How WOW knew it was time for a rebrand

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Founder Paul Ballard discusses how new decor and a name change were only a couple of aspects of WOW's new identity.

Boneheads tapping new management to revitalize the brand

June 4, 2013

Boneheads Grilled Fish and Piri Piri Chicken, an Atlanta-based fast casual restaurant concept, has a new senior management team and board of directors, a…

Bruster's Real Ice Cream launches revitalization strategy

May 22, 2013

Frozen treat chain Bruster's Real Ice Cream is debuting a new, five-point strategy to reignite growth and attract new franchisees. Introduced at the National…

Mama Fu's rolls out Digital DNA menu boards

Menu boards will help keep the brand's contemporary look.

Sbarro prepares to step outside the mall food court

May 1, 2013

Sbarro is ready to launch a new fast casual concept in Columbus, Ohio, that will bring the brand into somewhat unchartered waters — beyond the mall food court.

Fresh To Order opens first nontraditional location

April 26, 2013

Fresh To Order (f2o) has announced its two new high-traffic Atlanta units — one in Concourse B of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and…

Smashburger adds more airport locations

April 25, 2013

Smashburger is adding three new franchise partnerships for airport locations in Dallas, Philadelphia and San Jose, Costa Rica, accelerating the company's…

A&W throws hat into better burger, fast casual ring

April 15, 2013

For a brand that's been around about 94 years, A&W has made many big changes just within the past year and a half since divesting from Yum! Brands.

Sports bar taking on fast casuals with express lunch

Another full-service restaurant throws its hat in the fast casual ring.

LYFE Kitchen contract ensures LEED-certified restaurants

March 22, 2013

Shangri-La Industries has been appointed as project manager for LYFE Kitchen's expansion across the U.S.

Seattle's Best Coffee expands drive-thru footprint

March 18, 2013

Seattle's Best Coffee, featured brand within Starbucks Corporation, today announced that 15 new locations will open in Dallas-Fort Worth this year. Following…

La Madeleine opens 1st restaurant with new design

March 8, 2013

La Madeleine Country French Café opened its 15th Houston-area café Thursday, with a new location in Parkway Village. The new location's design celebrates la…

The Counter launching new concept in L.A.

The smaller format is perfect for non-traditional settings.

Commentary: Why fast casual is not the future of restaurant business

An industry expert describes how fast casual is evolving into fresh casual.

IMFA honors Smashburger, Panera Bread, Noodles & Co.

February 21, 2013

For the third consecutive year, The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association is recognizing four foodservice chain operators, including Smashburger…

Jersey Mike's opens first airport locations

February 1, 2013

Jersey Mike's Subs opened its first ever airport locations this month, at McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas and at Newark Liberty…

Design of new Portland airport Starbucks reflects city's history

January 30, 2013

Travelers making their way through Portland International Airport will find Starbucks in a new location. Partnering with global restaurateur HMSHost, the…

Tasti D-Lite/Planet Smoothie continue co-branded expansion

January 29, 2013

A Planet Smoothie location in Altamonte Springs, Fla., has added Tasti D-Lite to its center. The store officially opened as a co-brand Jan. 25. A grand…

Smashburger debuts restaurant makeover

The chain celebrated its 200th opening this month by debuting a new interior design.

Fast casual pizza concept Project Pie set to expand in seven markets

January 21, 2013

Project Pie founder and CEO James Markham has announced plans to expand his fast casual pizza concept into multiple new markets within the next year, starting…