Former QSR execs launch fast casual concepts

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

July 11, 2010

Two former McDonald's executives, Mike Roberts and Mike Donahue, are developing a fast casual concept tentatively named Stephanie's, after the daughter of…

Starbucks to expand presence in Japan, sees U.K. sales drop

July 11, 2010

Starbucks Corporation and Ajinomoto General Foods Inc. are launching a portfolio of new coffee products this fall into grocery and convenience stores in Japan.

Buffalo Wild Wings to webcast Q2 earnings

July 11, 2010

Buffalo Wild Wings will conduct a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2010 results July 27, 2010, at 4 p.m. Central Daylight Time. A simultaneous…

Publix Deli to debut kids meals

July 11, 2010

In an attempt to appeal to parents and provide healthy on-the-go meals to children, Publix Deli will offer five fresh, ready-to-eat kids meals for $3.99. Each…

Cold brew coffee finds some mainstream success

While some argue the cold-brew process makes better-tasting beverages, it does pose some operational challenges.

Burger King Corp. to offer Seattle's Best in Canada restaurants

July 8, 2010

Burger King Corp. and Seattle's Best Coffee have announced they have signed an agreement to begin offering Seattle's Best Coffee in Burger King restaurants…

Energy Kitchen adds low-cal burgers to the menu

July 8, 2010

Energy Kitchen has announced the addition of two new burgers to its menu - each less than 500 calories. The burgers include the Supreme Sirloin Burger (47…

Navigating gift card taxation

How to properly treat the sale of the gift cards on income tax returns.

Pandini's builds guest loyalty with free iPads

July 7, 2010

In an effort to appeal to its customers, Pandini's guests are getting free use of an iPad while they dine in the Germantown, Pa., store. Guests can use the…

New iPhone app reveals beverage consumption trends

July 7, 2010

A new iPhone app could help revolutionize the restaurant industry – without customers even knowing about it. GuestMetrics' iPhone app provides beverage…

Wingstop hits seven straight years of comps increases

July 7, 2010

National wing chain Wingstop has ended its second quarter of the year with its 28th consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales. Sixteen-year-old Wingstop…

Chipotle Mexican Grill to announce Q2 results this month

July 7, 2010

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. will host a conference call July 22 to discuss its second quarter 2010 financial results at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. A press release…

Bruegger’s adds new lemonade coolers, bagel breakfast sandwiches

July 7, 2010

This summer, Bruegger's Bagels will offer guests refreshing new summertime menu options and add to its popular and budget-friendly "4 under $4" breakfast…

FDA seeks public comment on menu labeling requirement

July 7, 2010

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has moved into the public comment stage as it develops regulations for the national menu labeling requirement. The new…

Kids meal toys: Temptresses of joy or industry scapegoat?

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

I awoke to a crime scene in my living room the other morning. Armed with just a bathrobe and mad hair I approached the blood stained cloth and bloody foot…

Chipotle marketing focus to surround Food with Integrity

July 6, 2010

Chipotle Mexican Grill has introduced new marketing programs that include advertising, a revamped website, and new packaging aimed at better communicating its…

Daphne's closes fourth OC location

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

July 6, 2010

The Fast Food Maven has reported that Daphne's Greek Cafe has closed its fourth Orange County, Calif., location within the past year.

Smartphone search latest tool for new customer acquisition

July 6, 2010

A new survey by Compete has found that nearly one in three smartphone owners has called or stopped into a local business after finding it using a local search…

Moe's celebrates 10 years with free queso

July 6, 2010

Moe's Southwest Grill is celebrating its 10th anniversary by giving each guest a free six ounce cup of its famous queso at all locations July 21. Guests can…

Study: Customers will pay more for better service

July 6, 2010

A majority (61 percent) of Americans report that quality customer service is more important to them in today’s economic environment, and will spend an average…