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Fast_Casual

Leadership

Don Fox comes full circle

 By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 13, 2022

Fox thought he would end his career at Burger King until he was laid off nearly 20 years ago. He has since helmed Firehouse Subs to a $1 billion valuation, paid by his former employer’s parent company.

Operations

Potbelly has big birthday plans: Looking for franchisees

 By Heather Lalley on Jan. 13, 2022

The fast-casual sandwich shop, which started 45 years ago in a Chicago antique store, wants to become a majority-franchised chain.

Financing

Labor woes continue to plague El Pollo Loco

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 10, 2022

The fast-casual chicken chain said decreased staffing levels forced it to cut operating hours and sales channels last quarter.

Operations

BurgerFi adds to its C-suite to smooth Anthony’s acquisition

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 10, 2022

The operator on Monday said its new chief people officer, chief development officer and chief legal officer would work for both the fast-casual burger chain and the newly acquired Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings full-service concept.

Operations

Portillo’s gets ready to debut its first dining room-less restaurant

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 10, 2022

The first Portillo’s Pick Up location, with a triple drive-thru, is slated to open Feb. 1 in Joliet, at a time in which the newly public fast casual is looking for ways to trim its labor usage and its geographic footprint.

Leadership

City Barbeque promotes Mike Muldoon to CEO

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 06, 2022

Muldoon had served as president and CEO of the fast-casual since 2019. He takes over from founder Rick Malir.

Marketing

Sweetgreen tests a subscription program

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 03, 2022

The fast casual’s Sweetpass costs $10 a month and awards users with a $3 credit for each purchase for 30 days.

Marketing

El Pollo Loco launches its first retail shop

By Heather Lalley on Dec. 22, 2021

The fast casual’s Loco Gifts and Gear shop sells shirts, totes, skateboards and more, all designed by Latino creators.

Emerging Brands

Inside &pizza’s ambitious growth plans

By Heather Lalley on Dec. 21, 2021

The fast-casual pizza concept, which has about 60 units, plans to open 40 new stores by the end of next year. It also isn’t ruling out a possible IPO one day.

Emerging Brands

Inside IHOP’s first Flip’d unit in NYC

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 16, 2021

The scaled-down spinoff will serve pancake bowls, burgers and more—mainly for takeout. It's the first of 10 slated for the Big Apple.

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