Fast Casual

Maria Hollandsworth named COO of El Pollo Loco

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 17, 2022

Hollandsworth was previously the regional vice president of operations for Dunkin’ and also spent about 20 years at Jack in the Box.

Marketing

Chipotle’s Halloween Boorito promotion returns to restaurants in real life

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 11, 2022

Ghosties and ghoulies are invited to dine in costume on Oct. 31 to earn a discounted burrito for $6, which is a dollar more than last year.

Leadership

Arby’s names Rita Patel chief marketing officer

By Reyna Estrada on Oct. 06, 2022

Arby’s has named Rita Patel Brand its chief marketing officer (CMO). In her new role, Patel will oversee Arby’s brand strategy, menu and culinary innovation, as well as advertising and integrated ...

Food

Wingstop relaunches chicken sandwiches, and this time they mean it

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 05, 2022

The fast-casual chain first launched the sandwiches in 12 flavors earlier this year, but ran out in less than a week. Now they’re trying again.

Operations

Restaurant chains say they're recovering quickly from Hurricane Ian

By Peter Romeo on Oct. 04, 2022

Power outages and transportation difficulties are mentioned as the lingering effects of the storm that struck Florida and the Carolinas.

Marketing

Lou Malnati's will start serving pizza with Portillo's Italian beef

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 03, 2022

Portillo's and Lou Malnati's team up for an iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza collaboration.

Operations

Bb.q Chicken to test Smart Kitchen format with little to no human interaction

By Lisa Jennings on Sep. 30, 2022

Guests at this unit of the Korean fried chicken chain will be able to order online or by kiosk and pick up food from lockers.

Technology

Chipotle tests forecasting tech to ensure guests never have to wait for workers to cook more steak

By Lisa Jennings on Sep. 27, 2022

Chipotle tests more advanced kitchen management system and technology to locate guests.

Emerging Brands

Birdbox in San Francisco threatens to steal the fried chicken sandwich limelight

By Lisa Jennings on Sep. 23, 2022

Birdsong launches fast-casual spinoff Birdbox with Claude the Claw sandwich, a chicken sandwich with claw attached.

Topics

Shoney’s owner launches a new fast-casual, drive-thru pizza concept in Houston