Restaurant industry down 2.5 M jobs, what's next?

January 26, 2021

The restaurant industry is still limping along, according to the National Restaurant Association, which Tuesday released its annual State of the Restaurant…

Wow Bao rolling toward 1000 partner kitchens

January 26, 2021

Chicago-based Wow Bao's partner kitchen program launched last year is on track to have 1,000 locations by the end of 2021, according to CEO Geoff Alexander…

Restaurant sales, traffic not so merry during holiday season

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

January 26, 2021

Although restaurants across the world have been doing their best to pivot operations by expanding digital and contactless services, traffic and sales are still…

Juice It Up breaks sales record in 2020

January 26, 2021

Juice It Up broke its sales record in 2020, reporting that same-store sales were up 14.75% and that franchisees' average unit volume increased over 13% when…

Freddy's posts solid 2020 earnings

January 25, 2021

Despite operating amid the pandemic, 2020 was a good year for Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. AUV growth increased 6.5%, and year-over-year sales…

3 ways Mutts Cantina CEO 'recession-proofed' his business

Kyle Noonan, co-owner of Mutts Canine Cantina, discusses three ways the concept’s flexibility and adaptability is helping it grow.

Hot Rocks debuts stone-conveyor oven focused on maintenance, ease of use.

January 22, 2021

Hot Rocks, a spin-off of Picard Ovens and dedicated to the pizza industry, has created the GEN3 — a stone-conveyor oven focused on two key elements …

Muscle Maker grill makes aggressive move to direct-to-consumer market

January 21, 2021

Muscle Maker Inc., the parent company of Muscle Maker Grill, Healthy Joe's and MMG Burger Bar, has launched MuscleMakerPrep.com, allowing customers to order…

National Restaurant Association supporting Biden's immigration changes

January 21, 2021

On day one of his presidency, Joe Biden signed six memorandums and proclamations dealing with immigration, prompting the National Restaurant Association…

Revel Systems adds eCard Systems to integrated partner program

January 20, 2021

Revel Systems, a cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform, has partnered with eCard Systems, a gift card, loyalty and prepaid card supplier…

2020 was Waba Grill's 'best year yet'

January 20, 2021

WaBa Grill reported Tuesday that 2020 was its best-performing year, beating 2019, which previously held the title. The California-based brand ended the year by…

Starbucks working to boost COVID-19 vaccine access

January 19, 2021

Starbucks has joined the Washington State Vaccine Command and Coordination Center, a statewide public-private partnership to boost vaccine distribution efforts…

PPP program opens to all lenders

January 19, 2021

After re-opening the Paycheck Protection Program to small lenders on Friday, the U.S. Small Business Administration is now opening the program to all lenders.

Plant Power Fast Food names sustainability expert as CFO

January 19, 2021

Plant Power Restaurant Group has named Edmund Har, an expert in sustainability, as its top financial executive, according to a news release.

Fast casual CEO reveals 5 expectations of franchisees

Yiannis Kosmides, CEO and founder of several restaurant brands, weighs in on what it takes to operate a successful franchise.

2 industry leaders looking to invest in the 'next restaurant leader'

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Dave Pace, board member of Red Robin and former CEO of Jamba Inc., and Andy Pforzheimer, a co-founder of the Barcelona and Bartaco brands, have come together…

Agile QSR Operation in Uncertain Times

Learn how you can leverage AI to increase your business agility through automated demand forecasting, optimized scheduling, healthy worker protocols and…

Original ChopShop thrives amid pandemic

January 14, 2021

Despite the challenging operating environment in 2020, Original ChopShop — an emerging fast casual brand serving protein bowls, salads, sandwiches and fresh…

How Tropical Smoothie pulled off record-breaking year during COVID-19

While the pandemic destroyed thousands of restaurants last year, Atlanta-based Tropical Smoothie Cafe had one of its best years to date. It posted its ninth…

Fiesta slowing sales losses

January 12, 2021

Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc., which owns Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana and has been trying to recover from sales losses even before the pandemic, showed…