Why Sweetgreen created smaller format for World Trade Center

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Sweetgreen, which has 140 locations and filed Monday to go public, is opening Friday inside the World Trade Center. As one of the first food and beverage…

Blaze Pizza CEO: We’re facing industry challenges head on

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

There are more than a few big challenges facing pizza brands, but Blaze Pizza, given its strength and willingness to succeed, is facing the hurdles head on.

Sweetgreen going public

October 26, 2021

Sweetgreen Inc. is going public.

COVID-19 forces Soupergirl to close cafes, embrace retail

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Although COVID-19 forced Soupergirl to close its two cafes, the mother-daughter duo behind the Washington D.C. company is doubling its revenue in 2022 thanks…

FranConnect, FranNet partner up

October 25, 2021

FranConnect and FranNet are teaming up in a partnership that will allow them to harness the power of their respective specialties in an effort to empower…

Original ChopShop hopes to boost hiring with referral program

October 22, 2021

Original ChopShop, a neighborhood restaurant featuring food with whole ingredients, hopes to leverage the relationships with its guests and communities it…

Loyalty programs keeping restaurants sales steady despite COVID-19 restrictions, vaccine mandates

October 22, 2021

Restaurants across the country are still determining how to manage day-to-day operations in accordance with recommendations regarding COVID-19 and vaccine…

Chipotle boasts record-breaking sales

October 21, 2021

Chipotle broke its record for quarterly sales, reporting Thursday that comparable restaurant sales were up 15% and that revenues jumped 22% during Q3. Earnings…

Plant Power debuts flagship location in Vegas

October 21, 2021

San Diego-based Plant Power Fast Food, a 100% plant-based fast casual chain, opened a flagship location last week in Las Vegas.

Fast casual leaders: Off-premise dining more important than ever

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Three restaurant executives discussed the rise of off-premise dining during the COVID-19 pandemic at the recent Fast Casual Executive Summit in Charlotte…

Bagel Boss preparing for remodel

October 21, 2021

New York's Bagel Boss is creating a prototype featuring modern design elements with classic features, President Adam Rosner said in a company press release.

Collaboration, innovation focus of Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Breck Hapner — Director of Marketing, Chepri

Well, it came, and actually happened, with many great sighs of relief. Restaurant leaders were finally able to get together to collaborate and innovate…

Panera's on track to be 'climate positive' by 2050

October 21, 2021

Panera Bread has committed to becoming climate positive by 2050, which means it will remove some of the carbon from the atmosphere that it emits. With nearly…

4 ways loyalty can drive nontraditional growth strategies

by Brittany Maroney — Sr Product Marketing Manager, Punchh

Major brands are looking at nontraditional formats like airports, grocery and campuses, requiring marketers to re-evaluate their existing campaign strategy.

Hellman and Friedman acquire NPD Group

October 20, 2021

Hellman and Friedman, a global private equity firm, has entered into an exclusive agreement to acquire NPD, according to a press release.

Bobby Flay growing fast casual burger joint

October 19, 2021

Chef Bobby Flay and Caesars Entertainment are opening Bobby's Burgers inside Harrah's Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas.

Chick N Max hires fine-dining chef to elevate menu

October 18, 2021

It's been one year since fast casual franchise Chick N Max welcomed Robert Kabakoff as its culinary director to help elevate menu offerings and accelerate its…

McDonald's exec to talk about diversity, inclusion at 1-day QSR event

Ariane Panter, senior director of global diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and corporate function support at McDonald’s, will discuss diversity…

Why 1 exec traded beauty school for barbecue

by Dan Hyman

Tara Boyle thought she knew where her life was taking her, but then Sonny's BBQ entered the picture

Experts weigh in on supply chain issues

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Supply chain issues continue in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and transportation issues outside the U.S. Four restaurant industry experts explained how…