Senate votes to reject swipe-fee reform delay

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 8, 2011

The Senate voted Wednesday to reject a delay for the much needed debit-card swipe-fee reforms being released by the Federal Reserve. The reforms are scheduled…

Panera Bread franchisee to build Canadian presence

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 24, 2011

Covelli Enterprises, the franchise operator of 190 Panera Bread locations throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Florida, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, has plans to open…

Today’s employee, tomorrow’s unemployed

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

A few weeks ago I was sitting at the bar at Harry Caray’s in Chicago’s Midway airport. I was at a stool next to the server station and happened to overhear a…

Restaurant concepts expand on foreign shores

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

With their sites set on international ground, restaurant chains prove it’s a small world, after all.

Catering book to focus on growing channel

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

MonkeyMedia Software CEO Erle Dardick presents his perspective on how multi-unit restaurant operators can create a new revenue stream through catering sales.

Daphne's California Greek unveils new brand identity

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The former Daphne's Greek Cafe has changed its logo, name and corporate culture since August 2010.

Starbucks and Gabrielle Giffords

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurant operators talk a lot about the value of creating a memorable experience for their guests, but nothing has struck me more about the guest experience…

FastCasual.com releases Top 100 Movers & Shakers

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

FastCasual.com has released its sixth annual Top 100 Movers & Shakers, a ranking of the best fast casual concepts of 2010.

Fast casual segment outperforms industry

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Visits to fast casual restaurants grew 17 percent throughout the last three years while the rest of the industry experienced its steepest traffic declines in…

Ron Shaich: The accidental philanthropist

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

How Panera Bread's chairman and former CEO used skill, knowledge and know-how to launch an industry movement.

NBC offers free Chipotle for America's Next Great Restaurant promo

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 24, 2011

NBC has launched a promotion with Chipotle in anticipation of its new television show, America’s Next Great Restaurant.

NAFEM Show highlights energy savings

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 10, 2011

Exhibitors on day two of the North American Foodservice Equipment Manufacturers Show expressed optimism about the number of attendees at this year’s event…

NAFEM kicks off in Orlando

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 9, 2011

The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers Show kicked off in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 10 with more than 500 exhibiting companies showcasing the…

Panda Express on expansion fast track

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The Asian restaurant chain plans to grow 70 percent throughout the next five years.

America’s Next Great Restaurant to focus on fast casual

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 1, 2011

NBC will debut a new show March 6 called “America’s Next Great Restaurant,” that will put Steve Ells, Bobby Flay, Curtis Stone and Lorena Garcia in the…

Jamba Juice launches line of probiotic yogurt beverages

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 6, 2011

Jamba Juice has announced the launch of its Jamba Probiotic Fruit and Yogurt Blends made with Jamba's specially formulated Probiotic Boost. The beverages…

Starbucks marks milestone with new logo

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Starbucks has altered its iconic logo, removing the company name from the label that showcases its memorable mermaid…

Chef’s survey reveals 2011 menu trends

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The National Restaurant Association’s “What’s Hot” survey of more than 1,500 professional chefs has revealed that local and hyper-local sourcing, healthy…

Garbanzo adds 12th location to Colo. roster

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 29, 2010

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill has added a second Colorado Springs location, set to open Dec. 3. The new restaurant will be the chain's 12th in the Denver area.

Fast Casual restaurants gain UK market share

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 28, 2010

Fast-casual restaurants are continuing to gain market share in the United Kingdom -- growing at a faster rate than their limited-service counterparts…