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Fast Casual

Financing

Earnings roundup: Recent months prove tough for Ark, Good Times, RCI

 By Peter Romeo on Dec. 19, 2023

The three multi-concept restaurant operators showed significant declines, with at least one blaming more serious consumers.

Technology

Sweetgreen brings its automated restaurant format to California

 By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 15, 2023

The second location of the robotic Infinite Kitchen format opened this week as the fast-casual chain prepares for more in 2024 and beyond.

Technology

Wingstop brings in new CIO as chain prepares shift to in-house tech

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 14, 2023

Chris Fallon, who previously worked in tech at Starbucks, is the Dallas-based chain's new SVP and CIO.

Operations

How Honeygrow got its groove back

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 14, 2023

Growth was on hold for a reset prior to the pandemic but now the 40-unit chain is gearing up to more than double in size in five years.

Technology

Chipotle's latest investment: weed-cutting robots and climate-smart fertilizer

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 13, 2023

The latest investments by the chain's Cultivate Next venture fund continue a focus on technology to better the planet.

Operations

Shake Shack's C-suite will look different for the next phase of growth

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 11, 2023

The chain was already looking for a new COO. Now the search is on for a new CEO. If an activist investor has its way, the leaders will have strong operational experience in limited service.

Operations

Chipotle helps its smaller suppliers find access to capital

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 08, 2023

Planning to double in unit count, the fast-casual chain needs its suppliers to grow too. A unique partnership with digital platform Bridge is designed to open doors for potential financing.

Operations

How higher wages at Cava help boost traffic

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 07, 2023

Because the fast-casual chain had already invested in increasing pay, they were ahead of the game when the labor crisis hit. As a result, Cava hasn't raised menu prices as much as peers, giving guests a strong perception of value.

Emerging Brands

Mamahuhu hopes to spark 'third wave' that builds on legacy of Chinese-American mom and pops

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 06, 2023

Chef Brandon Jew takes on the fast-casual challenge of scaling quality food at an accessible price in a Panda Express-dominated segment. But you won't find Chrysanthemum Salad at Panda Express.

Beverage

Panera Bread's Charged Lemonade blamed for second death

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 05, 2023

The family of Florida resident David Brown filed a lawsuit Monday saying the fast-casual chain neglected to warn vulnerable consumers about caffeine levels in the beverage.

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