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Fast Casual

Financing

A lawsuit accuses Oath Pizza's CEO of selling the company to himself over objections

 By Jonathan Maze on May 30, 2023

Investor James Alpi accuses Andrew Kellogg of buying off the struggling fast-casual pizza chain’s assets for $10,000, plus a 10-year note, despite receiving at least one offer for $1 million.

Leadership

BurgerFi taps former Smashburger president to be its next CEO

 By Jonathan Maze on May 30, 2023

Carl Bachmann will jump from one fast-casual burger chain to the other when he takes over as BurgerFi CEO in July.

Food

How craveability, sustainability and the guest experience drive Avi Szapiro's menu mission

By Patricia Cobe on May 25, 2023

The VP of culinary innovation for Untamed Brands infuses fast-casual Taim and Hot Chicken Takeover with fine-dining details.

Technology

Chipotle founder Steve Ells is developing a new automated restaurant to be called Kernel

By Lisa Jennings on May 25, 2023

Expected to debut in New York City late this year, the robotic concept can reportedly be operated with as few as three people in roughly 800-square feet.

Operations

Wake Up Call coffeehouse chain expands with acquisition

By Lisa Jennings on May 24, 2023

The 11-unit chain acquired 13 locations of Black Rock Coffee Bar in Washington state, with plans to convert them to Wake Up Call.

Financing

Former Famous Dave's investor makes a $12M bid for Corner Bakery

By Jonathan Maze on May 23, 2023

The hedge fund Wexford Capital, including Famous Dave’s former CEO Jeff Crivello, has an opening bid in an auction for the fast-casual bakery-cafe chain.

Operations

Panera Brands to restructure leadership in prep for IPO

By Lisa Jennings on May 23, 2023

The timing of the potential public offering remains unclear, but the group that includes Panera Bread, Einstein Bros. and Caribou Coffee remains on track to go public again.

Emerging Brands

Pepper Lunch hopes to put experiential sizzle into Asian fast casual

By Lisa Jennings on May 22, 2023

This Japan-born chain has 500 units across Asia and in May launched franchising in the U.S. and Canada with an eye on university settings.

Financing

It's official: Cava goes public with IPO plans

By Lisa Jennings on May 19, 2023

The fast-growing Mediterranean fast casual had previously filed confidential plans, but now the financial disclosures are public.

Food

How Starbird's recipe for perfect fried chicken is powering the fast casual for growth

By Patricia Cobe on May 18, 2023

Founder and CEO Aaron Noveshen shares Starbird’s story and hints at some surprises ahead.

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