What Qdoba CEO learned from COVID-19 pivot

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Qdoba CEO Keith Guilbault reveals the strategy behind the brand's pandemic pivot, including setting up a COVID response team, focusing on first-party digital…

Dutch Bros Coffee files IPO

August 23, 2021

Dutch Bros Inc., which has nearly 500 locations in 11 states, is going public, according to a company press release. Although the number of shares and their…

Google still top restaurant search tool, false reviews remain challenging

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Managing Editor, Pizza Today

Google users utilize the 'near me' feature when searching for nearby restaurants. But consumers are also using other sites to find dining places and false…

Are mask, vaccination rules too harsh on restaurants?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurant operators are starting to feel a sense of deja vu as cities around the country re-instate mask mandates in an effort to protect consumers from the…

Restaurant spending up in second quarter

August 20, 2021

Consumer spending at U.S. restaurants was up 32% in the second quarter compared to the same quarter last year, and for a pre-pandemic view, flat compared to…

Digital Record Keeping for Restaurants – Employee Vaccination History May Be Required

In Canada, more and more companies and local governments are implementing required vaccination status for their employees. As an employer, it is your duty to…

Zaxby's taps UGA quarterback as brand spokesperson

August 19, 2021

Georgia-based Zaxby's has inked a deal with University of Georgia quarterback J.T. Daniels to serve as a brand ambassador for the 2021-2022 season. "We're…

Nationwide restaurant foot traffic up 52% since start of 2021

August 19, 2021

Foot traffic and in-store visits in food and beverage establishments is up 52% since the start of 2021, according to the data from Zenreach.

Starbucks opens 10th Farmer Support Center

August 19, 2021

Starbucks Coffee Company has opened its first Farmer Support Center in Brazil. The opening marks the company's 10th global center to support local coffee…

What the restaurant industry can learn from Amazon

by James Shea

James Shea, director of content strategy at Zuppler, explains why restaurant and foodservice operators should take a long hard look at Amazon's model and how…

Original ChopShop's Q2 sales skyrocket

August 17, 2021

It's been a cool summer for Arizona-based Original ChopShop, which reported last week that Q2 same-store sales were up 51% compared to 2020 and 39% compared to…

5 up-and-coming fast casuals vying for 'Perfect Pitch' in Charlotte

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The founders of five brands under five years old with fewer than five locations will try to convince execs and advisers attending the Perfect Pitch during the…

Pokeworks promotes Steve Heeley to CEO

August 16, 2021

In a move to bolster its growth strategy and strengthen the brand, Pokeworks, a fast casual serving traditional Hawaiian-inspired poke, has promoted CMO Steve…

Restaurant gift card sales surging

August 16, 2021

Restaurant gift card sales appear to be making a strong recovery after a trying 2020, according to the Paytronix Mid-Year Gift Card Report 2021. It found that…

Restaurant industry players launch Better Business survey to help chefs

August 13, 2021

The Culinary Institute of America is partnering with the James Beard Foundation, Black Food Folks, S. Pellegrino Young Chef Academy and Fine Dining Lovers to…

La Madeleine debuts Express model within Dallas Walmart stores

August 13, 2021

La Madeleine French Bakery & Café has rolled out its first Express store model locations in three Dallas-based Walmart stores.

I Heart Mac & Cheese jumps into systemwide re-design

August 12, 2021

I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual restaurant specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, will…

Focus Brands International leader talks success in the post-COVID world

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

Focus Brands International President Beto Guajardo shared his insight, as well as personal and professional lessons in business growth, during his keynote…

Shake Shack raising prices as much as 3.5%

August 10, 2021

Fast casual brand Shake Shack intends to increase prices come the fourth quarter, anywhere from 3% to 3.5%, which is about 1% more than its typical annual 2…

Tyson Foods boosts Q3 2021 sales, earnings

August 10, 2021

Tyson Foods Inc. reported improved sales and earnings for the three months ending July 3, 2021 compared to Q3, 2020, according to a press release.