Restaurant sales, traffic not so merry during holiday season

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 26, 2021

Although restaurants across the world have been doing their best to pivot operations by expanding digital and contactless services, traffic and sales are still…

Juice It Up breaks sales record in 2020

January 26, 2021

Juice It Up broke its sales record in 2020, reporting that same-store sales were up 14.75% and that franchisees' average unit volume increased over 13% when…

Freddy's posts solid 2020 earnings

January 25, 2021

Despite operating amid the pandemic, 2020 was a good year for Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. AUV growth increased 6.5%, and year-over-year sales…

Hot Rocks debuts stone-conveyor oven focused on maintenance, ease of use.

January 22, 2021

Hot Rocks, a spin-off of Picard Ovens and dedicated to the pizza industry, has created the GEN3 — a stone-conveyor oven focused on two key elements …

Muscle Maker grill makes aggressive move to direct-to-consumer market

January 21, 2021

Muscle Maker Inc., the parent company of Muscle Maker Grill, Healthy Joe's and MMG Burger Bar, has launched MuscleMakerPrep.com, allowing customers to order…

National Restaurant Association supporting Biden's immigration changes

January 21, 2021

On day one of his presidency, Joe Biden signed six memorandums and proclamations dealing with immigration, prompting the National Restaurant Association…

Revel Systems adds eCard Systems to integrated partner program

January 20, 2021

Revel Systems, a cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform, has partnered with eCard Systems, a gift card, loyalty and prepaid card supplier…

2020 was Waba Grill's 'best year yet'

January 20, 2021

WaBa Grill reported Tuesday that 2020 was its best-performing year, beating 2019, which previously held the title. The California-based brand ended the year by…

Starbucks working to boost COVID-19 vaccine access

January 19, 2021

Starbucks has joined the Washington State Vaccine Command and Coordination Center, a statewide public-private partnership to boost vaccine distribution efforts…

PPP program opens to all lenders

January 19, 2021

After re-opening the Paycheck Protection Program to small lenders on Friday, the U.S. Small Business Administration is now opening the program to all lenders.

Plant Power Fast Food names sustainability expert as CFO

January 19, 2021

Plant Power Restaurant Group has named Edmund Har, an expert in sustainability, as its top financial executive, according to a news release.

Original ChopShop thrives amid pandemic

January 14, 2021

Despite the challenging operating environment in 2020, Original ChopShop — an emerging fast casual brand serving protein bowls, salads, sandwiches and fresh…

Fiesta slowing sales losses

January 12, 2021

Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc., which owns Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana and has been trying to recover from sales losses even before the pandemic, showed…

Shake Shake crawling back from pandemic

January 12, 2021

Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti said Monday that the company continued its recovery journey in Q4, which triggered a 2.2% share increase Tuesday for the New…

Corner Bakery donates $100K to Habitat for Humanity

January 12, 2021

While 2020 was a challenging year, Corner Bakery kept the spirit of giving alive throughout its communities by raising funds for its national charity partner…

Starbucks commits $100M to advance racial equality

January 12, 2021

Starbucks is investing $100 million to create the Starbucks Community Resilience Fund, which will support small business growth and community development…

GoTab unveils contactless ordering starter kit

January 12, 2021

Restaurant commerce platform GoTab recently unveiled a contactless ordering starter kit for hospitality operators that contains everything needed to run a…

Zoup launches happy hour

January 11, 2021

January is National Soup Month, and to celebrate, Detroit-based Zoup Eatery is celebrating by launching a soup Happy Hour and delivering 100 Zoup Rescue Care…

US government taking applications for second round of PPP loans

January 11, 2021

Although as of Monday the U.S. government started taking applications from restaurant and other businesses owners for the latest round Paycheck Protection…

Pita Mediterranean rolling out mobile app in 2021

January 8, 2021

For Georgia-based Pita Mediterranean Street Food, 2021 will be a year of growth, according to founder and CEO Nour Rabai, who said the company would open…