THE CHAINS— Cracker Barrel — the restaurant chain best known for its kitschy retail shops, dining-room fireplaces, and family gatherings — is the latest chain to express interest in entering the still-growing fast-casual market. Nation's Restaurant News reports Cracker Barrel is actively developing a fast-casual concept as "part of an overall strategy to extend the brand." No details are available at this time, but a spokesperson says the Cracker Barrel spinoff could be open as early as summer 2016. Details as they become available. [NRN]
APPS— Reserve, one of the many "restaurant concierge" apps in the current online reservations market, announced today it's now available on the Android platform. Diners/Android users in NYC, Los Angeles, Boston, and San Francisco can now use the app to book hot tables — for a $5 fee. More information here. [EaterWire]
NEW YORK CITY— San Francisco's perennially popular Slanted Door is heading to NYC for a weekend pop-up: Eater NY reports Charles Phan's celebrated restaurant will set up shop in Brooklyn's Wythe Hotel from February 15 to 17, as part of the hotel's ongoing "Dinner with Friends" series. No reservations are necessary for the pho-and-cocktail focused dinners; more information here. [ENY]