Fat Brands announces first co-branded restaurant in Arizona
Fat Brands has announced the development of a co-branded restaurant in Cave Creek, Arizona. The first co-branded restaurant of Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express in Arizona is the result of a new deal with franchise partner Gregg Wright. Fatburger has a strong reputation with guests and a national presence since it started in Southern California 70 years ago.
Naf Naf Grill launches delivery, recognizes first-responder service
Naf Naf Grill, a Middle Eastern-style chain with 38 locations in more than eight major markets, has launched a new delivery service in partnership with DoorDash. Naf Naf favorites, including traditional shawarma, fresh falafel and handmade pita, can be served up at customers’ homes and offices using the Naf Perks app or online. To promote the service, Naf Naf will offer free delivery for a limited time.
Chipotle launches delivery in 70 markets with DoorDash, offers free delivery
Chipotle Mexican Grill has expanded its partnership with DoorDash to enable national delivery in 70 markets and at over 1,800 Chipotle locations. Chipotle’s customers will be able to order delivery using the website or the Chipotle mobile app. For a limited time, between August 27 and September 12, 2018, guests will get free delivery on orders of $10 or more (not including tip or tax).
Fiesta Restaurant Group taps Jackie Swift-Kurkjian as senior director, Off-Premise Consumption
Fiesta Restaurant Group, parent of Taco Cabana and Pollo Tropical, announced that Jackie Swift-Kurkjian has joined the company as senior director of Off-Premise Consumption. In this role, she will lead the efforts to build the catering, online and delivery sales channels at Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana. Her role will help the brands leverage new information systems, resources and people as part of Fiesta’s Strategic Renewal Plan.
Shake Shack Q2 sales grow 28.3 percent to $112.9M on new restaurant growth
hake Shack reported its financial results for Q2 2018 in a company release and held an investor conference call August 2. Its total revenues, including licensing fees, increased to $116.3M, representing a 27.3 percent increase over the same quarter last year. Total operating store sales, including the impact of new stores, increased to $112.9M, a 28.3-percent increase from last year. Comparable store sales (“same-shack sales”) in Q2 increased 1.1 percent, compared to 1.8 percent decrease reported in the same period last year.
Fast-casual unit growth driving increased traffic while restaurant industry sales flat: NPD
Fast casuals are the only segment in the restaurant industry that are growing traffic, says a report from NPD. The Chicago-based research firm has seen traffic grow 6 percent annually over the most recent five years. According to the NPD Fall 2017 ReCount restaurant census. The growth leaders among fast-casual chains included Chipotle, Panera, Panda Express, and Raising Cane's. Fast casuals have appealed to households with incomes of $100K or more.
Fast-growing fast-casual chains identified in industry trade magazine Future 50
Restaurant Business Online identified several up-and-coming chains in its Future 50. The data is based on 2017 information and estimates gathered by Technomic, Inc. The top five chains in the Future 50 comprise CoreLife Eatery, The Halal Guys, Wahlburgers, Maple Street Biscuit Co., and Honeygrow. Rounding out the top 10 are Bibibop Asian Grill, Babalu Tapas, Cava, Ahipoki Bowl, and Duck Donuts.
Teriyaki Madness adds mobile app to enhance guest experience
Fast-casual chain Teriyaki Madness has added a mobile app. Customers can order for in-restaurant pickup and will also be able to order for delivery in the markets in applicable markets.The Teriyaki Madness app integration for mobile ordering was created by Olo, a leading provider of seamless ordering at restaurants, which connected the app to the chain’s POS provider, Revel. Its rewards and special community features and enticements were designed by Punchh
Fast-casual Honeygrow expands in MidAtlantic Region
Fast casual restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area continue to grow, as Philadelphia-based Honeygrow expands further in the MidAtlantic region. Honeygrow, which focuses on new and different stir-fry combinations, has 32 locations open across 10 states, currently—with 18 of those stores now open in the MidAtlantic. Stores in D.C. area include Chinatown, Reston, Pentagon City, and Rockville.
Opportunities abound for fast casuals, despite slowing growth: Report
According to its 2018 Top 250 Fast-Casual Chain Restaurant Report, total sales growth for the top restaurant chains in the segment was just 9 percent in 2017. In 2015, Technomic reported fast casual chain restaurants were growing sales at a 11.5-percent clip. Also unit growth rate in 2015 was 9.8 percent, but in 2017, growth was just 6.1 percent...As U.S. saturation nears, chains have opportunities in underdeveloped markets, including Australia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain.