardwalk Ave., according to a company…

Muscle Maker Grill inks 10-unit deal for Kuwait

November 7, 2017

Muscle Maker Grill has inked a franchise agreement to open 10 locations throughout Kuwait, marking its first international territory. Committed to providing…

DMK Burger Bar signs 1st franchise deal

November 6, 2017

Chicago's DMK Burger Bar has signed its first franchise partner, Carolyn Michael, according to a company press release. Michael, who is a multi-unit operator…

Jon Smith making global debut in UK

November 3, 2017

Jon Smith Subs is going global opening its first international location early next year in Kingston, an area of southwest London, England. It's partnered with…

Chicken Salad Chick opening 17th Georgia unit

November 3, 2017

Chicken Salad Chick is expanding in Georgia with the opening of a restaurant in Statesboro. Marking the Peach State's 17th Chicken Salad Chick, the Statesboro…

Tijuana Flats expanding presence in Carolinas with 2 openings

November 3, 2017

Tijuana Flats is leaving its mark on the Carolinas with the opening last week of its first location in Lexington, South Carolina, which precedes a Nov. …

Vapiano opens mountain-view location in Southern France

November 3, 2017

Vapiano has opened its 14th location under the ownership of Salvatore Perri, this one in the Marseille region of southern France, a news release said. The new…

Rising Roll Cafe sets sights on Nashville

November 2, 2017

On the heels of signing an agreement for the development of three locations in Memphis, Rising Roll Cafe, an Atlanta-based gourmet sandwich concept has turned…

Dog Haus serving only 'hormone-, antibiotic-free meats'

November 2, 2017

Dog Haus announced this week a major companywide shift to exclusively using all natural, vegetarian-fed pork, chicken, turkey and beef raised without…

Irish burger brand launching in Germany

November 1, 2017

Rocket, an Ireland-based fast casual burger brand, is taking on the German market thanks to a partnership between its parent company — Rocket Restaurants…

Buffalo Wild Wings names former Church’s Chicken exec to SVP of global supply chain

November 1, 2017

Buffalo Wild Wings has named Barry Barnett as its senior vice president of global supply chain.

Kitchen Fund invests in Curry Up Now

October 31, 2017

Kitchen Fund, a restaurant investor that provides financial capital and operational expertise to emerging restaurant brands, has invested an undisclosed sum in…

Freddy's opens 4 units across 4 states

October 31, 2017

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is opening four restaurants today in Georgia, Indiana, Illinois and Texas, according to a company press…

Halloween scaring up food freebies across the nation

Halloween is easily one of the most popular holidays for brands hoping to engage customers with freebies.

Creamistry continues California expansion

October 27, 2017

Creamistry, a California-based chain that specializes in made-to-order liquid nitrogen ice cream, is opening a unit next month in Glendora, California. The…

Grabbagreen expands Cali footprint

October 27, 2017

Grabbagreen is opening its fourth California location Sunday in Orange in the Town and Country Shopping Center at 763 S. Main Street. Conehead Investments…

Main Squeeze Juice Co coming to Houston

October 27, 2017

Main Squeeze Juice Co. is headed to Houston. The New Orleans-based franchise will open its first area store in December in the Meadows Marketplace at 6825 S.

Dickey's taking on the Middle East

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

October 26, 2017

After 75 years in business, Dickey's Barbecue Pit is going global. The nearly 600-unit chain has partnered with Middle Eastern hospitality group, Serenity…