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.

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Inspire Brands opens 1st dual Dunkin', Jimmy John's unit

February 24, 2022

Inspire Brands has launched its first co-branded unit combining a Dunkin' and Jimmy John's.

Guthrie's opens in Thomasville, Georgia

February 24, 2022

Chicken finger pioneer Guthrie's has opened a restaurant in Thomasville, Georgia, according to a press release.

Target testing drive-up for returns, Starbucks orders

February 23, 2022

Target is testing a curbside service that would let guests get a Starbucks order as well as make a return to the store via a contactless app feature.

Chipotle ties executive bonuses to environmental goals

February 23, 2022

Chipotle Mexican Grill is tying executive bonuses to its 2022 environmental, social and governance goals. The objectives, which are categorized by Food &…

Clean Juice reports 'best fourth quarter ever'

February 22, 2022

Despite the ongoing global pandemic and seasonality impact, North Carolina-based Clean Juice reported its best fourth quarter ever, including a cumulative…

Scooter's opening Atlanta-based distribution center

February 21, 2022

Omaha-based Scooter's Coffee is opening an Atlanta-area distribution center in May with Harvest Roasting, its branded, vertically integrated supply chain…

I Heart Mac N Cheese opening drive-thru location

February 18, 2022

South Florida-based I Heart Mac & Cheese is opening its first drive-up pickup window location next week in Gulfport, Mississippi. Dubbed, "FastMac," the…

Shake Shack raising prices, focusing on drive-thru

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 18, 2022

Although Shake Shack implemented a 3% price hike last year, wage and supply inflation are triggering another round of price increases, CEO Randy Garutti said…

Freddy's sees sales, unit growth

February 16, 2022

For Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 2021 was a year filled with success. The Wichita, Kansas-based chain reported a 17.8% increase in systemwide…

Smokey Bones launching first drive-thru

February 16, 2022

Smokey Bones, which has 61 full-service locations in 16 states, is adding a digital drive-thru lane to its restaurants with the first opening in April in…