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Fast Casual

Financing

So much for Freshii being worth $1B

 By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 05, 2022

The Bottom Line: Investment bankers initially pushed the healthy fast-casual franchise as a $1 billion brand. It never came close to that. And then the pandemic hit.

Financing

Applebee’s owner to acquire Fuzzy’s Taco Shop for $80M

 By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 05, 2022

Dine Brands Global, which also operates IHOP, will get its long-desired growth concept in the 138-unit fast-casual brand.

Financing

Dine Brands believes Fuzzy’s ‘bad-ass’ vibe can work nationwide

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 05, 2022

The parent of Applebee’s and IHOP wants to supercharge the concept’s growth without changing what has worked so far at the 138-unit taco chain.

Food

Tender Greens wants to be known as more than a salad concept

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 02, 2022

Corporate executive chef Oliver Plust is on a mission to expand and enhance the menu, recently adding a line of artisan sandwiches and a holiday steak plate.

Operations

Delivery will be the last luxury to go, says Shake Shack CEO

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 30, 2022

Even as wallets continue to get pinched, Randy Garutti expects consumers to carry on with their expensive delivery-meal-on-the-couch habits.

Financing

Here's why the nation's largest restaurant franchisee is branching into hotels

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 30, 2022

Greg Flynn sees opportunity in a number of franchising-based businesses. Lodging is just one of them. And there will be more.

Emerging Brands

Romacorp Inc. readies the new fast-casual Bones & Burgers

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 28, 2022

This offshoot of the full-service Tony Roma’s barbecue brand is designed for nontraditional and smaller spaces.

Financing

Swig gets new majority owner in Utah’s Larry H. Miller Co.

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 22, 2022

The fast-growing beverage chain is poised to go coast-to-coast with backing from the business group and former Utah Jazz owner.

Food

How Velvet Taco puts 52 unique limited-time tacos on the menu every year

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 22, 2022

A robust R&D pipeline constantly keeps WTF, the fast casual’s Weekly Taco Feature, filled with inventive tacos. Director of Culinary Venecia Willis makes it happen.

Leadership

Former Church’s Texas Chicken exec named CEO of Fuku

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 18, 2022

Claudia Lezcano to replace Alex Munoz-Suarez at the helm of the David Chang-founded fast-casual brand.

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