Latest news with #FastCasual
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pepper Lunch Launches First Ever Nationwide Limited Time Offer; Surf & Turf
Angus Steak Combines with Crispy Panko-Crusted Shrimp for a Craveable Combination Pepper Lunch Launches First Ever Nationwide Limited Time Offer; Surf & Turf LOS ANGELES, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pepper Lunch, the Japanese-born experiential fast-casual concept unlike any other, with a cult following and more than 540 locations across 17 countries, today announced its first ever limited-time offering in the U.S., Surf & Turf. Launching today nationwide and priced at $19.99, the company's Surf & Turf entrée combines Certified Angus New York Steak and crispy Panko Shrimp, all served with fresh vegetables on a sizzling 500-degree hot plate. This is the first LTO in a series of new menu offerings rolling out in the coming months, with the goal of giving guests unexpected and craveable tastes from around the globe. 'The quality of beef we're using is something you'd typically find at a steakhouse, and combined with our crispy Panko Shrimp, makes for an incredibly delicious combination,' said Troy Hooper, CEO of Pepper Lunch. 'This is the first LTO we're offering in the US, so we wanted to go big and give our guests the best we have to offer, at a compelling price.' Along with introducing new menu categories packed with delicious items, Pepper Lunch will also be deploying new technology and other initiatives to make both the franchisee and guest experience more enjoyable and frictionless. Established in 1994, Pepper Lunch is one of Japan's largest homegrown franchise restaurant brands with over 540 locations in 17 countries. Renowned for quality food served in a unique and innovative way for dining in or delivery, and with guests being able to get in, dine, and be on their way in 20 minutes for under $20, the beloved Japanese-based brand seeks experienced franchise partners to expand its proven business model and cutting-edge customer offerings across the United States. About Pepper LunchThe original fast casual Japanese D-I-Y teppan restaurant, Pepper Lunch was founded in 1994 by one of Japan's most famous chefs and entrepreneurs who wanted to introduce affordable premium steaks with quality ingredients served on a sizzling iron plate. Deliciously irresistible, Pepper Lunch proudly offers quality, tasty, and affordable meals sourced from the finest ingredients paired with an unforgettable experience. Contact:Joshua LevittMedia for Pepper Lunch949.981.0757media@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Inday's Manhattan-Based Fast Casual Chain Takes It Slow In Brooklyn
Imagine Shake Shack having one location that, in addition to serving burgers and shakes, also features steaks and martinis, or a Panera with waiter service and proper flatware. That should give you some idea of the vibe of Inday's (also known as Inday All Day) in Williamsburg, the offbeat and more upscale offshoot of the Inday fast-casual chain that's helped to bring Indian food out of the culinary ghettos of East 6th St. and Curry Hill and into the mainstream of NYC office lunchery. Founder/owner Basu Ratnam launched Inday in Manhattan in 2015 as 'basically, an office canteen,' he says. At the time, it was a conscious gamble: 'A lot of people still thought of [Indian food] as too spicy, too heavy, or just something you only eat at dinner or on a special occasion.' The gamble paid off, and Inday now has eight locations scattered throughout Manhattan. 'Especially here in New York, there's a real openness now,' Ratnam says. 'There's still work to do. But the energy right now feels different. People are ready. And we're proud to be a part of this shift.' Fast-casual chains tailored to office workers hit a speed bump with the pandemic. Inday was no exception: as Ratnam notes, 'It was a good business model up until 2020.' The opportunity to pivot soon arose on Driggs Ave. in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. 'The landlord who owned this building said, 'There's no good Indian food in Williamsburg. Everyone's at home. They want the craveability and comfort of what you guys do. Why don't you take a swing at like, more of a sit down restaurant?'' The interior of Inday's, also known as Inday All Day. Photo courtesy Inday's In 2022, while work-from-home was still the default mode for many NYC office workers, Inday All Day was born. The Williamsburg iteration isn't quite the polar opposite of its fast-casual sibling — Inday standards like samosas and naan are, of course, available, as are bowls of protein over rice — but the vibe is very different, and the menu is more expansive and creative, mixing traditional Indian classics with witty and delicious Indian-Western hybrids. It's those hybrids that first got me in the door, specifically the Lamb Smash Burger, with creamy, melty Cooper sharp cheese, turmeric pickles, and cumin aioli on a sesame seed bun with masala spiced fries. It's a dense, bold, flavorful, mildly spicy masterpiece that was one of the most distinctive – and filling — burgers I've ever eaten. The Butter Chicken Parm sandwich is almost as good. Lemon yogurt-marinated tandoori-style chicken filets are 'crisped' (read: lightly fried) and topped with mozzarella and (I think) a touch of soft paneer, with tikka masala sauce subbing for marinara. The Lamb Smash Burger with masala-spiced fries at Inday All Day. As delicious as it is filling (it's very filling, FYI) Photo by Tony Sachs Classic Indian dishes like Chicken Biryani and Shrimp Moilee, the latter in a coconut-based curry with ginger, chilis and curry leaves, are expertly prepared, as are the selection of kebabs and breads. If you're in the mood for a less hipster, more traditional Indian meal, very satisfying in their own right. Indian-influenced cocktails have largely flown under the radar in NYC, though they're not unheard of — Hemant Pathak of Junoon and Jazba in particular is making some of the best cocktails in the city with Indian spirits and spices. But the drinks at Inday's, curated by GM Colly Whelan, acquit themselves very well. The Rum Thandai, which utilizes 100-proof unaged J.M rhum agricole, has a gentle, boozy-milkshake vibe, while the Dirty Chai Martini, with vodka and cold brew liqueur, is an espresso martini with an Indian accent. Ratnam's favorite drink on the menu is the Spicy Mango Margarita, featuring tequila, mezcal, cinnamon, and mango juice: 'Tequila and mezcal are my go-to spirits, and the mango brings me right back to summer,' he says, adding, 'But it's not just a warm-weather drink.' My pick of the several drinks I sampled is the Himalayan Negroni, with Jin Jiji Indian gin, vanilla-infused Campari, and pink peppercorn — a beautifully balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and spicy. The Himalayan Negroni, an Indian-accented take on the classic. Photo by Tony Sachs The vibe at Inday's is the opposite of its fast-casual compatriots. The bright, airy room has a relaxed vibe, not casual but not stuffy — informal is the right word for it. Prices are quite reasonable for food and drink, with cocktails in the $15-16 range and most dishes around $20. The service is efficient and friendly, attentive but not rushed, just right for a long, lazy lunch when you don't have an office to get back to, or a cocktail-filled date night. And sure, you could grab a quick bite in between work meetings, but that's not the point of the place. One thing Williamsburg lacks that Manhattan does have, at least for now, is Ratnam's Indian-flavored take on the chicken over rice that's become a citywide classic thanks to the proliferation of halal carts throughout the five boroughs. Priced at a food cart-comparable $12, Ratnam will be donating a portion of every sale of Inday's Chicken Over Rice in the month of August to the Street Vendor Project, an organization that provides legal representation and advocacy for better working conditions for food cart and other vendors. It's a dish, and a cause, close to his heart 'I was born and raised in New York,' Ratnam says, 'and like a lot of New Yorkers, I grew up on halal cart food. Chicken over rice was the dish I turned to during some of my best moments and some of the hardest ones too.' I was skeptical about his ability to 'reinvent,' as he puts it, such a simple but seminal dish, but he's done an excellent job of it, with tandoori chicken and coconut rice topped with a Kashmiri chili hot sauce. Its tang and spice is balanced out by a cool house-made raita. Whether or not you get the homage, it's a delicious dish — and the one item on the fast-casual menu that I hope crosses over to the slower version of Inday. (658 Driggs Ave., Brooklyn)
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vote Habit Burger's Double Char #1, Get the #1 for $1
Back on the USA TODAY's 10Best ballot and ready to defend its title, Habit's reigning #1 Double Char is just $1 at participating locations for a limited time Vote Habit Burger's Double Char #1, Get the #1 for $1 IRVINE, Calif., June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perfection deserves re-election, and the Double Char is back on the ballot. Habit Burger & Grill's fan favorite burger has once again been nominated for USA TODAY's 10Best, following its first-place finish last year. To celebrate, Habit is offering CharClub members the opportunity to try the burger that earned the top spot—for just $1 at participating locations. From June 23–27, CharClub members can get a Double Char for just $1. The offer will appear under "My Offers" in the Habit App or website and can be redeemed online or in-store. Not a member yet? Fans can join the CharClub for free and enter promo code 1DBLCHAR under "My Offers" to unlock the deal. 'We're offering the Double Char for $1 because it's the number one voted burger,' said Jack Hinchliffe, Chief Marketing Officer at Habit Burger & Grill. 'It was voted #1 last year in USA Today's 10Best, and we're confident that once you try it, you'll agree. We're inviting everyone to join our CharClub and try the #1 for $1. No catch—but if you agree, cast your vote. We're also nominated for Best Fast Casual Restaurant, which is truly an honor. Vote for us there, too.' Last year, voters made the Double Char rank #1 in USA TODAY's 10Best* poll. Now, Habit is inviting guests to help make it a two-time champion—while giving them the perfect excuse to taste what all the buzz is about. "The Double Char is built like a tank, but it eats like a dream," said Chef Jason Triail, the brand's Director of Culinary Innovation. "It's got two juicy patties, melty cheese, and that smoky crust from the open-flame grill that just hits different. It's savory, fresh—and yeah—people got it last year. That's why they voted. And we're asking them to vote again." The Double Char is in one of several categories Habit is nominated in for 2025. In addition to voting for the Double Char, voters can simply scroll down to also support Habit in the category of Best Fast Casual Restaurant and also for Best Fast-Food Sides for their Tempura Green Beans, the latter of which also won first place in USA Today's 10Best last year. HOW TO VOTE (DAILY THROUGH JULY 7) Vote for the Double Char hereThen scroll down to vote for: Best Fast Casual Restaurant – Habit Burger & GrillTempura Green Beans HOW TO GET THE DOUBLE CHAR FOR $1 (JUNE 23–27) Offer available to all registered CharClub members. Orders can be placed online, through the Habit Mobile App, or in store scanned at the register. Limit one per CharClub member. Not a CharClub member? Register here, enter promo code 1DBLCHAR under 'My Offers' and add the offer to the cart. For more information about Habit Burger & Grill and to find a location near you, visit Connect with Habit Burger & Grill on social media on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn. *Based on USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Food Burger. (Published July 2024). **Get (1) one Double Char with or without cheese for $1. Offer valid from 6/23/25 through 6/27/25. Taxes and fees extra. Add-ons extra. No substitutions permitted. LIMIT: one (1) redemption per CharClub member. Valid at participating U.S. Habit Burger & Grill locations for CharClub members who are logged in and place an order on the Habit Burger & Grill website, mobile app, or in-restaurant scanned at the register. For a limited time and while supplies last. May not be used for delivery orders unless order is placed directly on the CharClub mobile app. Prices of other menu items and availability of items may vary. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must have or create a valid account with a valid form of accepted payment on file. No cash value. Non-transferable. Offer not valid at Habit Burger & Grill locations in Las Vegas, NV; Henderson, NV; Chino Hills, CA; Upland, CA; Redlands, CA; Ontario, CA; Fontana, CA; Hesperia, CA; Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Victorville, CA; Barstow, CA; Rialto, CA; Colton, CA; San Bernardino, CA; Rohnert Park, CA; Hamilton, NJ. Also excludes airport, university, and casino locations About Habit Burger & GrillBorn in sunny Southern California in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill is known for Charburgers cooked-to-order over an open flame. But the menu extends far beyond burgers—it's a celebration of Californian-inspired flavors. Alongside the brand's signature Charburgers is a meaningful array of handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and creamy shakes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Habit Burger & Grill has earned notable recognition, with its Double Char being ranked #1 by USA Today 10Best1, its Tempura Green Beans also reaching a #1 rank in USA Today 10Best2, and its Chicken Club recognized as the best grilled chicken sandwich by The Daily Meal3. The brand was also featured in Newsweek's 'America's Favorite Restaurant Chains 2023' and included in Thrillist's roundup of 'Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State!' Habit Burger & Grill has since grown to over 385 restaurants across 14 states and internationally—continuing to serve up bold fresh flavors, made-to-order. Learn more at Sources:USA Today 10Best, USA Today 10Best, The Daily Meal, Newsweek, The Daily Meal, Thrillist1Based on USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Food Burger. (Published July 2024).2Based on USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Food Sides. (Published July 2024).3Based on Daily Meal's survey of consumer reviews from Reddit, Yelp! and TripAdvisor (Published Dec. 2023). A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cava is opening up to 68 new restaurants in 2025: See a list of locations coming soon to 5 states
Cava Group Inc. (NYSE: CAVA), the parent company of Cava, a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, announced it is opening up to 68 new U.S. locations in fiscal 2025, after reporting better-than-expected first quarter earnings results. Trump abruptly stopped paying farmers to feed in-need Californians—so they fought back 'I'll never get out of this hole': Older Americans brace as DOE begins Social Security garnishments In Seattle, a group of friends wanted to live together—so they built their own apartment building Cava, also known as Cava Grill, currently operates 382 locations across the United States, in 26 states and Washington, D.C. (as of the close of Q1). 2024 was Cava's first full calendar year as a public company. While Cava told Fast Company it does not release a full list of future locations, a look at the website shows restaurants in the following cities are 'coming soon': Phoenix, AZ Huntington Beach, CA Plantation, FL Bel Air, MD Burlington, NC Charlotte, NC Cava told Fast Company that of the targeted 64 to 68 new restaurants it plans to open this year, it has already opened 15 net new locations (in Q1) representing an 18.3% increase in total restaurants year over year. Those are in the following states: Florida (Ocala, Palm Harbor, Hialeah) New Jersey (East Brunswick, Union, Marlton) Massachusetts (Chelmsford, Chestnut Hill) Louisiana (Lafayette, New Orleans) Texas Virginia Indiana North Carolina New York The company previously said it wants to reach 1,000 locations by 2032. At the same time many fast-food chains and casual-dining restaurants are struggling, Cava's growth stands out. Chief financial officer Tricia Tolivar told CNBC that over the last few quarters, Cava has found it's hitting a sweet spot for customers who are trading up from fast food to purchase Cava's healthy bowls and pitas, while trading down, seeing it as cheaper than other casual-dining options. Cava cofounder and CEO Brett Schulman said the chain has purposely priced food items for the current economic times, while focusing on healthy food and hospitality. 'At a time when guests are being more selective about where they dine, the appeal of our Mediterranean cuisine continues to resonate with the modern consumer,' Schulman told Fast Company. 'We've also stayed focused on delivering our unique value proposition, investing in our guests, and underpricing inflation. We offer a warm, welcoming environment that fosters a genuine human connection. It's why we continue to drive traffic and sales growth, crossing $1 billion in revenue in the past 12 months.' Speaking of revenue, here's a look at Cava's first-quarter earnings numbers: Revenue grew 28.2% to $328.5 million, compared with $256.3 million in the prior year quarter Same restaurant sales growth of 10.8%, including guest traffic growth of 7.5% Cava Group net income of $25.7 million, compared with $14.0 million of net income and $11.9 million of adjusted net income in the prior year quarter Despite a strong quarter, Cava's same-store sales forecast of a 6% to 8% increase remained consistent with last quarter, and could be one reason shares were down about 3% in afternoon trading on Friday. As Fast Company previously reported, while Cava's revenue grew 33% in 2024 along with a 9% jump in traffic, with same-restaurant sales up 13%, last quarter the chain forecast slower growth in the later half of fiscal 2025. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter: Sign in to access your portfolio
