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…

Lights, food, ambiance: 5 reasons to upgrade your lighting

diners expect limited-service restaurants to make them feel welcome.

Meatheads intros new design in Illinois

October 8, 2013

Meatheads, a Chicago-based fast casual restaurant, has chosen Lincolnwood, Ill., for its first company-designed, freestanding restaurant. The unit, at 6734 N.

Diner goes fast casual to stay relevant

September 24, 2013

In an effort to compete with the increasing popularity of fast casual restaurants, Irvine, Calif.-based Ruby Restaurant Group is testing a new dinette concept…

Hilton Hotel launches fast casual concept

September 24, 2013

Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide, is officially playing in the fast casual market with the opening of Herb N' Kitchen, a new…

LYFE Kitchen plans Chicago debut

September 19, 2013

LYFE Kitchen will open a franchise location in Chicago in November. The restaurant will be located at the corner of Clark and Hubbard and will be the first for…

Starbucks building 'instant coffee shop' in Chicago

September 16, 2013

We've all heard about instant coffee, but Starbucks is building an "instant coffee shop" in Chicago, according to the Chicago Tribune. Last week, a crew began…