Top Fast Casual News

A Canada-based Mexican chain that hopes to compete with the likes of Chipotle and Qdoba is making inroads into the U.S., starting with the Seattle area. Mucho Burrito was founded in 2006 in Mississauga, Ontario, and has since grown to about 40 locations in Canada. To expand into the U.S. for the first time, the […]

Hot Head Burritos announced the signing of a 30-store development agreement for the Columbus and Toledo, Ohio, areas. This will expand the restaurant chain from its current 21 locations to more than 50 locations across Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. “We couldn’t be more excited about this expansion,” says Hot Head Burritos cofounder Ray Wiley. “We […]

QSR recently got an exclusive media tour of ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen, the Asian fast-casual, created by Chipotle founder Steve Ells. "Like" QSR on Facebook to access behind-the-scenes photos from the tour!  The one-unit concept is located in Washington, D.C's, busy Dupont Circle area, where foot traffic is heavy and appetites are adventurous.  ShopHouse is inspired […]

Interbrand Design Forum rebranded Latin chicken chain Pollo Campero with a new unit in Webster, Texas, recently. “Like” QSR on Facebook to see more photos! Two other locations are expected to open in the Houston area by the end of the year. Each location will be 2,380 square feet. “Pollo Campero is a huge hit […]

The bakery café segment, which accounts for $5 billion in annual sales and more than 3,600 units nationwide, has been able to successfully navigate the middle ground between quick- and full-service restaurants to outpace industry sales and unit growth for each of the past three years. Total bakery café units increased 4.2 percent, and bakery […]

When the economy had grown so sour that it seemed impossible to keep the doors open, Illinois-based pizza concept Nick’s Pizza & Pub looked for help from the people who possibly had the most invested in the company: its customers. This was the case last week, when owner and founder Nick Sarillo realized his two […]

United Kingdom–based sushi concept YO!Sushi is crossing the pond and bringing its conveyor-belt operation to the U.S. after a deal was signed to open at least 10 units on the East Coast. The fast casual, which is known for its sushi-lined belt that snakes around the dining room, will debut at Union Station in Washington, […]

Bahn Mi LLC ispleased to announce BONMi, a Vietnamese sandwich and salad shop, opening in October in Washington, D.C., at 900 19th Street, NW. Located in the downtown Golden Triangle Improvement Business District, BONMi will be a welcome stop for those looking for affordable, healthy, fresh food as the entire menu is priced under $10. […]

In the largest franchise deal in its 68-year history, Uno’s announced plans for the opening of 30 locations of Uno Dué Go, its fast-casual concept, throughout Texas by FGR Food Corporation. The units will be built in multiple trade channels including suburban locations, airports, hospitals, and stadiums. This expansion represents substantial growth for Uno’s as […]

Panda Express announced it will expand into Mexico and will open its first Panda Express restaurant on Saturday, September 3, in Mexico City. The company is actively looking to open more locations in the next year with the second restaurant scheduled to be a freestanding unit. Panda Express has partnered with premiere master franchiser Grupo […]

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, a Denver-based fast casual restaurant concept offering fresh, healthy, and authentic Mediterranean cuisine, announced the grand opening of its first Fort Collins, Colorado, location. Opening September 1 at 100 W. Troutman Pkwy., the new restaurant is the 13thColorado-based location for the concept and puts Garbanzo in four markets throughout the state. The […]

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc., the Denver-based sandwich company, announced the opening of a new Spicy Pickle Sandwich Company located in Minot, North Dakota. The location, operated as an independent, family owned and franchised restaurant by the Wheeler family, opened to record numbers for the company. "The store is really doing great,” says Mark Laramie, CEO […]

As president of the Bistro Group, which owns 31 T.G.I. Friday’s and five McAlister’s Delis, Jeff Ritson has unique insight into both the fast-casual and the casual dining categories. He says the economy has forced the two to change in ways that shave away some of their differences. He notices that casual dining has become […]

Muscle Maker Grill, a chain of casual eateries that serves “great food with your health in mind,” announces plans to add 16 restaurants to its existing locations by the end of the year. This marks two years in a row of 100 percent growth in new unit openings for Muscle Maker Grill. As part of […]

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, and Shakes, the fast casual brand that currently has more than 22 locations across the country, is bringing its better burgers to the sunshine state. Experienced restaurateurs Justin Church and David Tennyson have been awarded the rights to develop MOOYAH restaurants throughout northern and central Florida as well as the state’s west […]

Smashburger, the fast-casual concept rapidly becoming a top player in the Charlotte, North Carolina, "better burger" industry, is giving back to the community by supporting Camp CARE, a local organization that provides a summer camp and monthly events for children with cancer and their families.  Camp CARE (Cancer Ain't Really the End) is embarking on […]

Newk’s Express Café is on pace to exceed its expansion plans for 2011. The company has already signed 35 agreements for new locations in 2011. It has opened six restaurants so far this year and will open at least 14 more by the end of 2011, bringing the total number of Newk’s restaurants to 50 […]

American Blue Ribbon Holdings (ABRH) President and CEO Hazem Ouf announced the appointment of industry veteran Jennifer Sanning as chief marketing officer for the company’s restaurant brands: Village Inn, Bakers Square, and Max & Erma’s. In addition to leading the marketing functions for the brands, Sanning has responsibility for menu development and culinary direction.  “Jen brings […]

OYE Cuban Grill offers casual Cuban American Fusion food, in a fresh approach to the traditional Latin dining experience. OYE Cuban Grill opened in March 2011. OYE presents made-to-order fare in a setting that blends fast casual with a fine-dining environment. Conceptualized by father and son partners Hector and Ian Gutierrez, OYE is a brand […]