Canada's restaurant count dropped by 5K in 2020

July 28, 2021

Before the pandemic, Canada's restaurant count held steady at 66,000 units going back to 2016, but then 2020 happened, and the industry lost 5,000 units. That…

Cold drinks drive Starbucks global growth, CEO defends China

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Overall, Starbucks had a solid Q3, but Johnson defended the company's lower-than-expected numbers in China, calling the health of the business there strong.

Dickey's adds 63 units in Q2

July 25, 2021

Dallas-based Dickey's Barbecue Pit is continuing to bring its slow-smoked meats to more markets around the globe, opening 63 locations in Q2, three of which…

Atmosphere Adds Premium Sports with New FITE Channel

Deal with the top sports PPV platform brings premier boxing, MMA, wrestling and more to Atmosphere programming slate.

City Barbeque hires Hathway to streamline digital ordering

July 23, 2021

City Barbeque has hired digital ordering producer Hathway to design and build native apps, a custom web ordering site and an integrated marketing site to…

Streaming TV for Restaurants that Bar Rescue’s Jon Taffer Swears By

What are your diners watching in-restaurant? Brands that help their customers laugh, clink their beer mugs and just plain ol’ enjoy each other’s company, are…

How Penn Station keeps customers safe on, off-premise

July 21, 2021

As more Americans get vaccinated and dine-in restrictions lessen, restaurants are preparing for traffic increases.

Chipotle's Q2 results 'stun' industry watchers

July 21, 2021

"Stunning" is how industry watchers described Chipotle's second-quarter results after the Colorado-based chain reported Tuesday that earnings per share came in…

Savory Restaurant Fund leader talks creating loyal customers, raving fans

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Alonso Castañeda, VP of brand development and strategy for the Savory Restaurant Fund, shared how the portfolio of brands is harnessing social listening and…

Just Salad lands first-time investor to fuel growth

July 20, 2021

New York-based Just Salad has completed its "largest-ever capital raise," with participation by the investment firm Closed Loop Partners, as well as returning…

Scooter's Coffee names William Dolan VP of Real Estate

July 20, 2021

Scooter's Coffee, a drive-thru coffee chain, has named William Dolan VP of Real Estate, according to a company press release. Dolan will handle store…

ICX Association names award winners in interactive customer experience

by David Drain

The Interactive Customer Experience Association presented its annual Elevate Awards during the #ElevateICX Virtual Symposium last week. The awards recognize…

Magic Johnson, Ecolab teaming up for #TakeBackYourSocialLife

July 16, 2021

Ecolab, a provider of water, food safety and infection prevention solutions, is teaming up with Magic Johnson to launch the #TakeBackYourSocialLife campaign as…

How to Keep Your Customers Safe in a Post-Pandemic World

As more Americans get vaccinated and dine-in restrictions lessen, restaurants are preparing for traffic increases.

Presented by FastCasual.com

Are smoothies finally growing up?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Smoothie brands are adding green veggies, herbs and spices to meet customers' maturing tastes.

Q2 sales soar at Tropical Smoothie Cafe

July 14, 2021

Tropical Smoothie Cafe growth is soaring with Q2 same-store sales increasing 42.3% and year-to-date sales up 38%, according to a company press release.

How central kitchens improve restaurants’ bottom line

by Jeremy Cooper

Central kitchens may improve the guest experience, decrease costs and increase revenue while streamlining operations.

Wing Boss flying solo

July 13, 2021

Wing Boss, a virtual pit-smoked wing concept created four months ago by Dickey's Restaurant Brands, is building a permanent nest, according to a company press…

Zoup launches smaller format

July 12, 2021

Zoup Eatery has debuted a smaller prototype in Boardman, Ohio. Designed to serve the same number of customers of an average-sized Zoup, the new model will…

NRA releases 6th COVID-19 operating guidance

July 9, 2021

The National Restaurant Association released its sixth COVID-19 Operating Guidance edition today to incorporate the latest guidance on subjects like indoor…