Fast Casual

Emerging Concepts, Employee Management, Fast Casual, News, Operations

Chili Shack Names Elizabeth Orona COO

On the heels of announcing plans to grow its national footprint via franchising, Chili Shack—the popular Denver-based restaurant chain known for its Mexican-American fare smothered in green chili—has expanded its senior leadership team with the addition of Elizabeth Orona as Chief Operating Officer. At Chili Shack, Orona will oversee all employees, operational growth, innovation, and franchise […]

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Fast Casual, Franchising, Growth, News

Harlem Shake Signs Lease to Open in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint Neighborhood

The award-winning and critically acclaimed Harlem Shake expands with its first Brooklyn franchisee, Cody Spearman, officially signing a lease for 698 Manhattan Avenue (at Norman Avenue), Brooklyn, NY 11222, in the heart of the Greenpoint neighborhood. Cody secured the 1,580 square foot location with wraparound sidewalk seating and high ceilings with KSRNY brokers Akram Mozeb and Jordan Raphan. Harlem Shake Greenpoint is mere steps away from […]

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Fast Casual, Marketing & Promotions, News

Corner Bakery Cafe Launches Limited-Time Catering Discount

As March Madness approaches, Corner Bakery Cafe is helping groups stay energized with a limited-time catering deal designed for tailgates, watch parties, tournament gatherings, and corporate meetings throughout the season. Guests will receive $30 off any catering orders of $300 or more, making it easier than ever to serve fresh, kitchen-crafted favorites during busy game […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Fast Food, News, Story

CEO to CEO: Timber Pizza’s Chris Brady and Bun Mee’s Denise Tran

On this episode of QSR’s CEO to CEO: Behind the Counter series, Timber Pizza’s Chris Brady and Bun Mee’s Denise Tran quiz each other on life leading emerging restaurant brands. From bootstrapping the early days to find real estate to separating from the competition, they candidly dive into what it takes to develop and scale […]

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Emerging Concepts, Fast Casual, Growth, News

Mike’s Red Tacos Opens Third San Diego Location

Mike’s Red Tacos, the San Diego-born Birria brand named as a Yelp Top 100 U.S. Restaurant (2023), is proud to announce the grand opening of its third San Diego location, on Tuesday, March 10, at 9089 Mira Mesa Blvd.   The 2,600-square-foot Mira Mesa restaurant seats 72 guests and includes an outdoor patio built for group and family […]

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Fast Casual, News

Gene Lee Named Chairman of Portillo’s

Portillo’s, the fast-casual restaurant concept known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, announced a leadership transition within its Board of Directors. The Board has appointed Eugene I. Lee, Jr., a respected veteran of the restaurant industry and award-winning foodservice leader, as Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Lee succeeds Michael A. Miles, Jr., who will […]

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Beverage, Fast Casual, Marketing & Promotions, News, Sandwiches

Panera Launches New Lineup of Specialty Frescas and Energy Refreshers

Panera Bread, a leader and pioneer in the fast casual restaurant industry, is letting guests make sipping the moment with the national launch of two new premium specialty beverage categories, Frescas and Energy Refreshers*. Crafted in the bakery-cafe and infused with real fruit, these drinks deliver a premium beverage experience full of flavor. Whether guests […]

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Fast Casual, Franchising, Growth, News, Story

PopUp Bagels’ ‘Conservatively Aggressive’ Growth Strategy Gains Traction Across U.S.

Tory Bartlett began as PopUp Bagels CEO in October 2024, and it wasn’t too long afterward that the chain began putting together an FDD and a franchising website. That’s because the engine was already there. The concept began in 2020 as a fun pandemic activity for founder Adam Goldberg, but virality across social media—in large […]

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Beverage, Fast Casual, Food, Marketing & Promotions, Menu Innovations, News

The Halal Guys Announces LTOs and Secret Menu Item

The Halal Guys is expanding its menu with several limited-time offerings beginning March 12. The new items include a Lamb & Beef Gyro option, waffle fries, and a Berry Mint Refresher beverage, along with a new secret-menu item available by request in-store. New Menu Items The limited-time menu additions include: Lamb & Beef Gyro — […]

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Fast Casual, Fast Food, Franchising, News, Sandwiches, Story

Next-Gen Franchise Leaders Modernize Family Businesses at Schlotzsky’s and Auntie Anne’s

For second-generation franchisees, stepping into leadership often means balancing loyalty to a parent’s legacy with the realities of running a modern operation. In the GoTo Foods system, two daughters of longtime operators have lived that dynamic firsthand, inheriting stores built by their families and ushering them into a new era.  These owners occupy a unique […]

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