Fast Casual Executive Summit

08/11/2024

Hurricane Grill & Wings, owned by FAT Brands, is opening at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge at Lake George as the hotel's flagship dining option.

Hurricane Grill & Wings, owned by FAT Brands, is opening at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge at Lake George as the hotel's flagship dining option. "This opening marks an exciting milestone for Hurricane Grill & Wings — our first theme…

07/11/2024

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has Max Wetzel, the former CKE Restaurants Holdings CEO and Papa Johns COO, as its CEO. He succeeds Charles Watson, who is leaving after leading the brand for the past six years. He joined the chain nearly 17 years ago.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has Max Wetzel, the former CKE Restaurants Holdings CEO and Papa Johns COO, as its CEO. He succeeds Charles Watson, who is leaving after leading the brand for the past six years.

06/11/2024

A panel at the Fast Casual Executive Summit examined how restaurants can use coaching, technology and other tools to maximize coaching, location collaboration, compliance and more.

06/11/2024

Scott Snyder, CEO of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, shares his insight on how brands can tap into the average consumer’s need for belonging; ultimately leading to customer loyalty for the long haul.

06/11/2024

Southern California-born Bruxie, which serves waffle sandwiches, chicken tenders and artisan custard shakes, is adding two Los Angeles college communities next week when it opens at UCLA's Westwood Village and at The Shops at USC Village.

Southern California-born Bruxie, which serves waffle sandwiches, chicken tenders and artisan custard shakes, is adding two Los Angeles college communities next week when it opens at UCLA's Westwood Village and at The Shops at USC Village. "With eight thriving locations…

04/11/2024

Katie Fairchild, CMO of Restaurant365, reveals eight marketing tips for LTO launches. Here are some tips to help your team implement LTOs that not only excite your guests but also drive real results for your bottom line.

Katie Fairchild, CMO of Restaurant365, reveals eight marketing tips for LTO launches.

04/11/2024

Clean Eatz has appointed 30-year restaurant veteran Eric Wyatt as its first CEO. Wyatt most recently served as CEO of California-based NORMS Restaurants and has held c-level leadership roles at Boston Market and Corner Bakery Cafe.

Clean Eatz, a health-focused lifestyle brand and meal plan franchise, has appointed 30-year restaurant veteran Eric Wyatt as its first CEO. Wyatt most recently served as CEO of California-based NORMS Restaurants and has held c-level leadership roles at Boston Market and Corner Bakery Cafe.

03/11/2024

Smoothie King has created five smoothies designed for the millions of Americans taking prescription GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, to help them achieve their weight goals. The Menu features high-protein smoothies with 20 grams of protein or more.

Smoothie King has created five smoothies designed for the millions of Americans taking prescription GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, to help them achieve their weight goals. Created in partnership with Molly Kimball — a registered dietitian with Ochsner Health, a…

03/11/2024

Checkmate, a leading provider of unified ordering solutions for enterprise restaurants, has secured $10 million in Series B funding. The investment will be used to accelerate the adoption of Checkmate's voice AI and kiosk technologies.

Checkmate, a leading provider of unified ordering solutions for enterprise restaurants has secured $10 million in Series B funding, led by Tiger Global. The investment will be used to accelerate the adoption of Checkmate's voice AI and kiosk technologies across…

03/11/2024

Shake Shack posted a solid Q3 earnings report, featuring a revenue growth of 14.7% and same-store sales growth of 4.4%. It also saw a 28% jump in adjusted EBITDA and opened eight company-operated and nine licensed Shacks.

Shake Shack posted a solid Q3 earnings report Wednesday, featuring a revenue growth of 14.7% and same-store sales growth of 4.4%. It also saw a 28% jump in adjusted EBITDA and opened eight company-operated and nine licensed Shacks, according to…

02/11/2024

Denise Tran, founder and CEO of Bun Mee, reveals how non-traditional venues have been such a success. The Bun Mee stores in the San Francisco International Airport grossed over $4.6 million and $3.6 million in sales in 2023, respectively, but also served as a marketing strategy.

02/11/2024

Naf Naf Grill is adding refreshers, Strawberry Dragonfruit and Mango Peach, made by Tractor Beverage Company to the menu.

Chicago-based Naf Naf Grill is adding refreshers made by Tractor Beverage Company to the menu. "We are thrilled to introduce Tractor's beverages to Naf Naf Grill — one of the first national chains to launch our ready-to-drink cans," Luke Emery,…

02/11/2024

Six days after announcing it was entering New Jersey, Zaxbys is adding Pennsylvania to its list of states. Franchisee George Abdelmessieh will launch up to 10 locations over the next five years with the first two opening in 2025.

Six days after announcing it was entering New Jersey, Georgia-based Zaxbys is adding Pennsylvania to its list of states. Franchisee George Abdelmessieh, a veteran entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the franchise industry, will launch up to 10…

01/11/2024

When Starbucks releases its holiday-inspired retail line Nov. 7, customers in U.S. & Canada company-owned stores will no longer pay extra for customizing their beverage with non-dairy milk — including soymilk, oat milk, almond milk and coconut milk.

When Starbucks releases its holiday-inspired retail line next week (Nov. 7) customers in U.S.

01/11/2024

California-based Ono Hawaiian BBQ is collaborating with Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Moana 2" and the relaunch of its Ono Keiki Meal.

California-based Ono Hawaiian BBQ is collaborating with Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Moana 2" and the relaunch of its Ono Keiki Meal. The meal, available Nov.

01/11/2024

Noodles & Co has hired former Domino's executive Stephen Kennedy as EVP of marketing to lead strategy and customer growth initiatives.

Noodles & Co has hired former Domino's executive Stephen Kennedy as EVP of marketing to lead strategy and customer growth initiatives. "Stephen is a transformational marketing leader with over two decades of experience driving growth for iconic brands," Drew Madsen,…

31/10/2024

Pita Pit USA, a Mediterranean fast casual brand specializing in made-to-order pita sandwiches, is lowering franchised fees and royalty rates and introducing a drive-thru prototype as part of its 2024 Franchise Development Incentive.

Pita Pit USA, a Mediterranean fast casual brand specializing in made-to-order pita sandwiches, is lowering franchised fees and royalty rates and introducing a drive-thru prototype as part of its 2024 Franchise Development Incentive. "We're not just expanding our presence —…

31/10/2024

Kreation Organic Juicery, a 25-unit brand founded in 2007 in Los Angeles, is now serving pets via Kreation Pets. Inspired by her poodle, founder Marjan Sarshar expanded her mission of clean, nutritious food to include four-legged friends.

Kreation Organic Juicery, a 25-unit brand founded in 2007 in Los Angeles, is now serving pets via Kreation Pets, opening Thursday in Manhattan Beach at 1300 Highland Ave. Inspired by her poodle, who suffered from digestive issues, allergies and anxiety,…