Fast_Casual

Chipotle is rethinking its relationship with digital influencers

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 09, 2021

The fast casual is creating the Chipotle Creator Class, using TikTok to promote the program, with plans to “redefine the traditionally transactional relationship” between a brand and influencers.

Leadership

Sweetgreen co-founder and CEO apologizes for comments on COVID and obesity

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 08, 2021

Jonathan Neman, whose fast-casual salad chain filed to go public in June, said his earlier statement that called for a tax on processed foods, among other things, was “insensitive and oversimplified.”

Operations

Wingstop rolls its Thighstop virtual brand onto its main menu

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 08, 2021

After launching the virtual concept in June, Wingstop said it was time to offer the bone-in thighs and Thigh Bites on its regular menu. Thighstop is still available via DoorDash.

Premium

Emerging Brands

Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken prepares for big growth

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 07, 2021

The former NBA star’s fast-casual chicken concept is getting into ghost kitchens, franchising and cruise ships, all the while finding the best ways to leverage its famous founder’s image.

Financing

PizzaRev acquired for $1.1M by Amergent Hospitality

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 02, 2021

The struggling fast-casual pizza chain, which has closed all but 12 locations, is now owned by the parent of Little Big Burgers and others.

Financing

Private equity firm Sloan Capital becomes an Everbowl franchisee

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 02, 2021

The firm has signed on to open 50 of the customizable, health-focused bowl restaurants in Texas, starting with a unit in Dallas that’s planned to open later this month.

Leadership

Sweetgreen co-founder faces backlash after comments linking COVID to poor diet

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 01, 2021

In a now-deleted LinkedIn post, Jonathan Neman, whose salad chain filed to go public in June, linked the pandemic to obesity and called for a ban on “food that is making us sick.”

Premium

Operations

Potbelly goes back to the drawing board

By Heather Lalley on Aug. 31, 2021

The fast-casual sandwich chain is rolling out a new menu little more than two years after its last menu revamp. It is also scrapping a new store design that didn’t achieve its goals.

Leadership