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 — Publisher, 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 — Publisher, 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.

2 fast casual pizza brands exploring new territory

April 4, 2017

Build-your-own pizza brands, Pie Five and Blaze are adding to their unit counts this week.

Velvet Taco makes Austin debut

April 4, 2017

Velvet Taco has opened its first Austin unit  — the fourth in Texas — at 11501 Rock Rose Ave., in the trendy, art-infused Rock Rose development, according to a…

Wing It On spreading its wings with growth plan

April 3, 2017

Wing It On, a Connecticut-based fast casual brand, is on a growth mission. It opened its first unit outside its home state last year in Rock Hill, South…

Dickey's launches website honoring franchisees

April 3, 2017

Dickey's Barbecue Pit has launched its latest phase of technology development with a new website, www.smokedonsite.com. This companion website serves to…

Franchise focus: Gyroville delivers Greek traditions in fast casual setting

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

CEO Lambros Kokkinelis, delivering his family's Greek recipes in a fast casual setting, is on a mission to expand throughout the nation.