And popular Chicken Tortilla Soup returns, as well
Baja Fresh debuted new menu items, including a Chicken Flautas Platter and Chicken Flauta appetizer. The guest-favorite Chicken Tortilla Soup will also be on the menu during the winter months.
Fast Casual News
Wingstop restaurant of the future unveiled in Dallas, Texas
Lovers Lane Wingstop is digital-forward, sustainably-powered
The Wingstop restaurant of the future was unveiled, serving as a digital-ordering-focused prototype of the chicken-wing chain. The store will power the testing of different new equipment and layouts. Located on Lovers Lane in Dallas, Texas, it will also resemble a test kitchen, becoming an innovation hub for flavor exploration.
Torchy’s Tacos adds MoFaux, Churros, returns Scallywag, Tipsy Chick
Torchy’s MoFaux taco expands plant-based options; Scallywag returns as February Taco of the Month
Torchy’s Tacos added new menu items, including the MoFaux with Beyond Beef and Tipsy Chick, and returned the Scallywag as the Taco of the Month for February. The Tipsy Chick also returns as a permanent addition to them. And the Churros are making their way to the sweets menu as permanent new treats.
Habit Burger opens in Chamkarmon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Chain’s fifth store in Cambodia shows results of partnership with Kampuchea Tela Company
Habit Burger will open a new restaurant in Chamkarmon’s Kbal Thnal in Phnom Penh February 7, 2022. This is the fifth location in Cambodia. Most recently, the burger chain opened in Ang Snuol District and Olympic in March and May 2021, respectively. The location on Preha Norodom Blvd (41) will help Cambodians discover the brand’s Charburgers, sandwiches, fries, custards, and sides.
Saladworks, WOWorks brands launch new menu items to heat up winter
Fast-casual brands roll out three new seasonal items each, including Saladworks Braised Beef Quesadilla
Saladworks rolled out a Warm Braised Beef Taco Fiesta, Mexican Meatball Soup and online-order-only Braised Beef Quesadilla. The menu initiatives are part of parent WOWorks’ introduction of 12 new menu items across its brands during winter and early spring. At Frutta Bowls, the Cacao-Berry bowl, Pom-Berry Smoothie and Cran-Cacao Protein Bites launched.
Torchy’s Tacos 100th store opening celebration begins, Rosenberg debuts
Milestone 100th-store celebration begins January 24
Torchy’s Tacos marked its 100th store opening on South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, the city where the concept was founded in 2006. The December milestone opening for Torchy’s Tacos preceded another store opening in Rosenberg, Texas last week.
WOWorks names Brian Farris chief development officer
The parent of Saladworks, WOWorks, named Brian Farris chief development officer. The appointment of Farris to the WOWorks chief development officer role took effect January 3, 2022. WOWorks is also the holding company of Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and The Simple Greek.
Shawarma Press opens store in Arlington, Texas Walmart
New Arlington store is just second of seven in-Walmart locations to debut
Shawarma Press opened a new restaurant within a Walmart store in Arlington, Texas. This is the second of seven stores to be developed within Walmarts. The Arlington location at 4801 South Cooper Street spans 2,500 square feet, presenting a colorful and welcoming location.
L Catterton-backed Hopdoddy agrees to acquisition of Grub Burger Bar
After acquisition of Grub, combined restaurant company to become HiBar Hospitality
Hopdoddy Burger Bar agreed to acquire Grub, a burger-joint chain with a craft cocktail bar. Backed by private equity firm L Catterton since 2014, Hopdoddy’s union with Grub will create a joint company with a total of 50 restaurants. Plus, Texas-based Grub will now have resources and momentum to grow.
Plant Power names Steve Figliola chief development officer
As Plant Power CDO, Figliola will be key in growing the 10-unit restaurant chain
Plant Power Restaurant Group named Steve Figliola chief development officer (CDO). The move follows the hiring of top-name professionals from Chipotle Mexican Grill, Yum Brands, Del Taco, and Hard Rock Café. Figliola joins at a pivotal moment in the Plant Power Fast Food brand’s growth.