Fast_Casual

For Sweetgreen, margins remain a big hurdle

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 03, 2022

The fast-casual, in its first earnings report as a public company, said it expects its first-quarter restaurant-level margins to be between 10% and 11% despite growing sales.

Financing

A small quesadilla chain gets an investment from Mooyah’s owner

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 01, 2022

Investor Anand Gala and his Gala Capital Partners have taken a minority stake in seven-unit fast-casual concept Dillas Quesadillas to help it become a franchisor.

Operations

Pressed finds success with novel sales channels

By Heather Lalley on Mar. 01, 2022

The cold-pressed juice chain is partnering with independent coffee shops to sell its products and has seen strong sales results.

Operations

Chipotle opens a big corporate office in Columbus

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 28, 2022

The new restaurant support center, which took two years to build, will house 400 employees across a range of departments and will help the fast casual achieve its lofty growth goals, it said.

Leadership

Velvet Taco hires industry vet as CFO

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 28, 2022

Lee Evans joins the fast casual after holding financial posts at Rock Bottom, Raising Cane’s and more.

Operations

Portillo’s dining room-less restaurant is a big hit

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 25, 2022

The fast-casual Italian beef and hot dog chain’s CEO said the newest prototype just might be “something very, very special.”

Financing

Noodles & Company got hit by a COVID one-two punch

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 24, 2022

The combined impacts of the delta and omicron surges cost the fast casual $8 million in estimated revenue from temporary closures and reduced hours during the fourth quarter.

Operations

Why Dog Haus is excited about the future of ghost kitchens

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 23, 2022

The gourmet hot dog concept was an early entrant in virtual brands and ghost kitchens. More than two years in, the fast casual has figured out some digital tricks but isn’t giving up on dine-in.

Leadership