Fast Casual

Smashburger tests a new burger made with real plants

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 26, 2023

The Plant-Based Classic Smash Burger is made with jackfruit, which can be substituted for another protein in any menu item.

Operations

MOD Pizza offers oven-baked wings in first market test

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 25, 2023

With chicken prices dropping, wings and pizza are being paired for game-day menus.

Premium

Operations

The original Zoes Kitchen concept to be born again

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 24, 2023

With the original recipes and even the original Zoe in the kitchen, the founders are turning the clock back to what made the brand great at the start.

Premium

Food

Slutty Vegan shares the secrets behind the Hawt Toddy Chili Bowl

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 24, 2023

Fans are standing in long lines to grab a taste of the brand’s plant-based comfort this winter.

Operations

Sister brands Tender Greens and Tocaya Modern Mexican are revving up for growth

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 23, 2023

Combined under One Table Restaurant Brands in 2021, what have the two fast-casual brands been up to since then? Building stability, said CEO Harald Herrmann.

Operations

Slapfish tests menu overhaul around ‘choose your voyage’ customization

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 20, 2023

Three units in Salt Lake City will begin offering the new format and brand tweaks later this month.

Financing

The story behind Killer Burger

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 18, 2023

A Deeper Dive: John Dikos, CEO of the chain, and VP of Finance and Strategy Adam Sanders join the podcast to talk about the 20-unit chain and its growth potential.

Premium

Financing

Tacombi: The beachfront Mexican taco stand now making its way across the U.S.

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 18, 2023

The company, backed by restaurateur Danny Meyer, has some big plans to open more fast-casual taco shops and sell its retail tortilla brand throughout the country.

Operations