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Fast_Casual

Operations

Potbelly consumers are 'hanging in there,' says CEO

 By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 03, 2023

The Chicago-based sandwich chain reported same-store sales up 8%, driven by traffic. That momentum is expected to continue into Q4.

Operations

Fast-casual pizza faces an existential crisis

 By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 02, 2023

Blaze Pizza is preparing for a brand relaunch, but the concept must first solve some fundamental problems laid bare by the pandemic. CEO Beto Guajardo outlines his strategy for profitability.

Financing

California's new fast-food law will hit Habit Burger hard

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 01, 2023

Parent company Yum Brands said the chain’s operating loss will be $10 million in the fourth quarter, which it blamed on anticipated impacts of legislation that will raise wage rates next year.

Emerging Brands

C3 and Craveworthy brands partner to franchise a Mediterranean concept

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 31, 2023

They plan to grow the three-unit Soom Soom to 80 locations over the next four years.

Financing

At Raising Cane's, strong financial performance with a bit of risk

By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 31, 2023

The fast-casual chicken tenders chain has thrived coming out of the pandemic with strong sales, traffic and earnings. But it spends a lot on growth, according to bond ratings agencies, and its menu is a risk.

Financing

Can healthy eating and restaurants coexist?

By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 25, 2023

A Deeper Dive: RB Executive Editor Lisa Jennings joins the podcast for a discussion on Ozempic, healthy fast-casuals and whether the industry has a responsibility to help with America’s obesity crisis.

Operations

BurgerFi CEO begins making moves to evolve better-burger brand

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 17, 2023

The Florida-based chain acquired two franchise units and is plotting a return to Manhattan. Also, the fries will be improved.

Technology

Chipotle and Sweetgreen are in a robotic arms race

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 13, 2023

The two chains are duking it out for tech superiority as they attempt to prove that robotic makelines could transform the fast-casual space.

Financing

Why large restaurant chains struggle to develop new concepts

By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 11, 2023

The Bottom Line: With Chipotle developing yet another brand in Farmesa, it’s a good time to check on the track record of large brands creating new concepts. It’s not a good one.

Emerging Brands

A tale of 2 fast casuals—one Italian and one Indian—and how they grew

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 11, 2023

Piada Italian Street Food and Choolaah Indian BBQ both personalize the fast-casual model to fit their mission, with authentic food and passion driving growth.

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