Fast_Casual

Don Fox, longtime Firehouse Subs CEO, is stepping down

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 31, 2023

In a Facebook post, the longtime chief executive of the sandwich chain said COO Mike Hancock will take over day-to-day operations. Fox will remain Firehouse’s chairman.

Food

Sweetgreen pokes fast-casual rival with debut of a Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 30, 2023

The LTO is Sweetgreen's first bowl with no lettuce and marks an ongoing move to capture the dinner daypart.

Financing

Small towns help McAlister's Deli become a big brand

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 29, 2023

The sandwich chain is on the verge of becoming the first $1 billion concept in the Focus Brands portfolio, thanks to a willingness to expand where others might not.

Financing

Teriyaki Madness is not calming down

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 20, 2023

The fast-casual bowl chain has been one of the country’s fastest-growing restaurant concepts in recent years. And now it has a potential new funding source for its franchisees.

Leadership

Habit Burger names Jack Hinchliffe CMO

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 09, 2023

The fast-casual burger chain tapped the KFC veteran to oversee global marketing. Former Chief Brand Officer Iwona Alter was named chief operating officer.

Operations

Inflation isn't hurting traffic, at least at Noodles & Co.

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 08, 2023

The fast-casual noodle chain said its sales momentum has continued so far this year while margins are improving thanks to normalizing commodity costs.

Marketing

Baguettes and seat cushions star in Panera's new ad campaign

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 06, 2023

The ads highlight how "generosity is in the details," like comfy seats. The campaign also features refreshed packaging and a big focus on new toasted baguettes.

Financing