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Fast Casual

Food

Shake Shack tasted lots of plant-based burgers before launching Veggie Shack

 By Patricia Cobe on May 17, 2023

Executive chef John Karangis loves to cook vegetables, and after many iterations, he found a way to transform them into a burger made with real veggies.

Financing

Shake Shack agrees to examine its operations in a deal with its activist

 By Jonathan Maze on May 16, 2023

The fast-casual burger chain has appointed Domino’s former CFO Jeff Lawrence to its board and will hire an operational consulting firm to improve profitability.

Technology

Sweetgreen's automated makeline shows robots and humans can coexist

By Joe Guszkowski on May 15, 2023

Tech Check: The salad chain’s first Infinite Kitchen in Naperville, Ill., offers an experience that is almost seamless, but not soulless.

Financing

An activist investor apparently sets its sights on Shake Shack

By Jonathan Maze on May 15, 2023

The Bottom Line: Engaged Capital, the same activist that took on Del Frisco’s and Jamba, is now targeting the fast-casual burger chain. But what would it do differently?

Financing

James Walker's newest concept is all about the food, and the financials

By Jonathan Maze on May 13, 2023

The longtime industry executive spearheaded the creation of The Original Hot Chicken by Experiential Brands. And then quickly moved in a new taco concept called Inked Tacos in the same building. But don’t call them a cobrand.

Operations

Will Panda Express be the first $10B 'mom-and-pop'?

By Lisa Jennings on May 12, 2023

Still run by its founders after 40 years, the fast-casual chain dominates its category and sees plenty of runway ahead.

Emerging Brands

Area 15 Ventures takes full ownership of Daddy's Chicken Shack

By Lisa Jennings on May 12, 2023

The private-equity firm had already made an investment in the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich brand, but now has acquired the remaining equity.

Technology

Sweetgreen's robotic Infinite Kitchen is finally open

By Lisa Jennings on May 10, 2023

The fully automated makeline is described as faster and more accurate, and could cut labor costs in half. A second location, converted from an existing restaurant, will come later this year.

Operations

Noodles & Co. guests push back on higher prices, especially for delivery

By Lisa Jennings on May 10, 2023

But with commodity deflation expected for the rest of the year, the fast-casual chain has brought back a value promotion that is already driving traffic, the company said.

Leadership

BurgerFi CEO Ian Baines to retire in June

By Lisa Jennings on May 08, 2023

Baines plans to stay on as a consultant for another 12 months while a replacement is found. COO John Iannucci will lead as interim.

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