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Fast_Casual

Operations

Back Yard Burgers, after many hurdles, gets ready to grow again

 By Heather Lalley on Jan. 21, 2022

The better-burger brand is about 75% smaller than it was 15 years ago. But it is looking to get back into the new-restaurant business.

Leadership

Saladworks’ parent WOWorks hires Brian Farris as chief development officer

 By Heather Lalley on Jan. 19, 2022

Farris has previously held executive posts with Schlotzsky’s, Focus Brands, Quiznos and Boston Market.

Emerging Brands

Sweetfin gets an investment from an Italian poke chain

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 18, 2022

Poke House has taken a minority stake in the 14-unit poke fast casual based in Southern California, allowing it to speed up its growth.

Emerging Brands

How Obama's personal finance advisor is trying to change the face of restaurants

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 18, 2022

Robbie Robinson, co-founder of the Pendulum Holdings investment and advisory group, partnered with Chopt parent Founder’s Table to bring capital to operators who typically don’t get funding.

Operations

Potbelly has big birthday plans: Looking for franchisees

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 13, 2022

The fast-casual sandwich shop, which started 45 years ago in a Chicago antique store, wants to become a majority-franchised chain.

Emerging Brands

How Hopdoddy prepared to get acquisitive

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 13, 2022

The Texas-based better-burger fast casual used the pandemic’s challenges to become leaner and stronger. Then it decided to buy a competitor and it might scoop up more.

Leadership

Don Fox comes full circle

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 13, 2022

Fox thought he would end his career at Burger King until he was laid off nearly 20 years ago. He has since helmed Firehouse Subs to a $1 billion valuation, paid by his former employer’s parent company.

Operations

Portillo’s gets ready to debut its first dining room-less restaurant

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 10, 2022

The first Portillo’s Pick Up location, with a triple drive-thru, is slated to open Feb. 1 in Joliet, at a time in which the newly public fast casual is looking for ways to trim its labor usage and its geographic footprint.

Financing

Labor woes continue to plague El Pollo Loco

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 10, 2022

The fast-casual chicken chain said decreased staffing levels forced it to cut operating hours and sales channels last quarter.

Operations

BurgerFi adds to its C-suite to smooth Anthony’s acquisition

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 10, 2022

The operator on Monday said its new chief people officer, chief development officer and chief legal officer would work for both the fast-casual burger chain and the newly acquired Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings full-service concept.

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