Fresh Kitchen Adds to Leadership Team
Discover how Fresh Kitchen's new operations and development leaders are poised to accelerate the brand’s growth and innovate in the fast-casual dining sector.
Jul 15, 2026
Discover how Fresh Kitchen's new operations and development leaders are poised to accelerate the brand’s growth and innovate in the fast-casual dining sector.
Jul 15, 2026
McDonald's taps seasoned leader Ugwechi Amadi as Chief Strategy Officer, bringing expertise from Nike and LIV Golf to spearhead the chain's forward-thinking NEXT strategy for restaurant owners and managers.
Jul 15, 2026
Learn how to start a food truck business by planning costs, permits, menus, equipment, locations, marketing, staffing, and efficient operations.
Jul 14, 2026
Explore leading restaurant equipment brands and learn how to choose reliable cooking, refrigeration, preparation, beverage, storage, and serving systems confidently.
Jul 14, 2026
Great Hill Partners takes a minority stake in Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming to accelerate franchise support, technology, and expansion.
Jul 14, 2026
Olive Garden brings back its $100 Pasta Pass for 13 weeks of unlimited pasta, soup or salad, and breadsticks; 10,000 passes, Aug 24 to Nov 22, dine-in only.
Jul 14, 2026
Resales accelerate amid boomer exits, tighter margins, and complex deals. Data gaps persist as brands formalize programs to keep units open.
Jul 14, 2026
Chipotle is launching its first Mexican location, redefining fast-casual strategy for restaurant leaders and offering key lessons for international growth and partnerships.
Jul 14, 2026
PizzaExpress will master franchise Houston TX Hot Chicken across the U.K. and Ireland, targeting 50 sites in three years with three openings in six months.
Jul 13, 2026
Wingstop posts 8.7% comp decline; leans on Club Wingstop loyalty, sports-heavy media, and smart kitchens to rebuild traffic. Investors eye July 29, 2026 results.
Jul 13, 2026
Discover how Chipotle's investment in Brassica Sandwiches & Salads is reshaping the fast-casual landscape and redefining Mediterranean cuisine.


Chipotle's foray into Mediterranean fast casual through its investment in Brassica represents a harmonious blend of culinary innovation and traditional flavors. By backing a concept that focuses on quality ingredients, customization, and hospitality, Chipotle is signaling a shift towards diverse cuisines within the fast-casual sector.

Brassica's founding team, led by the Malhame family, brings a wealth of experience from successful ventures like Northstar Café and Third and Hollywood. With a strong emphasis on high-quality ingredients and service, the team's background in upscale dining sets Brassica apart in the fast-casual landscape.
While rooted in Lebanese heritage, Brassica's menu transcends typical Mediterranean offerings by drawing inspiration from a broader culinary spectrum. The brand's commitment to hospitality and exceptional food aims to create memorable dining experiences for every guest, setting a new standard in the industry.
Brassica's approach to ambiance and service goes beyond typical fast-casual norms, aiming to provide a welcoming environment akin to dining in a friend's home. From the choice of materials in the decor to the personal touch in service, Brassica elevates the dining experience to a more intimate and memorable level.
Chipotle's strategic investment in Brassica marks a shift towards supporting emerging culinary concepts that align with its ethos of fresh, quality-driven offerings. This partnership not only fuels Brassica's expansion into new markets but also showcases Chipotle's commitment to fostering innovative brands in the ever-evolving restaurant landscape.