Tagged Articles

Bonchon to Enter Puerto Rico in 2026

The South Korean-born fried chicken concept made plans to open its first of six locations in Puerto Rico in 2026.

The White “Castle of Tomorrow” Opens in Ohio

White Castle unveiled its “Castle of Tomorrow” prototype in Columbus, Ohio, on a site that has hosted generations of diners — it’s been a White Castle location for 40 years.

Peer to Peer: John Ramsay, Taco Cabana

John Ramsay, Taco Cabana’s director of franchise sales and development, recently spoke with rd+d about the new prototype, the chain’s franchising strategy and what excites him about the restaurant industry today.

KFC Gets Saucy

Saucy isn’t just about the sauces, despite the investment Yum! made in developing flavors like spicy mango chutney and jalapeno pesto ranch. Instead, Saucy is about the experience and the feelings it evokes in guests.

Keke's Breakfast Cafe Rolls Out New Store Design

Keke’s is undergoing a full brand refresh in line with its expansion efforts.

National Bar Chain Enters California 

After four decades of serving customers from Bourbon Street to Miami Beach, New Orleans-themed national bar chain Fat Tuesday is expanding to California.

New Store Design Balances Japanese Aesthetics With Modern Efficiency

Miso Ramen & Poke Bar, a Japanese fast-casual concept founded in 2013 in Sebastian, Fla., debuted a new prototype design in anticipation of a franchising push. 

Auntie Anne's Rolls Out Modernized New Store Design

Auntie Anne's unveils a new store design that balances the nostalgia of the brand with modern convenience and improved curb appeal.

Vocelli Expands its National Footprint

The pizza brand expands into Texas with a new, Texas-sized prototype.

Peer to Peer: Kyle Gordon, CEO and Co-founder, Dillas Quesadillas

Founded in 2013, Dillas (pronounced “dill-uhs”) Quesadillas specializes in quality quesadillas served fast alongside french fries (regular or loaded), chips and other sides.

Jason's Deli Debuts New Restaurant Prototype

The new look and format of the deli-restaurant chain enhances the customer experience while staying true to its roots.

Project Profile: Pokeworks

This fast-casual concept is cutting costs and construction time with a new value-engineered prototype.

Peer to Peer: Jason Morgan, Original ChopShop

CEO Jason Morgan assumed leadership of Original ChopShop in 2016. Here, he shares what’s in store for the brand moving forward.

Pizza Hut’s New Prototype Loaded with new Features

Pizza Hut rolled out a new restaurant prototype that embraces both on- and off-premises customers.

Subway Ready to Roll Design Updates

Subway will roll out an update of its global restaurant design in 2025.

Project Profile: Truluck’s

This high-end seafood concept is wowing guests with a prototype that’s full of life and energy.

Marco's Pizza Debuts New Prototype Design

Marco's Pizza debuted its new store design in Boise, Idaho, this month. Its new look features both aesthetic updates and operational enhancements.

bite-sized buzz for July 2024

A roundup of interesting bits of news that came across the editor’s desk in the last month including fresh prototype designs and JAY-Z's VIP-only pop-up.

Teppanyaki Concept Hits Florida

Pepper Lunch will open its first Florida location, which will feature the brand’s new prototype design.

Pollo Campero Aims for 100

Mr Brews Taphouse Evolves Brand

Craft beer brand Mr Brews Taphouse launches new prototype design with its new flagship location in Wisconsin.

2024 Award Winners

Let’s take a moment and celebrate these fabulous, functional designs judged to be among the best of the best in rd+d’s annual contest.

Peer to Peer: Jeff Drake, CEO and President, Protein Bar & Kitchen

Protein Bar & Kitchen (PBK) is primed for growth.

Key Trends in New Prototypes

Expanding the Smoothie Factory Menu

BRIX Holdings plans to elevate a current brand with an expanded menu. Smoothie Factory + Kitchen will open its flagship location this fall in North Richland Hills, Texas.

Big Island's Flagship and Tasting Room 

Big Island Coffee Roasters will open its flagship cafe, tasting room and roastery in Hawaii later this month.

WaBa Grill Debuts New Flagship Location

Healthy rice bowl chain, WaBa Grill's newly reopened Yorba Linda, Calif., location will now serve as the brand’s corporate flagship and test kitchen.

Captain D’s Drops the Dining Room

The seafood stalwart is expanding its urban opportunities via a new 900-square-foot prototype.

Panda Express Unwraps a new Prototype Design

Panda Express’ latest prototype accomplishes two objectives for the chain: adapt to changing consumer behaviors and celebrate the Chinese-American experience in a thoughtful way.

Best Practices for Designing International and Domestic Prototypes

Papa Johns recently created two new prototypes — both designed differently. Here are seven best practices for designing both prototypes.