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Fast_Casual

Financing

Noodles & Company stock hits a new, all-time low

 By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 06, 2024

The Bottom Line: The fast-casual noodle chain was once dubbed the "Next Chipotle." But it has lost 80% of its value this year amid persistent sales weakness and compounding losses.

Financing

Freddy's reportedly considers a sale as franchise M&A heats up

 By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 21, 2024

The fast-casual burger chain is apparently considering a sale process that could value the brand at $1 billion, as private-equity groups snap up franchise businesses.

Financing

Why Baja Fresh never became Chipotle

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 20, 2024

The Bottom Line: More than 20 years ago, Baja Fresh was the country’s biggest burrito chain and attracted a massive valuation in a sale to Wendy’s. Its subsequent downfall offers numerous lessons for emerging brands today.

Leadership

Panera Brands reshuffles its board

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 19, 2024

Former Bloomin' Brands CEO Dave Deno joined the board, and Patrick Grismer moves into the chairman seat for the umbrella company that includes Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels.

Emerging Brands

How Brassica caught Chipotle's eye

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 18, 2024

The six-unit fast-casual Mediterranean brand is gearing up for growth with a minority investment from Chipotle's venture fund. Co-founder Kevin Malhame explains the game plan.

Operations

Cava's CEO: Here's how we'll remain best in breed

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 13, 2024

The restaurant industry has long watched category-leading brands, like Chipotle, Panera and Starbucks. Now all eyes are on the fast-casual Mediterranean chain as it defines the next cultural cuisine niche.

Technology

Serve Robotics to acquire avocado robot in test at Chipotle

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 08, 2024

Robot delivery company Serve is buying Vebu, maker of the Autocado. It’s also getting a massive new customer in fast-casual burrito giant Chipotle.

Financing

Oath Pizza, which already shut down corporate functions, files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 04, 2024

The fast-casual pizza chain, which has been mired in an investor lawsuit, is liquidating what’s left of its business. But some franchisee-owned locations remain.

Marketing

Chick-fil-A to launch app with original entertainment

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 21, 2024

The fast-casual chain's goal is to create a "digital playground" where families can be entertained together.

Financing

Activist investor pushes Potbelly to consider sale

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 21, 2024

Immersion Investments LLC contends the fast-casual chain is undervalued. In an open letter, the firm urged the board to take urgent action to increase shareholder value.

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