Fast_Casual

Wingstop is bringing its wings to Spain

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 17, 2022

The fast casual plans to open four ghost kitchens in Madrid in the coming months, part of a broader global expansion effort.

Premium

Leadership

Charlie Morrison’s Wingstop departure raises more questions than answers

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 16, 2022

Morrison’s abrupt resignation this week from the publicly traded wing chain he transformed over the past decade, to helm 50-unit regional concept Salad and Go, is a major industry surprise.

Technology

WOWorks adds a CIO, updates its tech platforms

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 16, 2022

The operator of four fast-casual brands hired Kyle Mark to the newly created chief information officer post.

Technology

Chipotle is testing a robot to make perfectly imperfect chips

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 16, 2022

Chippy, made by Miso Robotics, uses artificial intelligence to fry and season the fast casual’s tortilla chips so they’re craveable and don’t “lose the humanity behind our culinary experience,” the brand said.

Food

4 Rivers Smokehouse debuts an ‘Inflation Menu’ to cushion rising prices

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 15, 2022

The budget-friendly menu saves money for both the restaurant group and its customers.

Operations

Franchising takes wing for Starbird

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 11, 2022

The 12-unit, tech-focused fast casual said it has proven out its concept and is ready to bring on franchisees as early as next month.

Financing

Portillo’s wants to be a ‘price laggard’

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 10, 2022

The fast-casual Italian beef chain, which went public in October, said it looks to take traffic while other brands are taking price. But that doesn’t mean it’s not raising prices at all.

Leadership