Market Force released early results from its “2022 Quick Serve Restaurant (QSR) / Fast Casual Study.” The findings demonstrate how 53 top restaurants brands score on Market Force’s Customer Loyalty Index (CLI). The score measures customer satisfaction and how likely these brands’ customers are to recommend a brand.
Smashburger added chicken wings to the menu as football season sets in and special promotion. The better-burger chain offers three wing flavors, ranging from spicy to savory. Available for a limited time, participating locations will offer the made-to-order wings, hand-tossed with BBQ, Scorchin’ Hot or Garlic Rosemary.
Velvet Taco added Michael Pereira as its first-ever chief operating officer (COO). As Pereira joins the “Tribe,” as the hip taco chain calls the team, plans continue for additional locations in South Florida.
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill returned Coconut Shrimp Tacos to restaurants nationwide in October. The limited-time, featured tacos will be available for the entire month.
The Fresh Stack Burger chain will open a new location in Oak Brook, Illinois in October. The third location of the better-burger concept, located on Butterfield Road, marks an important milestone for the owners. Sean Thomas (grandson of late Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas), Fabio Viviani Hospitality group and additional industry veterans are behind the fast casual.
Panera Bread will enhance its rewards program and will launch an inaugural MyPanera Week September 29 to celebrate.The week-long celebration will precede the upcoming loyalty program changes in October.
Mendocino Farms will open two new locations in South Lake Union and downtown Rainier Square in 2023, expanding into Seattle. The fast-casual chain currently operates in California and Texas, and is keen on penetrating the Seattle market.
MOD Pizza promoted Becky Mulligan to chief restaurant officer and named Stephen Blum chief development officer. Mulligan fills the newly-created role as the fast-casual pizza chain hires three new executives. According to a company statement, these moves will strengthen the brand in franchising, culinary and operational excellence.
Sweetgreen opened two new restaurants in the Midwest, one in Indianapolis, Indiana and the other in Edina, Minnesota. The September 13 unveilings continue to expand the fast-casual salad chain’s presence in the region. Executives have clearly focused on the territory over the past year.
MOD Pizza added Sizzlin’ Chicken Sausage Pizza to the menu. Available at all of MOD’s over 500 locations, the featured pie will be available for dine-in, carryout and curbside pickup.
