Starbucks under fire for use of beetle blood in flavoring

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

In response to its use of cochineal extract, a Change.org campaign asks Starbucks to remove the ingredient from use.

What's in your egg salad?

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

When I was about 8 years old, my mother finally left me alone in the kitchen to create something of my own devise. I couldn't use the stove, but I could use…

Top 100: Go Roma No. 6

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 18, 2012

6. Go Roma

Panera Bread to intensify drive-thru operations

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Catering sales and new menu item rollouts continue to contribute to revenue, same-store sales growth.

NPD: Fast Casual only growth segment during down economy

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

According to The NPD Group, fast casual is the only restaurant segment continuing to grow throughout the current economic time, which has motivated chains in…

James Greco, former Bruegger's CEO, joins Sbarro

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Former Bruegger's chief executive James Greco has been named president, CEO of Sbarro Inc.

Fast Casual segment heads into Q1 with new store openings

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Fast casual chains such as Baja Fresh, Fuddruckers and MOOYAH are among several concepts starting the New Year with new openings across the United States. The…

Chipotle to open second ShopHouse

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 11, 2012

Steve Ells is looking to open a second ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen location near the original Washington, D.C., restaurant.

Service with a Smile: Get your employees & customers through the holiday rush

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Even though the holiday shopping season has passed with Black Friday, there are still plenty of opportunities for your employees to make a lasting impression.

Starbucks, health and wellness

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

In 2010, The Wall Street Journal posted a story indicating economists look toward Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts for insight on consumer spending. The story…

What’s the hottest segment of the restaurant industry? Fast casual. [Infographic]

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Since the economic downturn, the fast casual segment has led the restaurant industry in both sales and unit growth. And it continues to outperform on both…

Social media management systems strike effective balance

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

September 19, 2011

Having a social media management system has become a necessary tool for restaurant operators trying to sift through the vast and varied customer comments…

Truitt Bros. Northwest Sustainability Tour highlights menu

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The topic of sustainability has been an elusive one for restaurant operators, who have been inundated in recent years with foodservice buzzwords such as…

The quest for authenticity

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

A lot has been written about authencity over the past several years – in personal relationships, business endeavors and brand management.

Restaurant data breach highlights vulnerabilities

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 26, 2011

The payment-card data breach at a Margarita's restaurant in Huntsville, Texas, is shedding further light on the vulnerability restaurants face from debit- and…

Don't call it a comeback: Bennigan's on a roll

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

How former Salsarita's president Paul Mangiamele plans to breathe new life into an iconic brand.

Chipotle experiences Q2 gains, but stock still drops

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 19, 2011

??Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has reported financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2011.

Wingstop posts 6% sales increase in Q2

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 6, 2011

Wingstop’s same-store sales for its second quarter 2011 increased 6 percent, marking one of the chain’s strongest quarters in recent years. Year to date…

Roark Capital completes Arby's acquisition

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 5, 2011

Atlanta-based Roark Capital has completed its second restaurant buyout in as many months with the finalization of its acquisition of Arby’s Restaurant Group…

Roark purchase of Corner Bakery Cafe confirmed, Arby's also purchased

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 12, 2011

Roark Capital Group, parent company of Moe’s Southwest Grill, FOCUS Brands, Wingstop and McAlister’s Deli, has announced that its affiliates have acquired Il…