El Pollo Loco launches design upgrades

November 19, 2020

El Pollo Loco Inc. has rolled out more modern and artistic design choices for packaging, in-store merchandising and gift cards, according to a company press…

Goldman Sachs grabs a piece of Zaxby's

November 19, 2020

Zaxby's, which has 900 units in 17 states, will have a new investor when investment funds managed by the Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division "acquire a…

Fast casual leaders talk food safety in the world of COVID-19

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

Food safety has always been top of mind for every restaurant, but is now even further a priority given the COVID-19 pandemic. Three fast casual brand leaders…

Juice It Up posts double-digit sales increases

November 18, 2020

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Juice It Up reported strong growth in same-store sales as well as average unit volume this year. Through…

5 reasons to purchase a franchise NOW

By Downing Barber, founder & CEO of Barberitos, explains why it's smart to buy a franchise when there is fear in the market.

ToastGo2 contactless product suite keeps guests safe, restaurants efficient

November 18, 2020

Toast, a restaurant management platform, is launchingToastGo2, a mobile handheld point-of-sale that works with the Toast Order & Pay platform to facilitate…

The Local Culinary waiving franchise fees on ghost concepts

November 17, 2020

In an effort to help restaurants drum up business during the pandemic, The Local Culinary, a virtual restaurant group, is waiving all initial fees for new…

Capriotti's posts major sales growth

November 16, 2020

By embracing technology and menu innovations, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop reported double-digit same-store sales increases for Q2 and Q3.

Has US demonized restaurant industry as spreader of pandemic?

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

As a surge in COVID-19 grips the nation, restaurateurs are growing weary of the finger-pointing at their businesses as a major factor of rising cases. Instead…

Tacos 4 Life cofounder reveals what it takes to succeed with a mission-focused brand

By Austin Samuelson, Tacos 4 Life owner and co-founder

Roti rolls out curbside to-go in Chicago

November 12, 2020

Roti, a Chicago-based company known for bowls, salads and pitas, is doubling down on its efforts to keep team members and customers safe by launching a…

Yogurtland launching healthy fast casual concept

November 11, 2020

Yogurtland is opening a fast casual concept, Holsom By Yogurtland, Saturday in Huntington Beach, California. The menu focuses on serving food with high-quality…

Chipotle opening first digital kitchen

November 11, 2020

Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening its first virtual restaurant Saturday. Known as the Chipotle Digital Kitchen and located just outside of the gates to the…

Roundtable: How to Design a Technology Strategy for Your Restaurant

Designing a technology strategy for your restaurant isn’t easy. Many restaurants depend on a variety of integrated technologies to run their business, from…

Presented by SpeedLine Solutions

Coming back from COVID-19: Tips, strategies and a silver lining

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

A panel of fast casual brand leaders shared how they're on a comeback trail post COVID-19 during the recent Fast Casual Executive Summit as well as insight on…

Grubhub, Restaurant Strong team on $2M grant support program

November 9, 2020

Grubhub, a food order and delivery platform, and The Gregg Hill Foundation's Restaurant Strong Fund, are teaming up on a $2 million support program providing…

Restaurant-transaction declines holding steady

November 9, 2020

Customer transaction declines at major U.S. restaurant chains held steady at -9% every week in October compared to the same weeks one year ago, according to…

Swap out the lights to keep them on

by Nancy Shenker

Multi-location restaurants have had to make significant changes to their operations this year to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Safety precautions, staffing…

Pollo Tropical, Taco Cabana parent reveals results of tough Q3 in main operating states

November 6, 2020

Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana parent company, Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc., reported a tough third quarter of results for the 13-week period ending on Sept.

Fast casual leaders talk gender inclusivity, how females can advance

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

There are more women than ever working in the fast casual industry, but it's still quite far from being a 50-50 gender split. Three female leaders share…