Fast_Casual

BurgerFi’s openings take a big hit due to supply and labor shortages

By Heather Lalley on Nov. 11, 2021

The better-burger brand had planned to open up to 30 new restaurants this year. On Thursday, the fast casual revised that estimate to 18 new stores.

Premium

Operations

Inside the great catering comeback of 2021

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 11, 2021

As workers return to their offices and the holiday season gets underway, restaurants in every segment are ramping up catering programs to feed increased demand.

Financing

Freshii continues to lag due to slow urban recovery

By Heather Lalley on Nov. 10, 2021

The Canadian fast casual’s same-store sales remain down more than 20% over pre-pandemic levels during the third quarter.

Leadership

Tropical Smoothie Cafe adds former Arby’s exec as CMO

By Heather Lalley on Nov. 10, 2021

Deborah von Kutzleben also spent more than two decades at global advertising firm BBDO Worldwide.

Financing

Sweetgreen seeks to raise about $275M with its IPO

By Heather Lalley on Nov. 09, 2021

The fast-casual salad chain revealed the terms of its initial public offering Tuesday, saying it intends to sell its shares for between $23 and $25 apiece.

Emerging Brands

Golden Corral parent partners to expand Taco Bamba

By Heather Lalley on Nov. 09, 2021

The six-unit fast-casual chain, known for its inventive taco fillings, is readying for initial growth around the East Coast thanks to an undisclosed investment deal from Investors Management Corporation.

Emerging Brands

Starbird Chicken gets a $12M investment to fuel its growth

By Heather Lalley on Nov. 08, 2021

The tech-enabled fast casual, which has nine locations, nabbed a $4 million cash infusion less than a year ago from industry veteran Greg Dollarhyde.

Emerging Brands

Rick Bayless-Jollibee fast-casual concept is getting ready to expand

By Heather Lalley on Nov. 05, 2021

One Tortazo unit opened just before the pandemic began, but a second location of the Mexican sandwich concept recently opened in New York City. The brand said it remains bullish on urban centers despite the challenges.

Financing