Sonny's BBQ names chief kindess officer

July 29, 2020

Sonny's BBQ has created the position of chief kindness officer to help spread kindness. Kennon Adkinson, the chain's senior director of catering, has taken on…

Wingstop flying high despite pandemic

July 29, 2020

Wingstop Inc. shares rose more than 15% Wednesday after the chain beat earnings and revenue forecasts for the fiscal second-quarter.

Starbucks swings to fiscal 3Q loss, but sees daylight

by David Jones — Editor, Networld Media Group

July 29, 2020

Starbucks Corp. swung to a fiscal third-quarter loss as the global coffee house continued to deal with the impact of COVID-19, although executives said the…

Front Burner Brands, Bavaro Hospitality create Italian fast casual concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Restaurant veterans Dan Bavaro and Bob Johnston teamed up to open Oronzo Honest Italian in Tampa.

Raising Cane's CEO launches TV docuseries to help struggling restaurants

July 28, 2020

The show will feature 20 restaurants facing pandemic-related issues in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Miami, Baton Rouge, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Dallas…

DoorDash, Bluevine launch PPP funding initiative to assist merchant partners

July 28, 2020

DoorDash has announced a partnership with fintech BlueVine to help struggling restaurants obtain funding through the federal government's Paycheck Protection…

Groundbreaking research to be presented at Self-Service Innovation Virtual Summit

July 28, 2020

E.J. Kritz How can self-service meet changing customer needs?

Restaurant recovery efforts stall

July 28, 2020

COVID-19 case surges and the rollbacks in reopening plans have stalled the U.S. restaurant industry's recovery, according to The NPD Group. Major restaurant…

Panera exec reveals the strategy behind free coffee subscription

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Panera's free coffee subscription has been a catalyst driving growth and revenue, said Eduardo Luz, chief brand and concept officer.

Panera launches 'Under $10 menu'

July 24, 2020

Panera has rolled out six menu items this week that cost less than $10, according to a company press release. They include the:

Dickey's doubles down on catering

July 24, 2020

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is launching its latest catering innovation next month — the Big Yellow Box — designed to serve 12 people, according to a company press…

Clean Juice launches mobile app with Lunchbox

July 24, 2020

Clean Juice, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based organic juice bar franchise, has launched a branded mobile app under a partnership with Lunchbox, an omnichannel…

Zuul raises $9M to expand ghost kitchens in NYC

July 23, 2020

Zuul, a New York-based provider of ghost kitchens, said it raised $9 million in funding to expand its presence across the city.

Chipotle sees Q2 digital surge to beat estimates amid COVID impact

July 22, 2020

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. said digital sales more than doubled during the second quarter, beating estimates despite taking an overall profit decline due to…

Virtual restaurant group launches ghost kitchen franchise model

July 22, 2020

Miami-based virtual restaurant group, The Local Culinary, has launched a ghost kitchen franchise model.

7 benefits of taking the Fast Casual Executive Summit virtual

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The virtual version of the Fast Casual Executive Summit is Oct. 20-21. Registration is open and is free to the first 500 restaurant executives who sign up.

Starbucks gives more payment options to loyalty members

July 21, 2020

Starbucks is expanding the number of payment options available to its most loyal customers, allowing Starbucks Rewards members to pay using cash, credit/debit…

Noodles & Co requiring facemasks, sales returning to pre-COVID levels

July 21, 2020

Noodles & Co is requiring all employees and guests to wear face coverings inside all company-owned restaurants as of tomorrow unless seated.

Potbelly names former Wendy's COO as CEO

July 21, 2020

Potbelly Corp. has named Robert D. Wright, former Wendy's COO, as president and CEO. He succeeds Alan Johnson, who has held the role since December 2017, but…

SAJJ Mediterranean launches digital market

July 21, 2020

SAJJ Mediterranean is expanding its consumer touchpoints beyond brick-and-mortar locations, food trucks and catering services to include an online SAJJ Market.