Starbucks, Kraft: Breaking up is hard to do

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

December 6, 2010

In the he said, she said dialogue between Starbucks Corp. and Kraft, the Seattle-based coffee giant has expressed distaste over Kraft's attempt to delay the…

MOOYAH to enter Ark., La., territory

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

November 30, 2010

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes has announced its expansion into Arkansas and northern Louisiana through deals with six new franchisees in the states.

Food Safety Reform Bill passes Senate vote

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

November 30, 2010

The National Restaurant Association has applauded Tuesday’s Senate passage of S. 510, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act.

Tossed signs international expansion deal

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

November 29, 2010

Tossed has announced its first expansion outside the United States via a new franchise agreement with Jeff Potoroka, an entrepreneur from Abbotsford, British…

McAlister’s Deli founders find second-time success

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Nine years after the sale of McAlister's Deli, the Newcomb family gains ground with Newk's Express Café.

FREEBIRDS reveals 2011 growth strategy

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

In recognition of its 20th anniversary, the creator of the Monster burrito looks to take a bigger bite out of Texas.

FastCasual.com seeks Top 100 nominations

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

November 11, 2010

FastCasual.com is seeking brand nominations for this year's Top 100 Movers & Shakers, set to publish in February.

Industry leaders define fast casual

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

From decor to food quality and service, fast casual insiders weigh in on what the segment means to them, the industry and consumers.

Penn Station charters new growth territory

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

As the sub-sandwich chain celebrates 25 years, its founder and president keep their eyes focused on the future.

Starbucks reports record Q4, ends 12-year Kraft distribution deal

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

November 4, 2010

On the heels of reporting a third quarter revenue increase of 17.2 percent, Starbucks announced it was ending its 12-year packaged goods distribution…

Help shape FastCasual.com’s 2010 Top 100

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

November 3, 2010

As FastCasual.com prepares to launch its sixth annual Top 100 ranking, we'd like to hear from you in regard to what's included.

Jimmy John's employees reject unionization

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

October 24, 2010

Nearly 200 Minneapolis-based Jimmy John's employees voted down Friday an effort to unionize.

Fazoli’s caps year of growth with Wal-Mart pilot

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Over the past three years, Lexington-based Fazoli’s and its team of veteran executives have worked hard to overcome the chain’s once downward slide. But since…

New Daphne’s CEO outlines brand future

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

When Daphne’s Greek Café founder George Katakalidis filed for bankruptcy protection in January, the news came as a shock to many restaurant industry insiders.

Qdoba chef educates guests on the flavors of Mexico

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Ted Stoner is a busy man. As Qdoba's head chef and director of strategic product development, Stoner spends his time traveling North and South America looking…

Fast Casual Executive Summit to address new operating landscape

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

September 8, 2010

It has taken the fast casual segment more than 20 years to establish itself as a restaurant category leader. Now that it has, operators are continuing to…

The changing lines of guest and employee loyalty

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Customer engagement has helped set the fast casual segment apart from the rest, but some would argue employees are losing their spark.

Will PeopleMatter change the future of HR tech?

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

A pending software launch could change how restaurant operators interface with the employee management cycle.

Moe’s invests in local-store marketing strategy

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

August 12, 2010

As part of its initiative to refresh in Moe's Southwest Grill, the restaurant chain has invested more than $250,000 in a new grassroots marketing effort to…

Starbucks testing green coffee

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

August 5, 2010

Starbucks Corp will begin testing summer drinks with a base of green, unroasted coffee as it works on new products to drive sales and differentiate itself from…