Research shows strong connection between restaurant ambiance and consumer appeal

February 28, 2014

New research from Technomic's Consumer Brand Metrics tool outlines how restaurant ambiance can affect consumers' value perceptions.

Latin American fast casual launches new design

February 27, 2014

Pollo Campero has launched a new global brand platform and modern restaurant design debuting in Guatemala and El Salvador with plans for remodels and new…

Fatburger opens co-branded drive-thru unit in LA

February 26, 2014

Fatburger has announced the opening of its newest drive-thru location with its sister brand, Buffalo's Express, on Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles. The…

VooDoo BBQ testing new prototype

February 24, 2014

VooDoo BBQ & Grill opened its 17th location on Feb. 9 in Hollywood, Fla. In March, the company plans to open additional locations — one in Boca Raton…

Cobranding Part 1: Will it work for fast casuals?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

While developing the right partnership can be tricky, cobranding is a great way to add an additional revenue stream.

Smoothie King rocks new design in Florida

February 13, 2014

Smoothie King Franchises unveiled its new store design with the opening of two locations in South Florida. The stores, located at the Dolphin Mall, located at…

Fine-dining chefs getting 'Funky' with fast casual concept

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Father-and-son Chefs Bryan and Bradley Ogden step out of their comfort zone to open fast casual chicken concept.

Phil Friedman named CEO of Salsarita's; launching growth plan

February 6, 2014

After acquiring Salsarita's in 2011, Phil Friedman is stepping up as its CEO to launch major expansion efforts, according to a company press release. Friedman…

Why Bruegger's launched a new design, menu

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Along with the new physical design, the chain has updated its logo, point-of-purchase materials, to-go packaging and is now in the process of updating the…

Togo's hosts grand re-opening for two California locations

January 23, 2014

Togo's Eateries Inc. announced its former restaurant of 25 years has been relocated within the same Paseo Plaza Real shopping center at 6971 El Camino Real in…

Yumz debuts express model

January 22, 2014

Yumz Gourmet Frozen Yogurt today announced the launch of Yumz Express, a kiosk-sized version of a full-size Yumz Gourmet Frozen Yogurt store. The new model is…

Pizza Hut's fast casual prototype revealed

The new formats also include digital menu boards, deck ovens and an open seating environment.

Bruster's incorporates indoor seating with Georgia prototype store

December 17, 2013

Bruster's Real Ice Cream is building its first prototype store in Savannah, Ga. The new location, owned by Patrick DeLaRosa and partner Brandy Montez, will…

Fuddruckers rolls out new design in Illinois

December 13, 2013

A 6,600-square-foot Fuddruckers restaurant opened today in Algonquin, Ill., a northwest suburb of Chicago. Luby's Inc., the chain's parent company, operates…

Schlotzsky's redesigning Texas unit

December 6, 2013

Schlotzsky's is hosting a grand re-opening of its Irving, Texas, location at 7530 N. MacArthur Blvd., which now features a completely redesigned look…

LYFE Kitchen certified for wellness as part of pilot program

December 5, 2013

The world's first WELL certified restaurants were unveiled today by Delos and LYFE Kitchen Restaurant. The new LYFE Kitchen Restaurants in Tarzana, Calif., and…

Cowboy Chicken opens first drive-thru unit

December 3, 2013

The new Cowboy Chicken location in Forney, Texas, will celebrate its grand opening this month with one customer winning free chicken for a year, according to a…

Pint-sized pizza joint targets non-traditional settings

by Natalie Gagliordi — Editor of KioskMarketplace.com, Networld Media Group

Pie Squared is a fast casual pizza concept that only takes up 200 square feet.

Implement something unique into your restaurants

Jarrod Cooper, senior project manager at CMA, spoke on a panel about trends in restaurant architecture at the recent Fast Casual Executive Summit in New…

Mama Fu's rolling out delivery, to-go model

October 22, 2013

Mama Fu's Asian House is rolling out a new prototype that offers only takeout, delivery and catering. Opening the first location in Mama Fu's hometown of…