Cheba Hut launches bag-designing context

April 13, 2020

Cheba Hut is hosting a contest to allow customers to design its carry-out bags. The 10 designs with the most votes via social media will win free sandwiches…

Chipotle's Challenger Series going virtual

March 26, 2020

Chipotle Mexican Grill has launched the 2020 Chipotle Challenger Series featuring online qualifying and finale competitions throughout 2020. To promote the…

Restaurants offering creative promos to drive traffic during social distancing

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Whether its slashing delivery fees, offering funny promotions or expanding services to include grocery delivery, fast casual brands are finding ways to survive…

Breakfast 'war' pushes restaurant sales up despite COVID-19

March 16, 2020

The breakfast war between QSRs drove U.S. customer transactions up at quick service restaurants despite all the negative impact on the restaurant industry due…

The solo diner ranks tops in U.S. restaurant visits

March 3, 2020

When it comes to who's dining out the single diner is tops when it comes to U.S. restaurant visits.

Barberitos delivers mobile app upgrade

March 2, 2020

Barberitos, a fast casual restaurant featuring southwestern-style burritos, has launched its updated mobile app, which includes a new design for the location…

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.