Fast Casual

Habit Burger names Jack Hinchliffe CMO

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 09, 2023

The fast-casual burger chain tapped the KFC veteran to oversee global marketing. Former Chief Brand Officer Iwona Alter was named chief operating officer.

Operations

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila carves out QSR-with-cocktails niche

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 08, 2023

This South Beach, Fla., concept is planning to open in Chicago, Nashville and Washington, D.C. by next year.

Operations

Inflation isn't hurting traffic, at least at Noodles & Co.

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 08, 2023

The fast-casual noodle chain said its sales momentum has continued so far this year while margins are improving thanks to normalizing commodity costs.

Leadership

Former Goldman Sachs VP Jared Garber named CFO of Just Salad

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 07, 2023

With more than 70 units, the New York City-based chain is preparing for rapid growth.

Marketing

Baguettes and seat cushions star in Panera's new ad campaign

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 06, 2023

The ads highlight how "generosity is in the details," like comfy seats. The campaign also features refreshed packaging and a big focus on new toasted baguettes.

Financing

Pollo Tropical starts the year off with more customers and better profits

By Reyna Estrada on Mar. 03, 2023

The fast-casual chicken restaurant chain said its traffic has improved so far this year, as did its profit margins.

Technology

Wingstop to test AI phone-answering system

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 03, 2023

Automating phone orders will bring the chain closer to its goal of digitizing 100% of transactions.

Operations

Portillo's opens big in Texas

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 02, 2023

Sales at the first Lone Star state location are averaging a "crazy" $48,000 per day since opening in January, fueling optimism about growth across the Sun Belt.

Operations