Rising Roll reinvents image, franchising

April 19, 2017

Rising Roll is releasing a new restaurant design, a new logo, an expanded menu and an updated service model, according to a press release. Most importantly…

Mobile Vending University helps prepare food truck owners

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Mobile Vending University provides a certified course in operating a food truck in Pasco, Washington. The attendees are taught by subject matter experts in all…

Penn Station launches franchise incentive program

April 19, 2017

Penn Station East Coast Subs has launched a store opening incentive program to help fuel growth. Franchisees in designated markets that sign a lease this year…

Spring flavors now trending: Cherries, hot sauces and unicorns?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Menus across the globe are featuring a few spring trends this season, including ethnic flavors, fresh fruits and veggies, and innovative sauces.

If the F&B industry is slowing down in the UAE, why is rental cost still high?

by Murad Alnasur — Managing Director, FranchiseME / Restonalysis

Consultants should be able to give proper advice to landlords and owners to stop rental cost escalation. If not, be on the lookout for many closings and even…

Drnk coffee + tea, Qwench gearing up for growth

April 17, 2017

Drnk coffee + tea and Qwench juice bar have inked deals to grow in their home state of California, as well as in Texas and in the Middle East.

Slapfish opening in Albuquerque

April 17, 2017

Slapfish has finalized a two-unit franchise deal for the Albuquerque, New Mexico region. The first unit will open by fall of this year, according to a company…

How technology can improve ROI of maintaining foodservice equipment

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Foodservice equipment has long required multiple distribution levels. Managing equipment information on such equipment places a heavy burden on all players in…

HuHot Mongolian Grill opens 60th unit

April 13, 2017

HuHot opened its 60th unit this week. The Lawrence, Kansas location is owned and operated by HuHot's largest franchisee, FRC Group, which owns 22 units and has…

Q1 sales up at Juice it Up

April 13, 2017

Juice It Up's same-store first quarter sales increased 5 percent over Q1 the previous year, according to a company press release. The chain also maintained…

Is your restaurant the winner of the 'Perfect Pitch?'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

We are accepting entries for our third annual competition, The Perfect Pitch — aimed at owners of new fast casual concepts looking to pitch their brands to a…

Mixt expanding menu, opening 9th unit

April 13, 2017

Mixt is not only expanding to a ninth location this month, but it's also adding to the menu.  

The Halal Guys expanding in Jersey

April 13, 2017

The brick-and-mortar expansion of the New York halal food cart concept, The Halal Guys, continues with the opening of a unit at 2317 U.S. Route 22 in Union…

Free webinar: Is your franchise marketing strategy hurting or harming your brand?

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

How is your brand coming across with potential and existing franchisees? If you aren't sure or don't have a well-crafted strategy based on proven best…

Fazoli's adds 4 TravelCenters locations

April 12, 2017

Fazoli's and TA Restaurant Group signed a deal to open four units in Texas, Michigan, Connecticut and Oklahoma, according to a press release. TA Restaurat…

Memphis couple launches fast casual brand with organic, vegetarian menu

Mama Gaia, which means "Mother Earth" in ancient Greek, opened last month, offering vegetarian-friendly pitas, quinoa bowls and salads.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe ends Q1 with 4 percent increase in comps

April 12, 2017

Tropical Smoothie Cafe closed the first quarter of 2017, with positive comp sales of 4 percent and signed franchise agreements to open 30 restaurants…

Verts hires NYC agency, former Chipotle designer to refresh branding, voice

April 12, 2017

Verts Mediterranean Grill has hired Michael Talese as its creative director.

Rise Biscuits takes on Tennessee

April 12, 2017

Rise Biscuits Donuts is opening in Tennessee, signing a seven-unit deal with each opening over the next seven years. Real estate options are being explored for…

Uberrito hires development leader to drive franchise growth

April 11, 2017

Mexican fast casual Uberrito has named Peter Ortiz as its new chief development officer, tasking him with driving the brand’s national franchise strategy.