Yelp taking health inspections mainstream

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

While restaurant operators continue to maintain food safety practices, health inspection records are finding their way onto very public domains.

5 ways for restaurant owners to achieve brand relevance

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Chains must have Industry, Community, Target, Brand and Value relevance.

Restaurant operators must move from the Technology Age into the Transformation Decade

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Futurist David Houle told restaurant operators at the Fast Casual Executive Summit how to stay relevant in the 'Shift age.'

How the 'meaning at work' affects fast casual employees

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Employees who find "meaning at work" are likely to be more productive, loyal and more engaged with the brand.

Paving the way for leadership success

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Embrace times of transition with these five steps.

Brazilian chain Giraffas eyes U.S. growth

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

How a leading Brazilian quick-service chain plans to expand with a fast casual model for U.S. consumers.

The changing role of corporate consciousness

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

How fast casual CEOs are turning an enlightened approach to sales success.

The new direction of digital technology

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

With smartphone adoption outpacing the PC revolution and Internet boom, restaurant operators have increased opportunity to reach every guest.

Higher menu prices boost earnings, but can it last?

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Operators prepare for higher food costs as droughts continue in the Midwest and overseas competition threatens the U.S. food supply. 

Panera Bread sales success boosted by investment initiatives

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The company sees gains at it continues to improve marketing, catering, operational and food quality.

Chipotle shifts marketing approach, reports 8% comps increase

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

While revenue and same-store sales rise, the company shifts focus to local marketing initiatives.

Chefs form program to aid women, children in Haiti

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

How Chefs4Kids is finding a way to teach impoverished women in Haiti how to run a business.

Panera Bread takes a marketing stand

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 28, 2012

When Panera Bread became the first major advertiser on SheKnows.com, a popular website for women, the executive team was more than enthusiastic. However, their…

Chicago gets fourth Panera Cares cafe

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 20, 2012

Chicago is joining Dearborn, Mich., Clayton, Mo., and Portland, Ore., as cities featuring a Panera Cares Community Cafe. The company is turning its Chicago…

The 2012 Fast Casual Top Movers and Shakers [Infographic]

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The top restaurant chains, people, trends and technologies shaping the fast casual segment.

Penn Station franchisees victims of data breach

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 3, 2012

Penn Station, Inc. and some of its franchisees have learned of unauthorized access to credit and debit card information in certain franchisee-owned Penn…

PCI webinar discusses reputation management, systemwide compliance

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 23, 2012

The enforcement of PCI compliance can be difficult for franchisors to navigate who are looking to establish cooperation across their franchise system.

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill to expand outside home state

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill is expanding outside of its home state for the first time since the chain's launch in 2007.

2012 Top 100 Movers & Shakers: Smashburger No. 1

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 3, 2012

When Smashburger opened its first unit in 2007, the better burger category was just beginning to emerge. Five years later, Smashburger is an industry leader…

McAlister's Deli unveils new look

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The chain's new store design includes a tea bar and has been unveiled at two new locations.