ROTI names new CEO

February 10, 2014

ROTI Mediterranean Grill has named Carl Segal as the CEO of the Chicago-based chain, effective Feb 18. Segal comes to ROTI from Potbelly Sandwich Works, with a…

Smoothie King Center unveiled to host NBA All-Star game

February 7, 2014

New Orleans Pelicans owner Tom Benson and Smoothie King owner Wan Kim announced today a multiyear agreement reached between the Pelicans and Smoothie King to…

Pancheros honors outstanding franchisees, partners

February 7, 2014

Pancheros has announced this year's recipients of the its annual internal awards. Vendor of the Year, General Manager of the Year and Franchisee of the Year…

Fazoli's names new marketing VP

February 7, 2014

Jonathan Quinn has joined Fazoli's as its vice president of Marketing. Quinn brings Fazoli's more than 15 years of brand management and marketing expertise…

Best practices for digital commerce success

Finding the right partner for enabling digital commerce and loyalty is really just the first step for a successful mobile strategy.

Bizzare Foods' Andrew Zimmern to host event at NRA show

February 6, 2014

Andrew Zimmern, the host of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern and Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre World on the Travel Channel, will serve as host and emcee for the…

Salsarita's founder launching fast casual Italian concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Italian cuisine makes sense as a fast casual concept because it looks good, cooks quickly and is great for to-go options.

Phil Friedman named CEO of Salsarita's; launching growth plan

February 6, 2014

After acquiring Salsarita's in 2011, Phil Friedman is stepping up as its CEO to launch major expansion efforts, according to a company press release. Friedman…

Charleys partners with Coca-Cola

February 6, 2014

GOSH Enterprises, parent company of Charley's Grilled Subs and Charleys Philly Steaks restaurant concepts, and The Coca-Cola Company, have announced a…

Braddah's launches retail line

February 6, 2014

Braddah's Island Style Burritos, Bowls & Tacos, a fast casual restaurant that combines Hawaiian and Mexican flavors, is now selling retail items just in…

Multicultural alliance recognizes restaurant industry's Black CEOs

February 5, 2014

According to the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance, this year's Black History Month is more significant thanks to a milestone achievement in…

Surging wages and digital ordering

by Noah Glass — CEO, Olo

My last byline asked readers to consider the idea of "surge pricing" — charging higher prices based upon real-time high demand — as applied to the restaurant…

Why Bruegger's launched a new design, menu

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Along with the new physical design, the chain has updated its logo, point-of-purchase materials, to-go packaging and is now in the process of updating the…

GRILLiT sales increase with intro of organic, grass-fed beef

February 4, 2014

GRILLiT Inc. today announced that it has added Gaucho Ranch steaks to the menu as a result of a supply agreement with Natura Foods, the exclusive distributor…

Desperately Seeking Capital: 4 things to know

Relying on family and friends to bankroll your dream can be a huge mistake.

NRA chief lands spot on 'Most Powerful People in Food' list

January 31, 2014

The National Restaurant Association's President and CEO Dawn Sweeney has been named one of 2014's "Most Powerful People in Food" by The Daily Meal. Sweeney was…

Restaurant operators report slightly softer sales, traffic in December

January 31, 2014

As a result of softer same-store sales and customer traffic levels, the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index registered a moderate…

Chipotle reports solid growth in Q4

January 30, 2014

Chipotle Mexican Grill today reported that revenue increased 20.7 percent to $844.1 million and comparable restaurant sales were up 9.3 percent during Q4…

Truth time: Fast casual leaders answer your questions

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

CEOs discuss everything from marketing and growth to washable dishes and conumer analytics.

Mill Hardware acquired by foodservice supply company

January 30, 2014

Diversified Foodservice Supply Inc. has acquired Mill Hardware & Food Service Inc. in a bid to scale to the organization and improve the customer offering…