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Fast Casual

Financing

Once 'orphaned,' Qdoba's new parent sees much whitespace for growth

 By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 11, 2024

John Cywinski hints going public could be in the Mexican fast casual's future if the revitalization strategy comes to fruition as planned.

Financing

Vegan chain Next Level Burger buys Veggie Grill

 By Heather Lalley on Jan. 11, 2024

The move comes less than six months after Veggie Grill closed 12 restaurants amid declining sales. The deal creates a 27-unit plant-based restaurant company.

Emerging Brands

How Steve Ells' new Kernel aims to change the labor equation

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 11, 2024

Expected to open in February, Kernel will attempt to reinvent the team member experience. Brand president Stephen Goldstein describes how the concept is designed to benefit both the planet and workers.

Operations

BurgerFi says turnaround is coming later this year

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 09, 2024

Comp sales in 4Q were down 9% in preliminary results for the better-burger brand, but CEO Carl Bachmann said the foundation is in place for recovery.

Leadership

Cooper’s Hawk exec named CEO of MOD Pizza

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 08, 2024

Beth Scott replaces co-founder Scott Svenson in the role. He is shifting to an executive chair position.

Food

Dave's Hot Chicken adds cauliflower sliders and bites to permanent menu

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 08, 2024

The fast-growing chain expands its core menu for the first time since its start as a parking lot pop-up seven years ago.

Emerging Brands

Saying go to drive-thru salad

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 04, 2024

With a head-turning design and an engaged venture capital backer, Greenlane could shake up the healthful fast-casual segment.

Marketing

Chipotle wants to reward those who are not quitters

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 02, 2024

This resolution season, the chain is partnering with the Strava app, mapping out segments to run, bike or walk that end at a Chipotle.

Food

Just Salad partners with Michelin-starred Dirt Candy for new plant-based bowl

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 02, 2024

The fast casual collaborated with Amanda Cohen, chef-owner of the NYC vegan restaurant, to develop the limited-time salad.

Emerging Brands

Automated restaurants, Chipotle's next thing and a plant-based burger with Kevin Hart buzz

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 20, 2023

Here are a few concepts to watch in 2024. Some have only barely gotten started, but they promise big things.

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