America’s Next Great Restaurant closes two of three units

June 15, 2011

Soul Daddy, which was named the winner of the America's Next Great Restaurant reality show in May, has closed its Los Angeles and New York City locations after…

Chains ramp up presentation schedules

June 15, 2011

As summer kicks into full gear, many large restaurant chains have committed to conference and event presentations. A schedule is listed as follows.

California law requires safety training for foodservice employees

Deadline for the state's 900,000 employees to be in compliance is July 1.

Let Freedom Eat: FREEBIRDS debuts create-your-own salads

June 14, 2011

The restaurant is serving $1 beers Father's Day weekend.

Panera spends $40M to demo authenticity

June 14, 2011

Panera Bread Co. is spending $40 million on a new TV and radio ad campaign called "Make Today better," but Chief Marketing Officer Michael Simon told Forbes…

Chicago welcomes Tossed

June 14, 2011

Tossed, home of garden fresh salads, crepe wraps and sandwiches, announced today the signing of a franchise agreement with a Chicago ownership team.

Starbucks lets Android users pay via phone

June 14, 2011

Portland store serves wine and beer.

Moe’s Southwest Grill awarded LEED Silver certification

June 13, 2011

The Williston, Vt. location of Moe's Southwest Grill received LEED silver certification, making it the first restaurant in the chain and state to earn the…

bd’s Mongolian Grill’s iPhone App puts guests in control of meals

June 13, 2011

bd's Mongolian Grill, a concept that allows guests to create their own stir-fry meals, is now bringing that experience to the iPhone, iTouch or iPad with the…

Big Game Brands adds new fro-yo concept to portfolio

June 13, 2011

Atlanta-based Big Game Brands, formally Raving Brands, has added Cowlicks Yogurt and Floats to its portfolio.

NRA Show exhibitors donate 37K meals to Chicago’s hungry

June 13, 2011

The National Restaurant Association announced today that exhibiting companies at the 2011 NRA Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show – held May 21-24 at Chicago's…

Red Mango guests getting spooned

June 13, 2011

Red Mango today launched its Spoonable Smoothies and Mealworthy Smoothies, both designed to eat with a spoon and made with the company's frozen yogurt and…

PRSC: Using social media as recruitment, brand messaging tool

by Kim Williams — Reporter, NetWorld Alliance

Mary Ellen Slayter, senior editor of SmartBrief, led a panel discussion titled "Taking the Social Media Leap" at People Report's Summer Camp Workforce…

Coal Burger concept heads to Texas

June 12, 2011

Just a few months after its launch, fast casual concept Coal Burger is set to open its second location in Woodlands, Texas's Town Center.

Chipotle to announce Q2 results

June 12, 2011

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time July 19 to discuss second quarter 2011 financial results.

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…

NRA elects board members

June 12, 2011

The National Restaurant Association has announced the election of three new members to serve on its Board of Directors. The newly elected Board directors are:

New York food truck obtains liquor license

June 9, 2011

As food trucks continue their growth spurt, one such operator has just added a new twist to the trend. The Wall Street Journal  reports that The Turkish Truck…

Saladworks signs multi-unit deal in Boston

June 9, 2011

Saladworks has announced an agreement with a multi-unit developer to open three stores over the next three years in Boston.

Green coffee: What's driving the increase?

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The recent increase in green coffee has its roots in many factors. Here’s a look at a few reasons why.