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.

Firenza snatches up Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria

April 11, 2017

Virginia-based Firenza has acquired Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria, a seven-unit fast casual pizza chain based in California that will assume Firenza branding by…

Lemonade Restaurant Group taps Mediterranean Cuisine Operating Co.’s Kelly Hansen

April 10, 2017

Lemonade Restaurant Group, a Los Angeles-based fast casual restaurant company that serves seasonal California cuisine, has named Kelly Hansen as senior…

How fast food can be good food: London's LEON co-founder shares strategy for success

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

LEON CEO John Vincent, who will keynote the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit being held July 18-20 in London, talks with FastCasual about how he…

BONMi opens second NYC location

April 6, 2017

BONMi has opened its second location in New York City, this time on 23rd Street, according to a press release. The concept, which draws inspiration from…

Salata to open 2 hometown restaurants

April 5, 2017

Salata is adding two units in its hometown of Houston this week.

Which Wich making London debut

April 5, 2017

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches is making its United Kingdom debut this year as part its focus on expanding its global presence. While Europe has been uncharted…

Panel puts franchise marketing under the microscope

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Finding the right individuals to become franchise owners requires a well -structured marketing and recruitment program. Four veterans offered their insights…

Panera Bread Company sold to JAB

April 5, 2017

JAB has controlling stakes in Keurig Green Mountain, Peet's Coffee & Tea, Caribou Coffee Company, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and…

From food trucks to food halls: Slapfish founder launches 2 concepts

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Chef Andrew Gruel, who opened his first concept — Slapfish — as a food truck, has just launched two concepts inside an Orange County food hall.