Wing Zone partnered with Miso Robotics to install Flippy 2 in future builds of its restaurants. The move follows a February announcement by White Castle indicating it would deploy Flippy 2s in 100 future locations. Wing Zone said it is the first fast-casual brand to “spec food robotics in its operations at this level.”
Fat Brands opened a Fatburger restaurant in the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. The opening marks the third casino location in Las Vegas. The Fatburger Excalibur opening follows Red Rock Casino and Santa Fe Station. This summer, another casino unit will open this one at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Noodles and Company launched LEANguini nationwide while it deployed a pilot to test new Asian-inspired, Broth Bowls. The three broth-based bowls include Japanese Chicken Broth Bowl, Sesame Chicken Dumpling Broth Bowl and Vietnamese Steak Broth Bowl.
WOWorks acquired Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina and Zoup! Eatery. The parent of Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, and The Simple Greek will be adding the two brands, which the companies feel share a “common core DNA,” to the fast-casual portfolio.
Chipotle Mexican Grill will start testing a new Garlic Guajillo Steak at 102 restaurants across Denver, Indianapolis and Orange County, Calif. beginning May 3. Plus, as it readies the test, the fast casual began offering a $0 delivery fee to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Native Foods unveiled a Chicken Fajita Cheesesteak, Wasabi Crabcake Sandwich and Szechuan Asparagus as part of the 2022 spring menu. Also, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Thai Beef Bowl and Strawberry Cheesecake rolled out. Chris Bertke, the newly-appointed executive chef, used springtime colors as inspiration for the new preparations.
Moe’s Southwest Grill named Annica Conrad vice president of marketing and Mike Smith vice president of operations. With these new hires, Moe’s will strengthen its leadership team as it reinvigorates the brand, suggested executives.
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen brought back its Mongolian Chicken Nachos. The return of the customer favorite, created by celebrity chef Jet Tila, is timely in light of upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
MOD Pizza released the Jasmine Pizza, a new spicy pie and a Zesty Asian Pineapple Salad. The newly-released, limited time offerings are part of its spring menu.
Russo’s New York Pizza & Italian Kitchen has inked a five-unit franchise deal for Qatar. The Russo’s Qatar franchise deal meets a target incorporated into its strategy for international expansion. Anthony Russo, chief executive and franchisor, is readying the brand’s recipes, including the giant, 71-centimeter pie, to be introduced to the region.
