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Fast Casual

Operations

Sweetgreen inches closer to profitability

By Lisa Jennings on May 09, 2024

Despite flat traffic for the first quarter, the fast-casual salad chain raised guidance for the year, citing continuing momentum.

Financing

Craveworthy bought three more brands, this time with an eye for conversion

 By Lisa Jennings on May 08, 2024

The platform company this week acquired the brands Taim Mediterranean Kitchen, Hot Chicken Takeover and Sigri Indian BBQ. And more are in the works.

Financing

Layoffs and sales declines hit Noodles & Co. last quarter

By Lisa Jennings on May 08, 2024

But CEO Drew Madsen sees signs of a turnaround, as sales and traffic turned positive in April while the chain works on menu and operations improvements.

Beverage

Say goodbye to Panera's Charged Lemonades

By Lisa Jennings on May 07, 2024

The fast-casual chain confirmed the caffeinated drinks will be phased out, but did not specify the timing. The energy drinks have been blamed for two deaths.

Food

Sweetgreen's Caramelized Garlic Steak earns a spot on the permanent menu

By Patricia Cobe on May 07, 2024

In test, the new protein option made up 20% of dinnertime orders, the daypart the fast casual is targeting for growth.

Operations

Portillo's sees consumers reaching boiling point on pricing

By Lisa Jennings on May 07, 2024

When lower-income diners are feeling budget strain, the fast-casual Portillo's feels it most in the drive-thru. To address that, the restaurant chain is working to get orders through car windows faster.

Marketing

Amid the Zoodles and low-carb linguine, Noodles & Company finds what people want is steak

By Lisa Jennings on May 06, 2024

The fast-casual chain has run out of Steak Stroganoff after selling 110,000 bowls in the first two weeks. But don't worry, the LTO is coming back.

Operations

Burgerville takes on new investors with an eye on reigniting regional growth

By Lisa Jennings on May 05, 2024

Former Dutch Bros CEO Joth Ricci is among the investors in Burgerville and he joins the company as executive chair. CEO Ed Casey will remain at the helm.

Financing

Shake Shack steps up marketing to keep customers from fleeing to cheaper options

By Lisa Jennings on May 02, 2024

In the last earnings call for outgoing CEO Randy Garutti, the fast-casual chain said traffic was down 2.1% in the first quarter, though trends were improving into Q2.

Technology

Panda Express owner hit with cyberattack

By Joe Guszkowski on May 02, 2024

The data breach last month affected Panda Restaurant Group's corporate systems and exposed employees' personal data.

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