Blaze Pizza fans the flames of fast-casual pizza with brand overhaul
Restaurant Business
JUNE 17, 2024
As the fast-casual pizza niche tries to find its post-pandemic path, Blaze Pizza hopes to regain leadership with a new menu and mission.
Casual Fast Casual Leadership 
Industry Report: Restaurants face staffing challenges, old and new in 2023
7 Shifts
SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
Table of Contents Biggest overall team management challenges Top priorities for restaurant operators Wage Increases Leadership and Training Programs Hiring and retention remain the biggest challenge for restaurants when it comes to team management overall. Here's what we found.
2023 
397
397 Join 94,000+
Insiders
Sign Up for our Newsletter
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
How gusto! Simplified Payroll and Stays Engaged With Their Team
7 Shifts
DECEMBER 16, 2022
And a great team can only thrive under outstanding leadership. their leadership sees team management as their greatest responsibility. With that team, they've built a brand of 11 locations serving fresh, fast, and healthy food to the Atlanta metro area. Leadership encourages staff to leave more feedback often.
Leadership 370
370 
From Fast Casual, to Fine Dining, to Finance | Season 2, Vol. 9: FAST Acquisition Corp.
Foodable
JANUARY 27, 2021
In the latest episode of the Hospitality Hangout podcast, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” sit down with Kimberly Grant, the co-sponsor and chief strategy officer at FAST Acquisition Group, to explore her rise in the restaurant industry, and what lies ahead for FAST.
Fast Casual 82
82 
How To Become A Restaurant Manager in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
7 Shifts
AUGUST 16, 2024
Leadership and communication Leadership and communication are not just skills, but essential qualities for a successful restaurant manager. By honing these skills managers can take leadership courses and mentorship, aspiring managers can inspire and motivate their teams to deliver exceptional service.
2024 195
195 
An Iconic Restaurant Chain Continues to Evolve
Foodable
APRIL 28, 2022
Listen to "Fast Casual Nation - Craig Erlich" on Spreaker. The Fast Casual Nation Podcast offers exclusive interviews with experts ranging from top chefs and brand makers to executives and restaurants who work in one of the fastest-growing segments of the restaurant industry. Produced by Lisa Pepe.
Fast Casual 89
89 
Turning the Tide: The Inspiring Leadership of Geoff Alexander
The Restaurant Times
APRIL 12, 2023
He worked his way up and gained valuable experience in menu development and restaurant design while working at Vong under Jean-Georges Vongerichten, eventually becoming the CEO of Wow Bao, a fast-casual Asian restaurant chain, w here he continued to apply his knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry.
Leadership 52
52 
Exploring Food Culture
Modern Restaurant Management
NOVEMBER 8, 2022
Since the pandemic, many chefs created fast-casual concepts and we see more and more tasting and prix-fix menus. From all the other conversations, I highlight, in the same chapter, many advice about leadership. I learned many lessons while writing this book, about leadership, about food, and about me as an individual.
Food 180
180 
Sweetgreen COO Chris Carr to step down in 2023
Restaurant Business
DECEMBER 6, 2022
SVP Stephanie Traut will take over leadership of operations for the fast-casual salad chain.
Fast Casual 105
105 
Secrets to Restaurant Success with Christian Brandt of Jagger and Otto Pizza
Apicbase
JANUARY 4, 2024
Scaling a fast-casual concept requires passion, precision, and persistence. Fast Facts Jagger: A burger brand with 16 outlets in Copenhagen and Oslo. Empowering Leadership : Christian’s leadership style empowers his team, fostering a culture of passion and dedication in every aspect of the business.
Fast Casual 52
52 
Secrets to Restaurant Success with Christian Brandt of Jagger and Otto Pizza
Apicbase
DECEMBER 5, 2023
Scaling a fast-casual concept requires passion, precision, and persistence. Fast Facts Jagger: A burger brand with 16 outlets in Copenhagen and Oslo. Empowering Leadership : Christian’s leadership style empowers his team, fostering a culture of passion and dedication in every aspect of the business.
Fast Casual 52
52 
Stop Prepping Veggies – Strategy in Post-Pandemic Recovery
Modern Restaurant Management
JUNE 9, 2021
This was painfully evident when a couple of my coworkers and myself went to eat at a fast casual chain and waited over a half hour for food. An idea on the minds of foodservice leadership post-pandemic is the ghost kitchen – a kitchen dedicated to prepping food without maintaining a dining space. Ghost Kitchen Roll Out.
Kitchen Safety 168
168 
How to Build and Hire the Right Team for Your Restaurant
ChowNow
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024
Line cooks work in a fast-paced kitchen environment, while cashiers handle customer transactions. For example, when hiring a sous chef, describe the cooking skills, leadership experience, and knowledge of kitchen operations that are essential for the role. Maintenance staff keeps the restaurant clean and in working order.
Hiring 78
78 
Smashburger names former Starbucks exec CEO
Restaurant Business
MARCH 20, 2024
Now she's plotting new business ventures and international growth at the fast-casual burger brand. Denise Nelsen spent more than two decades at Starbucks, most recently leading U.S. operations.
Fast Casual 105
105 
??Widespread Slowdown of YoY Sales and Traffic Growth Continues for all Restaurant Segments
Black Box Intelligence
AUGUST 20, 2022
July’s top performing segments based on sales growth were Family Dining and Fast Casual. The industry’s worst performing segments – those posting negative YoY same-store sales growth – were Casual Dining and Fine Dining. Limited-service includes quick service, and fast casual. The post ??Widespread
Fast Casual 89
89 
Restaurant Trends: Top Predictions for the Coming Decade
Modern Restaurant Management
DECEMBER 4, 2019
They want a flexible, fast, customized, and “frictionless” dining experience — one without the “drag” of unnecessary steps or interactions. Want a lightning-fast grab-and-go experience? Well, that puts fast-casual out of the running. Too bad for you, that precludes casual-plus.
Fast Casual 159
159 
El Pollo Loco hires Yum Brands vet Liz Williams as CEO
Restaurant Business
FEBRUARY 13, 2024
Williams, previously president of Taco Bell International, will assume her new role at the fast-casual grilled chicken chain on March 11.
Fast Casual 105
105 
Winning at Franchising: A Conversation with David Bloom
The Restaurant Times
JULY 6, 2023
Today, David is responsible for all aspects of franchise development and operations for Capriotti’s, scaling a recently acquired fast-casual concept Wing Zone to new heights. Capriotti’s has received numerous awards, including the Franchise Innovation 2020 Award and being named in the Top 100 Movers and Shakers by Fast Casual.
Franchise 52
52 
Restaurant Chain CEOs Are Quitting or Getting Fired…
Aaron Allen & Associates
MAY 3, 2024
We took a look at a sample of companies with new members in their leadership teams, and found that more than half of the replacements were for the CEO. In this article about the last days of Boston Market Aaron gives his take on the end of an era in fast casual.
2024 52
52 
How to Write a Restaurant Business Plan [with Sample]
7 Shifts
OCTOBER 31, 2022
Speak to what sets you apart from the pack, what food you'll serve, the service style (fast-food, fast casual, fine dining, etc.) Here are examples of each: Strengths : Combined 30+ years of restaurant experience from the leadership team. What type of restaurant are you looking to open? Mission Statement.
Point of Sale 397
397 
MRM Franchise Feed: Church’s Goes Hybrid and Curry Up Incentives Now
Modern Restaurant Management
JULY 30, 2021
Founded in 2006, Just Salad is the fast-casual restaurant industry’s leading proponent of zero-waste practices. The healthy fast casual restaurant is actively seeking Franchisees for nationwide expansion after elevating its design and enhancing the customer experience.
Franchise 203
203 
Fast-Casual Academia, Climatarian Menu and Ice Auction
Modern Restaurant Management
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
” Following his transitional leadership role at SALIDO and NAB, Chowdhury will focus his efforts on the Bowery Engine, an early stage direct investment and incubation company that previously supported SALIDO. Founding committee members include: Bleu Adams, IndigeHub, and JBF Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Fellow.
Fast Casual 162
162 
What to Include in Your Restaurant Employee Handbook
7 Shifts
AUGUST 27, 2020
Keep it positive and make your staff feel supported by including a section of what they can expect from leadership. Having clear guidelines and standards staff can expect from leadership will go a long way to help create that environment of mutual respect.
Habit Burger names Jack Hinchliffe CMO
Restaurant Business
MARCH 9, 2023
The fast-casual burger chain tapped the KFC veteran to oversee global marketing. Former Chief Brand Officer Iwona Alter was named chief operating officer.
Fast Casual 105
105 
MRM Research Roundup: Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day 2024 Edition
Modern Restaurant Management
FEBRUARY 5, 2024
Being a Loyalty Juggernaut essentially commands category leadership. “That’s the real payoff – blockbuster category leadership and more effective marketing.” The fast food industry saw the largest reduction in spending year over year (five percentage points). percent in 2023.
2024 196
196 
MOD Pizza Brand Analysis
Foodable
JANUARY 20, 2021
The Fast Casual Nation podcast offers exclusive interviews with experts ranging from top chefs and brand makers to executives and restaurateurs who work in one of the fastest-growing segments of the restaurant industry.
Souvla Streamlines Self-Pick Up Ordering
Foodable
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
The Fast Casual Nation Podcast offers exclusive interviews with experts ranging from top chefs and brand makers to executives and restaurateurs who work in one of the fastest-growing segments of the restaurant industry. We are only doing to-go and delivery. We’re not doing indoor or outdoor dining.”
Ordering 52
52 
A new Era for Food & Hospitality in Commercial Property & Office Buildings
Future Food
JUNE 27, 2023
Driving in-office participation is now an all too familiar topic that many property managers and asset owners must address following a wave of commentary in the media, architectural journals and thought-leadership papers across the property sector. Offices and commercial buildings have diverse populations with varying schedules and needs.
Hospitality 78
78 
Restaurant Efficiency: Strategic Kitchen Reconfigurations
Aaron Allen & Associates
JUNE 25, 2024
Enhanced Restaurant Efficiency and Profitability Via Strategic Kitchen Reconfigurations: Ignite Your Restaurant’s Future In the fast-paced restaurant industry, staying ahead of the competition requires constant innovation and adaptation. Success Stories Consider the case of a major fast-casual chain we recently assisted.
Coaching 59
59 
The 2024 Pacesetter Award goes to: Cava
Restaurant Business
APRIL 14, 2024
The newly public fast-casual chain Cava has carved out a sweet spot with a fresh and healthful Mediterranean menu with broad appeal. The brand was honored at the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Phoenix on Sunday.
2024 111
111 
MRM Franchise Feed: Frictionless QDOBA and Crisp & Greens Goes National
Modern Restaurant Management
OCTOBER 22, 2020
The fast-casual brand continues to grow amid the pandemic and is on track to open more than 30 restaurants this year. With drive-thru equipped buildouts as low as 1,200 sq. Increasing Pathways to Black Franchise Ownership. ” To learn more about the Pathways to Black Franchise Ownership program, visit MFHA.net.
Franchise 154
154 
??Widespread Slowdown of YoY Sales and Traffic Growth Continues for all Restaurant Segments
Black Box Intelligence
AUGUST 20, 2022
July’s top performing segments based on sales growth were Family Dining and Fast Casual. The industry’s worst performing segments – those posting negative YoY same-store sales growth – were Casual Dining and Fine Dining. In spite of the softening, there were still top performers.
Fast Casual 40
40 
10 Top Restaurant Technologies To Evolve Your Business
7 Shifts
SEPTEMBER 20, 2021
For fast-casual and quick-service restaurants—no more lines. Meet with leadership or management to get their take. In addition to being popular among diners, going as contactless wherever possible can improve both safety and operation efficiency at your restaurant. Examples of contactless payment technology.
Technology 370
370 
MRM Research Roundup: Price Wars, Influencer Impact and No-Show Fees
Modern Restaurant Management
AUGUST 2, 2024
Restaurant leaders representing nearly 3,700 QSR, fast casual, casual dining, and fine dining locations shared 2024’s top challenges and opportunities alongside plans for investment in back-of-house technology, increased sales, and team training, benefits, and support.
Influencer 100
100 
Is the Future of Restaurant Design Off-Premise Focused?
Black Box Intelligence
MARCH 4, 2021
Most of the brands announcing modern designs are quick service brands, but fast casual and even full-service restaurants may implement some changes. We started to see a lot of this in the fast casual segment even before the pandemic, and it is catching on throughout the industry.
Design 98
98 
Top Restaurant CTOs Discuss AI & Technology Strategies
Qu
APRIL 24, 2023
Implementing more nimble, digital-forward technology is no longer “nice to have” for quick serve and fast-casual restaurants. They have to take fast action, former Hart House CTO Justin Keenen told us, and be willing to fail forward fast. Crawford mused on the imbalance between leadership and store operators.
Technology 52
52 
Use This Example Pizza Business Plan to Open Your Pizzeria
Lavu
NOVEMBER 18, 2022
Will your restaurant be fast casual or sit down? Team and Management: Introduce your team, and share a brief bio about each member of your leadership team. Brand & Concept: Describe your restaurant’s theme. What will inspire the brand, design elements, and atmosphere? Service Style : Explain how you will serve customers.
Former Roti exec joins fast-casual Rasa as COO
Restaurant Business
FEBRUARY 24, 2023
Trey Moats says "the sky's the limit" on growth for the soon-to-be five-unit Indian concept.
Fast Casual 98
98 
Fast Casual Chicken Takeover
Foodable
NOVEMBER 12, 2021
In this session from Fast Casual Global , host Paul Barron sits down with Samuel D. Fast Casual really changed the way the American consumer ate and looked at food. Brands will need to differentiate in order to stand out from the flock. And now with the last 18 months, the way in which food is ordered has forever changed.
Fast Casual 78
78 
Restaurant Conferences to Attend in 2022
7 Shifts
JUNE 1, 2022
Restaurant Leadership Conference. Website: Restaurant Leadership Conference. Topics: Leadership, Thought Leadership. Digital Transformation in Fast Casual and QSR Summit. This two-day workshop's focus is on the continuous pivots that fast casual restaurants and QSRs have had to make during the pandemic.
2022 195
195 
Thanx + Qu: Shaping the Future of Guest Engagement
Qu
JULY 24, 2024
We’re grateful to be working side by side with Thanx as both companies share core values around responsibility and dedication to the quick serve and fast casual restaurant industry. We're thrilled to join forces with Qu to push the boundaries of restaurant technology.
Fiesta Group Sells to Taco Cabana in a Huge $85M Move
Gourmet Marketing
AUGUST 14, 2021
Richard Stockinger, the Fiesta Group President, and Chief Executive Officer stated, “We made the strategic decision to sell the Taco Cabana business to allow our leadership team to focus completely on accelerating Pollo growth, and we are very excited about the tremendous growth opportunities we have for the Pollo Tropical business.”
Fast Casual 52
52 
MRM Franchise Feed: Franchising for Heroes and Shaq-a-Roni for Charity
Modern Restaurant Management
NOVEMBER 24, 2021
” Fast-Craft Restaurant Concept Set to Have 50 Locations Open by the End of 2022. The company was classified “Best in Class” and acquired by McDonald’s Corporation in 1999, at a time when the fast-food giant was extending its reach beyond burgers. and Brinker International, Inc.
Franchise 177
177 
Las Vegas Restaurants You Need to Try
Restaurant Clicks
DECEMBER 6, 2021
You can find this traditional sushi bar with an authentic, fast-paced street food energy located in the Chinatown Plaza right across the interstate from the Vegas Strip. The highly experienced sushi chefs at Kabuto Edomae prepare the highest quality fish to adorn their nigiri and sushi rolls in a fast-paced open kitchen for guests to watch.
Fine Dining 134
134 
Let's personalize your content