Continue to Site >>>

Fast Casual

Operations

BurgerFi defaults on its credit agreement

 By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 01, 2024

The parent company of the BurgerFi and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings restaurant chains fell out of compliance with its loan agreement amid weak sales and financial losses. But the CEO insists turnaround efforts are taking hold.

Workforce

Labor strife is still high as California's landmark fast-food wage law takes effect

 By Peter Romeo on Mar. 29, 2024

With all the last-minute sniping by members, the next meeting of the Fast Food Council promises to be a doozy.

Food

A new generation of upgraded kids' menus plays to parents, but they're getting Gen Alpha to hit the 'like' button

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 29, 2024

While many fast-food chains stick to old-school kids’ fare, there’s a recent surge among fast-casual and full-service restaurants to offer healthier, more grownup menus that appeal to the whole family.

Food

How Gott's Roadside evolves the menu while honoring the restaurant's 25-year legacy

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 28, 2024

Clay Walker, president of the iconic California drive-in, shares why local flavor and hospitality creates staying power.

Operations

Can Smashburger get back on track for growth?

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 28, 2024

Smashburger's new CEO Denise Nelsen is taking a hard look at the brand and how it can reignite expansion, both domestic and international.

Leadership

Pizza Inn parent Rave Restaurant Group upgrades leadership team

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 26, 2024

The Dallas-based pizza restaurant operator, which also owns Pie Five, has six new executives in place in preparation for planned expansion.

Operations

Panera Bread digital channels suffer national outage

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 25, 2024

Panera cafes are open, but digital ordering systems are down, including kiosks in stores. Workers say they have been given no explanation.

Leadership

Smashburger names former Starbucks exec CEO

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 20, 2024

Denise Nelsen spent more than two decades at Starbucks, most recently leading U.S. operations. Now she's plotting new business ventures and international growth at the fast-casual burger brand.

Leadership

Jennifer Schuler named CEO of Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 19, 2024

Former Wetzel's Pretzels CEO Jennifer Schuler joins the Canfield, Ohio-based Handel's Homemade Ice Cream at a time of growth for the 130-unit franchise chain.

Operations

Calif. labor commissioner clarifies fast-food wage exemption

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 18, 2024

An update last week attempts to address lingering questions about what companies would be impacted by the upcoming fast-food wage hike. It looks like Panera Bread is not exempt after all.

  • Page 4