Earth-friendly fare

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

As restaurants go green, options for operators grow in numbers.

Brawling over breakfast

The fast-casual battle for breakfast is shaping up to be a bruiser.

Bruegger's keeps on rollin'

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Marking its 11th consecutive quarter of growth, Bruegger's CEO Jim Greco looks toward the future.

Minimum wage, maximum impact

With the Senate passing its own version of a bill to increase minimum wage, where the issue will land is anybody's guess.

Building brand loyalty

Fast casuals are looking to loyalty programs to boost revenue and increase repeat traffic.

Porking up sales

Fast casual certainly isn't hog heaven, but pork consumption is increasing throughout the segment.

Grilling Chipotle's CEO

In a Q&A with Fast Casual, Steve Ells says nothing's really changed since the chain went public or since McDonald's divested.

Pizza operators develop fast-casual concepts

Following the trend: Several pizza players are jumping on the fast-casual bandwagon.

Fast Casual 2006: A year in review

Despite lawsuits and mergers, it was a good year for the fast-casual segment.

Gift cards boost profits

Huge sales prove customers love gift cards.

Trans-fat bans based on junk science

Columnist says anti-trans-fat research isn't thorough enough to enact restaurant trans-fat bans.

Quiznos terminates franchisees on heels of suicide

The sub chain reacts swiftly following the Web-posting of a franchisee's alleged note.

Search engines bring you hungry customers

Everybody uses Google these days. Including your customer.  

Mama Fu's franchisees sue Raving Brands

Suit accuses franchisor of racketeering and not following UFOC, but legal experts say plaintiff's case might have holes.

Taco Bell and McAlister's: Damage control done well

These brands have successfully handled E. coli outbreaks... . So far. 

Fast-casual customers eat alone

Appeal to single diners to make sales grow.

Fast-casual wannabes

Casual-dining restaurants and QSRs create fast-casual concepts to meet customer demand.

Trials and tribulations of a fast-casual independent operator

How one woman handles adversity and keeps her restaurant growing.

Panera CEO: There is no such thing as fast casual

The CEO talks about what makes Panera special and why his bakery café should not be lumped into the fast-casual segment.

Radio advertising draws fast-casual customers

Radio is cheaper and more targeted than TV.