Boston Market expanded a variety of meal options for the 2020 holiday season. Whole Roasted Turkey, Spiral-Sliced Ham and Rotisserie Prime Rib make up the Heat & Serve meals collection. These come with sides, appetizers and pies, serving four to 12 people at about $10 per person. The 300-unit fast-casual restaurant chain also expanded catering, in-restaurant a-la-carte and home-delivery options, as well.
Fast-casual Smashburger launched a new, limited time Pulled Pork Tailgater Burger. The sandwich features a savory, slow-smoked pulled pork with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese and Certified Angus Beef inside a pretzel bun with spicy mustard. At participating locations and where permissible, the better-burger chain is also offering a beer special for $2 to customers over the age of 21 and with the purchase of food.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is testing smoked brisket at several locations in Cincinnati, Ohio and in Sacramento, Calif. The 64-unit test will feature the latest potential protein addition to the Chipotle menu. These stores will test a smoked beef brisket, seasoned with a spice blend, that will be seared at restaurant grills, and prepared with a Mexican-pepper sauce, according to an announcement.
Mendocino Farms announced the opening of a new restaurant in The Culver Steps, Culver City December 9. To celebrate its newest location in the Greater Los Angeles market, the farm-to-table fast casual will offer free entrees and sponsor Digital Give Back Days.
The Habit Burger Grill announced the upcoming opening of a new location in the Seattle-Tacoma Region in Bonney Lake, Washington. The new restaurant, which will debut on 98th Street, will offer a set of VIP pre-opening days in advance of the December 2nd official opening.
Panera Bread launched a new Cyber Monday promotion to put the spotlight on its MyPanera+ Coffee Subscription program. Starting Monday, November 30, Panera will offer coffee subscriptions as part of a gift package. Through the gift coffee subscription, customers will be able to purchase and send MyPanera+ to people on their holiday shopping list at a discount.
California Tortilla introduced a new tofu option, expanding vegetarian options for its customers. The limited-time protein landed at all locations. In addition to the tofu option, the fast-casual restaurant chain offers grilled vegetables with a selection of non-animal-derived ingredients.
Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division, a Goldman Sachs affiliate, has taken a significant stake in Zaxby’s. The strategic investment should propel the growth of the fast-casual chicken chain and provide growth in sales channels that may not have been previously accessible. The deal should be completed by the end of the year.
Freebirds World Burrito partnered with Favor Delivery to add another on-demand delivery option. Favor will serve as a delivery partner for Freebirds restaurants, all of which are located in the State of Texas.
Yogurtland opened its new fast-casual concept, Holsom, which specializes in better-for-you grain bowls and gourmet toasts, in Huntington Beach, Calif. Yogurtland had announced the national debut in October. Holsom customers will use onsite kiosks for easy ordering and the patio will provide al-fresco dining.
