Fast_Casual

Perkins updates its name and launches a fast-casual version

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 25, 2024

The 66-year-old family-dining chain is planning a comprehensive overhaul that extends to its menu, operations and look.

All of a sudden, fast casuals are staking a claim on steak

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 21, 2024

Consumer demand for protein is pushing steak to the center of the plate—and the salad bowl—in concepts where you’d least expect it.

Premium

Financing

Saladworks-parent WOWorks is shopping for new brands to buy

By Lisa Jennings on Jun. 20, 2024

The platform company is almost finished assimilating its existing six brands. Now it's time to add to the family, said CEO Kelly Roddy.

Premium

Financing

Struggling I Heart Mac and Cheese franchisees push back against their franchisor

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 12, 2024

Operators say most of them aren't making money and want a break on their royalties. But they also complain about receiving expired cheese from closed stores. "Don't send us moldy product."

Financing

Noodles & Company makes a deal with an activist

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 10, 2024

The fast-casual chain, working its way through sales and profitability challenges, gave a board seat to an activist investor. But that’s not the only activist it has.

Financing

Rubio's files for bankruptcy again

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 05, 2024

The fast-casual chain blamed rising costs and the fast-food wage in California as it filed its second Chapter 11 in four years. It plans to use the bankruptcy process to find a buyer.

Operations