italian

NYC's Sono restaurant fuses Korean and Italian cuisines into a craveable menu

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 01, 2026

Chef Sechul Yang crafts a new style of fusion that stands apart from the jumble of flavors and ingredients of the past.

Maggiano's is boosting portion sizes as part of new comeback campaign

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 18, 2026

The Italian casual-dining chain will now give customers 20% more pasta and bigger helpings of protein for the same price. It’s also expanding its four-course family-style menu with more options.

Premium

Emerging Brands

Piada Italian Street Food wants to pick up the pace on growth

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 10, 2025

There are not many fast-casual Italian concepts with national potential. Now in seven states, Piada hopes to plant flags in more new markets before competitors catch up.

Operations

Buca di Beppo closes 13 underperforming restaurants

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 30, 2024

The Italian casual-dining chain said the locations struggled to recover from the pandemic and other market pressures.

Food

Maggiano's begins 'next chapter' with premium cocktails, ingredient upgrades

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 10, 2024

Updates such as tableside drink service and specially grown tomatoes are designed to give customers more bang for their buck at the polished-casual Italian chain.

Food

Is Wafu cuisine the next big thing?

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 02, 2021

The culinary techniques and flavors from Japanese and Italian cultures combine to drive this emerging cuisine. But don’t call it fusion.

Financing

After a strong year, Fazoli’s starts thinking big

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 02, 2021

The fast-casual Italian chain says its sales have thrived over the past year, thanks to its drive-thrus, setting it up for unit growth for the first time in a decade.

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