The value of fast casual

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

I'm spending my Saturday sitting on a Southwest Airlines cross-country flight, headed home after a whirlwind tour of our Firehouse Subs restaurants in Denver…

There’s a new shadow in town, pardner

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

My world consists of an overlapping series of chaos, blips, shadows and trends. Not only do contenders move through each of these stages, they interact with…

More steps to gluten free

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Last week, I started this discussion identifying items that contain gluten that might suprise you, as well as the first steps in creating gluten free dishes. 

Energy Kitchen continues NY expansion

November 15, 2010

Energy Kitchen added new breakfast combinations to its menu in September, now the company has added to its roster its tenth New York City location.

Spicy Pickle focuses on turnaround

November 15, 2010

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc., the operator and franchisor of Spicy Pickle and BG Urban Cafe Canadian brands, has announced results for its third quarter and…

Chicago solidifies NRA show through 2016

November 15, 2010

The National Restaurant Association will continue to hold its annual NRA Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer event in the…

What to consider before you Groupon

Successful restaurant marketing can increase guest counts, but if your restaurant is unprepared, it also could ruin your brand.

GrubHub: Like Facebook for restaurateurs?

November 14, 2010

Could online ordering be as big as Facebook for the restaurant world? Possibly, now that online ordering outlet GrubHub has secured another round of…

Fast casual Denny’s Café now open

November 14, 2010

Denny’s Corporation has opened its first fast casual restaurant in Orange, Calif. Denny’s Café offers a smaller version of the traditional Denny’s…

Corner Bakery Cafe to open first N.J. location

November 11, 2010

Corner Bakery Cafe is opening its first location in the New York/New Jersey area. The restaurant is opening Nov. 15 at The Promenade Shops at Clifton.

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.

Einstein Bros. expansion to remain strong in Q4

November 11, 2010

As Denver-based Einstein Bros. Bagels enters its fourth quarter of 2010, it carries with it significant momentum for its franchise and license program from the…

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.

Nature's Table to sprout up in Washington, D.C.

November 10, 2010

Restaurant entrepreneur Dhvani Vyas has signed a master franchise agreement to open more than 40 Nature's Table Café restaurants in the Washington, D.C., metro…

Mintel outlines law-based opposition and opportunities for 2011 restaurants

November 10, 2010

Recapping a year that saw a new health bill pass with tangible implications for the foodservice industry, research company Mintel outlined five ways…

UFood Grill shareholder letter highlights milestones

November 10, 2010

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. chairman and CEO George A. Naddaff has sent a letter to shareholders highlighting the restaurant chain's milestones and…

Starbucks' changing corporate culture

November 10, 2010

A new article by Reuters has questioned the new corporate culture of Starbucks and its impact on store-level employees.

Preparing gluten free dishes

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Catering to the needs of customers who require gluten free dishes is a necessity for any busy restaurant. While it may seem daunting at first, by being…

New BBQ concept set to open in 2011

November 9, 2010

Rock On, LLC., a fast-casual barbecue restaurant concept and specialty foods company, has announced the planned opening of the first Rock On! American BBQ…

Tossed continues expansion; moves into D.C.

November 9, 2010

Tossed, a fast casual brand known for its fresh gourmet salads, crepe wraps and sandwiches, has announced the signing of a major deal for a more than 20-unit…