The Melt proves that kindness pays off

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although San Francisco's The Melt, experienced a 70% drop in sales overnight when sheltering-in-place began in March, the chain is now reporting…

REEF raises $1B to go beyond parking lot hubs

November 4, 2020

REEF, a ghost kitchen provider with over 4,500 parking lot and garage locations in the U.S, has secured two deals totalling $1 billion to help it expand…

2020 Perfect Pitch winner: We make a 'damn good biscuit'

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

Louisville, Kentucky-based Biscuit Belly took the top honor during the Fast Casual Executive Summit 'Perfect Pitch' competition, beating out three other…

Project Wellness fuels 32% sales increase

November 3, 2020

As with so many restaurant companies, the pandemic initially had a significant impact on Nekter Juice Bar, but a little resilience led to a 32% increase in…

[Fast Casual Executive Summit 2020] Uncovering Supply Chain Hacks

Scaling your brand is not possible without a solid supply chain in place, but the word, “solid” often means expensive and immobile. But does it have to be?

Presented by Fast Casual Executive Summit

[Fast Casual Executive Summit 2020] Don't Do Business Like a Rookie

Whether you are a seasoned restaurant operator or new to the business, it’s always best to learn from other people’s mistakes instead of making your own.

Presented by Fast Casual Executive Summit

Wingstop delcares special dividend after strong Q3

November 2, 2020

After reporting that Q3 system-wide sales were up nearly 33%, Wingstop Inc.'s board of directors has approved a special cash dividend of $5 per share in…

Inspire Brands' acquisition of Dunkin’ will more than double company's size

In a mammoth deal announced Saturday, 11,000-unit Inspire Brands signed a merger agreement with 20,500-unit Dunkin' Brands for a move that may signal some…

Fast casual brands offer tips, best practices for managing the supply chain

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

The supply chain is a critical aspect of a brand's operations and it needs to scale easily while reducing costs, increasing efficiencies and boosting revenue.

[Fast Casual Executive Summit 2020] Sustainability Made Easy

Alder-Tek Manufacturing, Clean Juice, Just Salad, and Fruitive executives discuss how to identify easy fixes to reduce waste within your restaurant.

Presented by Fast Casual Executive Summit

[Fast Casual Executive Summit 2020] How to Get in the Food Safety Zone

Bonchon, Fazoli’s, and The Hummus & Pita Co., and PathSpot Technologies Executives discuss implementing strict procedures, inspiring employee and leadership…

Presented by Fast Casual Executive Summit

[Fast Casual Executive Summit 2020] CEO Roundtable / State of Industry

Fast casual CEOs talk about important issues restaurant operators face today and what it will take to succeed in 2021 and beyond.

Presented by Fast Casual Executive Summit

[Fast Casual Executive Summit 2020] Coming Back From COVID-19

CEOs from Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta, Free Range Concepts, and Junzi Kitchen discuss what they learned from the pandemic and how they are moving forward moderated…

[Fast Casual Executive Summit 2020] Opening Keynote: When Mission Drives Innovation

Scott Boatwright, Chief Restaurant Officer at Chipotle Mexican Grill, delivers the opening keynote for Fast Casual Executive Summit 2020, held virtually on…

Presented by Fast Casual Executive Summit

Boston Market parent company buys Corner Bakery

October 30, 2020

Pandya Restaurant Growth Brands LLC has acquired Corner Bakery from affiliates of Roark Capital Partners. Terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Starbucks boasting speedy recovery

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Despite reporting sales declines for Q4, Starbucks Corporation President and CEO Kevin Johnson said he was pleased with the chain's finish to the fiscal year…

Digital made up 60% of Shake Shack's Q3 sales

October 29, 2020

Digital sales at company-owned Shake Shacks tripled, and average weekly sales and same-Shack sales improved in both urban and suburban locations compared to…

Disposable aprons address pandemic-era safety concerns

October 29, 2020

Safety ranks at the top of most diners' lists of concerns, and now brands have a line of disposable aprons to give both workers and customers added protection.

Digital, off-premise sales keeping Noodles & Co afloat

October 29, 2020

Q3 digital sales at Noodles & Co grew 151%, accounting for 61% of sales and keeping the chain afloat during the pandemic.

Clover ushers in touchless dining feature

October 29, 2020

Restaurants using Clover's point-of-sale platform from Fiserv Inc. are now able to offer guests a touchless experience from order to payment.