Panera Bread celebrates its 1,000th bakery café

The rest of the industry is chasing us, said Panera's CEO.

Democrats take the House

There's a slew of restaurant-related issues that will be impacted by the 2006 election.

Premium sodas make a splash in fast casual

Several top tier fast-casual restaurants are taking advantage of the "New Age" soda trend. Are you?

Hot sauce and spicy menus attract scores of customers

Is your operation taking advantage of the "hot foods" trend?

Buffalo Wild Wings is on fire

From sales to marketing to product quality, everything seems to be clicking for Buffalo Wild Wings. But how long will this momentum last?

Fast-casual franchising: Is your chain ready?

You don't want to franchise too quickly.  Most experts say to wait at least five years before announcing franchising plans.    

Post Baja Fresh: State of the fresh-Mex segment

The Mexican fast-casual category is doing just fine, insiders say. "Baja (Fresh) seems to be the only one having difficulties," one operator said.

Trans fats: On or off the menu?

Lawsuits and consumer trends say it's time to change.

College football and NFL fans are loyal customers

Include this demographic into your marketing plans because they will spend money in your store.

Fast-casual restaurant uses self-service kiosks to attract tourists

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Bytes, an England fast casual, sets itself apart from the 200 restaurants in this tourist trap.    

Looming mushroom shortage will increase prices

Hard times for mushroom growers are tightening supplies and driving up prices for the U.S. restaurant industry.   Long-term supply excesses have depressed…

NRA chair, Tinsley, says association drug plan possible.

In a Q&A, NRA chairman Ed Tinsley weighs in on smoking bans, death taxes and younger members.

Restaurant operators need young workforce, experts say

At the Mid-Atlantic Expo, the NRA Chairman and the Restaurant Doctor say it's time to pass on the responsibility to your crew.

Emerging Concept: City Bites is ready to roll

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Blevins brothers created this fast-casual concept. Now they're prepared to take their sandwich chain national.

Billboards draw fast-casual customers

This traditional form of advertising has changed, but still effective.

Emerging concept: FireFresh BBQ

Former Papa John's president and CEO leads fast-casual barbecue chain into a market that's smokin'

Restaurant operators are not prepared for a terrorist attack, experts say

Five years after 9/11, restaurants may be one of the country's most vulnerable targets.

Restaurant design: Fast casuals need more than a good décor

If the interior design does not complement the menu, the look is a lost cause — especially in fast casual.

Legendary pizzerias bet on fast-casual makeovers

Shakey's Pizza and Papa Gino's Pizza are getting new names and makeovers to strengthen their positions in the growing fast-casual dining segment.

Background checks prevent the hiring of bad employees

No fast-casual operation is too small to avoid doing background checks on new hires.