Operations News & Media

Omnibus 2022 budget won't restore employee retention tax credit

March 9, 2022

Congress has reached bipartisan agreement on a $1.5 trillion omnibus package to fund the government, according to a report in The Hill.

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Starbucks closes Russian stores

March 9, 2022

Showing the world that it condemns Russia's attacks on Ukraine, Starbucks Corp. is closing all stores in Russia, joining several companies including…

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Red Ribbon Bakeshop adds drive-thru

March 8, 2022

Red Ribbon Bakeshop Inc., a Philippines-founded bakery, debuted its first drive-thru location this weekend in the U.S. Located at 13421 Westheimer Road, Unit…

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How 1 brand is changing the 'face' of barbecue

by Dan Hyman

Sonny’s BBQ pitmasters are bringing more women to the industry.

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Women in the Lead 2022: 13 female execs share experiences

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

FastCasual is celebrating International Women's Day with our annual Women in the Lead story, featuring the stories of 13 females leading the industry.

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Luckin Coffee concludes provisional liquidation

March 7, 2022

Luckin Coffee Inc., a pioneer in coffee vending and a competitor to Starbucks in China which entered into a restructuring support agreement with shareholders…

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Papa Gino's, D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches hires execs to upgrade customer experience

March 7, 2022

New England Authentic Eats LLC, the parent company of Papa Gino's and D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, has tapped two senior restaurant industry executives to help…

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Integrating digital, on-site experiences is driving restaurant sales

March 7, 2022

Digital sales are the majority of sales at physical restaurants with 41% of average sales flowing through digital channels while 32% come from on-premise and…

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Wow Bao creates menu for plant-based concept

March 7, 2022

Several industry leaders have come together to launch a plant-based protein brand — Skinny Butcher — in both retail and virtual restaurants.

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Sweetgreen CEO sees 'clear runway' for 1,000 locations by 2030

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Sweetgreen's shares were up 17% Thursday after the Los Angeles-based company reported that revenues were up nearly 40% and that same-store sales increased 63…

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Chef Jose Andres, Pollo Tropical helping Ukrainian refugees

March 4, 2022

Miami-based Pollo Tropical is partnering with Chef Jose Andres' charitable foundation, World Central Kitchen, to support relief efforts in and around Ukraine.

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Panera Bread Foundation helping underserved, at-risk children

March 2, 2022

Panera Bread has refreshed the mission of its Panera Bread Foundation to "support and strengthen communities by investing in underserved and at-risk children…

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Dillas Quesadillas lands investor

March 1, 2022

An investment from Gala Capital Partners LLC, a private investment company focusing on food and hospitality service franchises, will help expand Dillas…

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Friendly's opens 1st fast casual prototype

March 1, 2022

Nearly a month after announcing that Friendly's would open a fast casual version, the 86-year-old company has opened its doors to Friendly's Cafe in Westfield…

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Taco Bell opening KC cantina

March 1, 2022

Diversified Restaurant Group, which owns nearly 300 Taco Bells, is opening its first Kansas City Taco Bell Cantina, a fast casual version of the brand that…

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The Captain's Boil expands into US

February 28, 2022

Canada-based The Captain's Boil made its U.S. debut in January, implementing a point-of-sale system, kitchen display and gift card, loyalty and inventory…

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Mountain Mike's franchisee purchases fleet of EVs

February 25, 2022

California-based Mountain Mike's Pizza has purchased a fleet of 20 COLO Cargo electric vehicles from ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp., according to a press…

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Noodles & Co jumping on price-increase bandwagon

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

CEO Dave Boennighausen said temporary store closures and reduced operating hours caused by Covid's delta surge in the Rocky Mountain West and Upper Midwest…

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Mobile orders on rise, long pickup wait times lead to frustration

February 24, 2022

Mobile orders continue to rise and customers generally approve of restaurants' apps but longer wait times for mobile pickups and orders not ready at pickup are…

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RE/MAX founder opening 20 Daddy's Chicken Shacks

February 24, 2022

Pasadena, California-based Daddy's Chicken Shack has inked a 20-unit deal with Dave Liniger, the founder of RE/MAX, to open 10 locations in both Denver and…

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