Burrito Beach opens 6th Chicago location

December 13, 2016

Burrito Beach, a fast casual Mexican concept based in Chicago, added to its home base with a new location in Northwestern Memorial Hospital in the Feinberg…

All hail the diehards: Limited-service chains open Christmas

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

News reporters, convenience and retail store employees, first responders and medical personnel are among that committed group of people who rarely get holidays…

Captain D's brings back health-conscious menu

December 12, 2016

Captain D's is reintroducing its Captain's D-Lites menu with a number of under-500 calorie offerings, such as the wild Alaskan salmon and the blackend tilapia.

Fazoli's signs Alabama franchise deal

December 12, 2016

Fazoli's has signed an agreement to develop a restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama. The news comes on the heels of another month of strong sales results for the…

El Pollo Loco opens 1st Grand Prairie location

December 12, 2016

Citrus-marinated chicken cooked over an open flame grill debuted in Grand Prairie, Texas for the first time, thanks to El Pollo Loco's newest location…

Kiosks killing jobs? Current events beg the question, but the facts say otherwise

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Automatic Merchandiser

Several restaurant chains are using kiosks and other technology that allow orders to be placed more rapidly and efficiently. Kiosks are fostering fears about…

Steve Ells named sole CEO of Chipotle

December 12, 2016

Despite a couple of Chipotle board members trying to oust Steve Ells last month from his chair position, the founder of the chain isn’t going anywhere. In…

Kiosks killing jobs? Current events beg the question, but the facts say otherwise

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Automatic Merchandiser

Several restaurant chains are using kiosks and other technology that allow orders to be placed more rapidly and efficiently. Kiosks are fostering fears about…

Panera promotes Blaine Hurst to president

December 9, 2016

Panera Bread has named company veteran Blaine Hurst as its president effective Dec. 12, following the resignation of Drew Madsen for personal reasons…

Hardee's CEO tapped as labor secretary: What's in it for restaurant biz?

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

December 8, 2016

Where the nation and the restaurant industry labor force are concerned, Andy Puzder is quite vocal in his pro-automation and anti-regulation views. These views…

Trumping the restaurant industry

The founder and owner of the six-restaurant Uncle Jack's brand and former host of the Food Network's "Restaurant Stakeout" discusses how he thinks…

Dickey's opens locations in TX and OR

December 8, 2016

Texas and Oregon are getting more barbecue, according to a press release. Dickey's Barbecue Pit opened two locations this Thursday, one in Frisco and the other…

McAlister's Deli names president

December 7, 2016

Paul Macaluso has taken over as president of McAlister's Deli, according to a press release from the brand's parent company, Focus Brands. Before joining Focus…

Why Moe's Southwest Grill, A&W focusing on digital marketing

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Digital media is always changing, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.

Chipotle's stocks drop after Ells admits 'nervous' about 2017 outlook

December 7, 2016

Chipotle's Steve Ells isn't satisfied with the rate of recovery and the quality of the experience offered to customers. He addressed investors Tuesdays at a…

The Princess City welcomes Pie Five

December 6, 2016

Pie Five didn't have to be a frog to open its newest location in The Princess City of the Hoosier State, Mishawaka, Indiana today. The unit is owned and…

Mint returns to Nekter Juice Bar

December 5, 2016

The holidays just got more minty. Nekter Juice Bar returned its Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie to its menu, and it will be available until Dec. 28, according to…

My Delight Cupcakery releases winter flavors

December 5, 2016

Family owned, Ontario-based concept My Delight Cupcakery has released several cupcakes in honor of the holidays, including, Chocolate Cream Pie, Cannoli…

El Pollo Loco debuts mobile ordering app

December 1, 2016

El Pollo Loco's online ordering platform and mobile app, developed in partnership with Olo, has officially launched. According to a press release, it includes…

Wahlburgers brings back 'Tis The Season Burger LTO

December 1, 2016

Christmas is coming, and Wahlburgers has brought back  its ‘Tis the Season Burger, as well as a gift card bonus and some new merchandise promotions in honor of…