20 Fast Casual Brands to Watch in 2021

Although the pandemic has forced thousands of brands — old and new — to shutter, the newbies on our list of “20 Fast Casual Brands to Watch” are finding ways…

Jinya Holdings slated for major growth in 2021

March 8, 2021

After a year of restaurants trying to eek out a living, Burbank, California-based Jinya Holdings Inc. has proven that its brands are well positioned for growth…

Wayback Burgers posts record sales during pandemic

March 8, 2021

Wayback Burgers posted solid growth in 2020 despite a global pandemic and is achieving record-setting numbers for 2021, according to company release.

From Shake Shack to Chipotle: 24 female execs on leading in 2021

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In celebration of International Women's Day, FastCasual interviewed 24 female leaders on how they make their voices heard in an industry led predominantly by…

FastCasual collecting operator insight for 2021 Dining Survey

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

March 5, 2021

FastCasual.com has teamed up with Dosh to find out how restaurants are faring in 2021 vs. 2020, and we want to hear from as many readers as possible. The poll…

Online Grocery Soars as Customer Satisfaction Falls

The growth of online food ordering is nothing short of staggering. In March 2020, consumers shifted the ways they shopped overnight - and there has been no…

Main Squeeze Juice Co. opening in Missouri

March 5, 2021

Main Squeeze Juice Co. is opening four locations in St. Louis, Missouri, this year as part of its national expansion efforts, according to a press release.

Freddy's sold to Thompson Street Capital Partners

March 4, 2021

Thompson Street Capital Partners, a private equity firm in St. Louis, has acquired Kansas-based Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Terms of the…

Hopdoddy CEO: 'Why we're keeping 3 operational changes from 2020'

Jeff Chandler, CEO of Hopdoddy Burger Bar in Austin, explains how the company not only shifted its strategy to navigate the pandemic but why its business model…

A passion for mentoring drives Cornbread's WILD certification

FastCasual and Messner Reeves are honoring fast casual brands dedicated to ensuring that women have a seat at the leadership table.

The Ecosystem of Payment & Transaction Technology

No matter the scale of your payment and transaction solution footprint or the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) behind your equipment, Burroughs knows…

Shake Shack testing plastic-free straws, cutlery

March 3, 2021

In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Shake Shack is testing cutlery and straws made from AirCarbon, which has no synthetic plastics, PLA or synthetic…

White House amps up NRA's pro-Restaurant Revitalization Fund letter to Congress

March 2, 2021

Shortly after the National Restaurant Association sent an urgent request to Congress in support of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Tuesday, the White House…

Shake Shack raising funds to add drive-thrus, digital upgrades

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

March 2, 2021

Shake Shack is borrowing $225 million from private investors to pay for drive-thrus and other new store formats. The New York-based chain is offering $22…

El Pollo Loco heats up expansion plans in Colorado

March 1, 2021

El Pollo Loco Inc., a fire-grilled chicken and Mexican food chain, is planning its next wave of expansion in Colorado, according to a press release. Ten to 1…

Initiative to bring $100M to 1K Black-owned businesses

March 1, 2021

Looking to take a bite out of COVID-19 losses and rebuild a suffering segment of the economy, the Inclusivity Project is hoping to secure $100 million for…

RFIS postponed to August, Focus Brands president will keynote

March 1, 2021

Networld Media Group, the parent company of FastCasual, has postponed the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit to Aug. 10-12, according to Cherryh…

Burgerville, FlyBuy partner to offer real-time curbside pickup

February 26, 2021

Burgerville, a Pacific Northwest restaurant that serves burgers, fries, and shakes made with ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers and producers…

Digital orders up nearly 275% at Mod Pizza

February 25, 2021

Although 2020 sales and revenue were slightly down for Mod Super-Fast Pizza's, CEO Scott Svenson was happy with the chain's 275% growth in digital sales as…

Martha Stewart leading BurgerFi's innovation team

February 25, 2021

Florida-based BurgerFi International Inc. has named food entrepreneur and cultural icon, Martha Stewart, to its board of directors as the chair of the Product…