Moe's throwing queso shade at Chipotle - again

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

February 28, 2020

While McDonald's and Wendy's are engaged in a breakfast battle, Moe's Southwest Grill is throwing shade at Chipotle, which launched a new queso offering this…

Qdoba, California Tortilla upping their app games

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

California Tortilla and Qdoba have launched mobile app upgrades.

Champion boxer, NFL player hosting Ike's Love & Sandwiches event

February 19, 2020

World champion boxer Andre Ward and NFL player Marshawn Lynch will host a special event Feb. 20 at Ike's Love & Sandwiches latest store at the University…

Chipotle goes all in for hockey

February 18, 2020

Chipotle Mexican Grill is treating hockey fans to freebies Friday with its "Wear Your Hockey Jersey" program. Fans dressed in their fave hockey jerseys can…

Chipotle goes 'Gauc Mode'

February 12, 2020

We've heard of beast mode, but Chipotle is taking it to "Guac Mode," giving free guac to its more than 8.5 million Chipotle Rewards members. To celebrate the…

10 ways to make your customers heart you on Valentine’s Day

by Kristi Turner, Compeat, Kristi Turner — CMO, Compeat

About 32% of Americans will visit a restaurant on Valentine's Day, and it's not just for coulples. Single men will spend an average of $71, while single woman…

Smashburger taps Partners + Napier to fuel 'major brand restoration'

February 4, 2020

Smashburger, which has 300 locations, has selected integrated creative company Partners + Napier as creative and media agency of record following a competitive…

Einstein Bros makes play for Pizza Day

February 3, 2020

Sunday may officially be National Pizza Day, but that isn't holding a fast casual bagel brand back from throwing its decidedly "hole-y" self into the game.

Starbucks adds 33 markets to delivery route

January 31, 2020

Starbucks and Uber Eats have added 33 markets to its delivery program, making the service available in 49 markets across 29 U.S. states. New cities…

Fast casual in it to win it on Super Bowl Sunday

Restaurant brands are gearing up for the big game with specials and LTOs.

Snap Kitchen debuts free shipping, Whole Foods Market launch

January 31, 2020

Snap Kitchen is launching free ground shipping across 38 states and debuting its chef-prepared meals in dozens of Whole Foods Market stores across Louisiana…

Starbucks goes all in on AI-enabled espresso machines

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Starbucks is rolling out 4,000 AI-enabled espresso machines.

Dillas Quesadillas founder on the value of following 'Jennifer' while feeding the 'Gator'

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

Dillas Quesadillas founder, Kyle Gordon, comes off as the kind of laid-back guy you'd have a beer with. But don't let looks deceive:This one-time college kid…

70% of your customers visit once and never return—here’s how to win them back

It’s been said time and time again—turning a first time visitor into a loyal customer is the ultimate win for any business.

Crack Shack reports security breach

January 27, 2020

The Crack Shack, which has six locations in California, reported a security breach Jan. 17 a store in Encinitas, which could affect customers's using their…

Chipotle scores partnership wtih soccer star Christian Pulisic

January 16, 2020

Chipotle has created a digital-only menu item inspired by U.S. men's soccer star Christian Pulisic, who is now the chain's international ambassador.  

Third-party business is booming—but is yours?

Restaurants are becoming more and more dependent on third parties like Yelp, Google and GrubHub to drive business. But these providers sometimes prioritize…

Juice It Up launches to-go packs

January 14, 2020

Juice It Up has launched to-go packs that allow guests to customize six-to-12 smoothies or juices for easy pick-up and transport. At a 10% discount, the pack…

Restaurant gift card sales strong despite shorter holiday season

January 13, 2020

Although restaurants felt the affect of the shortened 2019 holiday sales season in gift card sales, those sales are still on an upswing, according to data from…

Best Walk-Through marketing resources of 2019

We’ve gathered our most popular resources from 2019 to help you with your 2020 marketing strategy.