PPP loan application extended to August pending president’s approval

July 2, 2020

Companies that haven't taken advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program are likely to have until Aug. 8 to apply, thanks to a Senate vote to extend the…

Capriotti's inks deals for 18 units amid COVID-19

July 1, 2020

The pandemic has not slowed growth at Las Vegas-based Capriotti's Sandwich Shop as it as has signed 18 development agreements since the onset of COVID-19.

US restaurant industry hits bump in the recovery road

June 30, 2020

For the first time since the week of April 5-12, customer restaurant transactions failed to improve in year-over-year trend numbers. In fact, customer…

Fazoli's sales surge amid pandemic

June 29, 2020

Despite the pandemic, Lexington, Kentucky-based Fazoli's has continued to thrive in the second quarter, hitting its highest sales record for the month of May…

Starbucks pauses advertising via social media

June 29, 2020

In an effort to "stop the spread of hate speech," Starbucks is pausing advertising on all social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter.

Surge in COVID-19 cases prompts Kolache Factory to reclose dining rooms

June 25, 2020

As Texas — Houston in particular — is experiencing a dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases, Kolache Factory is reclosing dining rooms and restrooms at all 27 of its…

Webinar explores how mid-market restaurateurs hyper-focus on digital channels

June 24, 2020

COVID-19 forced many restaurants to pivot to off-premise sales in the last year. The decision to reopen requires taking into account a number of factors…

Moe’s opens first kiosk-only restaurant in Pittsburgh

June 23, 2020

Moe's Southwest Grill's first kiosk-only restaurant has opened in Pittsburgh, the company announced via email.

Spike in COVID-19 cases not hindering drops in restaurant transaction declines

June 22, 2020

The spikes in COVID-19 cases in states that have reopened restaurant dine-in services haven't yet impacted the continuing improvement in major restaurant chain…

Webinar to reveal 4 strategies to help restaurants prosper amid COVID-19

June 17, 2020

Everyone knows these are challenging times with COVID-19, but people still need to eat, and restaurants are finding new ways to serve them. 

Peet's Coffee reopening 17 locations

June 17, 2020

After reopening nearly 50 locations in May, Peet’s Coffee has added 17 more units to the list of its operating cafes. This wave includes locations in are…

US restaurant transaction decline easing up a bit

June 15, 2020

U.S. restaurant chain customer transactions were down -14% for the week ending June 7, revealing improvement for an industry hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Franchise vets consulting for independent restaurateurs

June 15, 2020

Franchise Growth Solutions LLC has added a division to teach independent restaurateurs how franchise companies reduce food, paper, beverage, labor and other…

Tyson Foods cooperates with feds on chicken price fixing investigation

June 12, 2020

Tyson Foods, Inc. is cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice on a price fixing justification in the chicken industry, the company announced in a press…

&Pizza urging employees to vote, offering PTO on Nov 3

June 12, 2020

In an effort to encourage its employees and communities to vote in this year's presidential election, &pizza won't open locations on Nov. 3. CEO Michael…

Social media backlash leads to Starbucks reversing ban on Black Lives Matter apparel

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

June 12, 2020

After enduring a social media backlash Thursday, Starbucks has not only reversed its policy on banning employees from wearing apparel in support of Black Lives…

Restaurant transactions slowly rebound as dine-in service returns

June 9, 2020

Nearly three-quarters, 68%, of U.S. restaurants are able to reopen dine-in service as COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted and customer transactions are on a…

BurgerFi going public?

June 8, 2020

BurgerFi International is on its way to becoming a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The better-burger chain, which has 125 locations in 2…

How Shake Shack, Chipotle supporting racial equality

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

June 8, 2020

Chipotle and Shake Shack, two fast casual brands that the industry holds up as leaders, are showing their support for racial equality.

Portland eatery installs vending machine to serve guests during COVID-19

June 8, 2020

Pix Patisserie, a Portland restaurant, installed a refrigerated vending machine to serve rotating trays of pork dumplings, squid, crème brûlée, macarons and…