El Pollo Loco rescinds annual outlook on 1.5% Q1 sales drop

April 9, 2020

The 480-unit mostly Western U.S. chain, El Pollo Loco, reported that its Q1 sales fell 1.5% for the period that ended March 25. Still, before the pandemic…

Starbucks on mission to close gender pay gap

March 31, 2020

Starbucks created and launched an infographic Monday showing that it was committed to 100 percent gender pay equity.

8 franchisors waiving royalty fees

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburger, Barberitos, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Firehouse Subs, Gyroville, Muscle Maker Grill, Qdoba and Schlotzsky's are cutting…

Wow Bao wants to be your next revenue stream

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The Chicago-based chain is giving restaurant brands all over the U.S. access to another revenue stream by allowing them to serve a limited menu of its Bao…

How Cousins Subs is delaying layoffs as long as possible

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Like many restaurant concepts trying to survive COVID-19, sales are down at Cousins Subs, a Wisconsin-based chain with more than 100 locations. CEO Christine…

Former Wahlburgers CEO joins supply chain company

March 24, 2020

Rick Vanzura, former CEO of Wahlburgers, is now leading Freight Farms, a provider of containerized vertical farming with a network of more than 30…

Smashburger, AMC Theatres execs among leaders weighing in on COVID-19, shrinking kitchens

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Leaders from AMC Theaters, Wing Zone, Smashburger, Four Foods Group and Middleby discuss how they are changing their kitchen designs to stay profitable, while…

Brown Bag Seafood paying employees for 'lost hours'

March 17, 2020

Brown Bag Seafood, a seven-unit chain based in Chicago, is ensuring that all of its employees take home paychecks over during the two-week shutdown of Illinois…

7shifts debuts 7tasks to track tasks, boost accountability

March 10, 2020

Restaurant software platform 7shifts is launching a platform called 7tasks that lets restaurant managers create and delegate task lists for workers that also…

Willy's Mexicana Grill launches take-home taco box

March 10, 2020

Willy's Mexicana Grill has a new way to make dining at home convenient for family and friends. The 31-unit chain has created a Taco Box, which costs $34.95 and…

Captian D's hires former PF Chang's exec

March 9, 2020

Captain D's has hired Brad Clark as chief supply chain officer to lead the purchasing, food safety and quality assurance team, supporting the company's ongoing…

Mobile-ordering exec: 'Third-party delivery doesn't have to be so pricey'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

EZ-Chow, a new player in the mobile ordering and delivery scene, said its fees are much lower than other third-party platforms.

The Halal Guys going for groceries

March 4, 2020

The Halal Guys, based in NYC, is hitting the grocery shelves through a partnership with CAA-GBG. The brand management platform will help the nearly 100-unit…

HMSHost taps former Jamba, Starbucks exec as COO

March 2, 2020

HMSHost, a restaurateur known for operating in airports and motorways, has appointed industry veteran Joe Thornton as EVP and COO. He will oversee HMSHost…

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…

Jon Smith Subs president: 'Millennials are the future of franchising'

Jim Butler, the president of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill and Jon Smith Subs, weighs in on why millennials are the future of franchising.

Farmer Boys changing name to Farmer Girls?

February 25, 2020

Farmer Boys, a Southern California-based fast casual concept known for its burgers, is celebrating Women's History Month throughout March by changing its name…

Franchisors enjoy more protection under final joint-employee ruling

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 25, 2020

Suing parent companies whose franchisees are involved in labor law violations just got harder. The National Labor Relations Board Tuesday reversed the Obama…

Cosi files for bankruptcy protection — again

February 25, 2020

Cosi Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and closed 30 stores. It's the second bankruptcy filing since 2016 for the Boston-based fast casual…

Qdoba, California Tortilla upping their app games

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

California Tortilla and Qdoba have launched mobile app upgrades.