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Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor

Articles by
Lisa Jennings

Page 4
Leadership

Jim Bitticks named CEO of Dave's Hot Chicken

Former CEO Bill Phelps is moving to an executive chairman role with the fast-casual brand, as parent Roark Capital plots continued expansion.

Operations

Sprinkles Cupcakes shutters all company locations

Co-founder Candace Nelson confirmed the closures in an Instagram post, saying the bakeries are no more. But she did not give a reason.

Workforce

The new year will bring minimum wage increases in 19 states

The wage rate will cross the $15 per hour threshold for the first time in six states on Jan. 1, 2026. But the biggest hike will be seen in Hawaii.

Operations

Paris Baguette wants to be America's neighborhood bakery

The global bakery-cafe chain's North America division is positioning for ambitious growth beyond the U.S. and Canada.

Food

Need a protein snack? How about a cup of Chipotle's chicken?

The fast-casual chain is jumping on the protein-craze train with new menu items targeting guests looking to up their macros, including the brand's first snack: a cup of Adobo chicken chunks.

Leadership

Sweetgreen co-founder Nathaniel Ru to step down

After a challenging year, one of the three leaders who founded the fast-casual chain in 2007 will retire on Jan. 1, though he remains on the board.

Emerging Brands

The World Cup is coming. So is the milanesa

Soccer superstar Lionel Messi is a partner in the 70-unit Argentinian restaurant chain El Club de la Milanesa. The focus: a breaded veal cutlet that serves as a canvas for a world of flavors. Will it work in the U.S.?

Emerging Brands

The Biscuit Bar is forced to close all units after sale falls through

The six-unit fast-casual chain filed bankruptcy in Texas earlier this year and had a buyer lined up. But key stakeholders refused to buy in. Owners said they had no other choice but to shutter, leaving about 100 workers without jobs.

Marketing

'Tis the season to plan to circle back later, says Panera

Partnering with social media influencers who skewer corporate America, the fast-casual chain hopes to tap into our shared desire to push work responsibilities into 2026.

Operations

For many in fast casual, 2025 was painful and a little insulting

This was the year economic woes came for the fast-casual consumer, and use of the term "slop bowl" added insult to injury. But it was a good year to be a chicken brand, or a bakery-cafe concept not named Panera.

Operations

Sweet Tomatoes is not only back, it's growing

After the once-97-unit chain was liquidated in 2020, the buffet concept re-emerged in Arizona last year. Now a second location is coming to Florida.

Operations

Who's growing, slowing or shrinking in fast casual

Chipotle, Raising Cane's and Wingstop are gung ho on growth this year. Other brands, however, are slowing their roll or closing units.

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