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Fast_Casual

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.

Operations

Panera Brands reportedly files confidentially for IPO

 By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 01, 2023

The long-promised move appears to be coming to fruition after years of preparation, indicating markets are looking more favorable.

Emerging Brands

Cava's success sparks a Mediterranean revival

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 16, 2023

Though Mediterranean cuisine has been growing across the U.S. for decades, the newly public Cava is drawing attention to the fast-casual niche. Here is a look at 8 growing restaurant chains positioned to ride the wave of interest.

Technology

POS provider Qu lands investment from Danny Meyer’s Enlightened Hospitality

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 14, 2023

Qu’s cloud-based system is designed to untangle the tech stack for limited-service chains. Meyer believes it could become a “big player.”

Leadership

Dave Boennighausen is out as Noodles & Company CEO

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 10, 2023

Drew Madsen, a board member and former president of Panera Bread, was named interim chief executive as the struggling fast-casual looks for a replacement.

Technology

Wingstop is leaving Olo to build its own tech system

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 07, 2023

The news sent Olo’s stock plummeting early Tuesday, though executives said it will have little impact on the business.

Operations

Potbelly consumers are 'hanging in there,' says CEO

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 03, 2023

The Chicago-based sandwich chain reported same-store sales up 8%, driven by traffic. That momentum is expected to continue into Q4.

Operations

Fast-casual pizza faces an existential crisis

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 02, 2023

Blaze Pizza is preparing for a brand relaunch, but the concept must first solve some fundamental problems laid bare by the pandemic. CEO Beto Guajardo outlines his strategy for profitability.

Financing

California's new fast-food law will hit Habit Burger hard

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 01, 2023

Parent company Yum Brands said the chain’s operating loss will be $10 million in the fourth quarter, which it blamed on anticipated impacts of legislation that will raise wage rates next year.

Emerging Brands

C3 and Craveworthy brands partner to franchise a Mediterranean concept

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 31, 2023

They plan to grow the three-unit Soom Soom to 80 locations over the next four years.

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