Fast casual riding high despite recession

September 13, 2009

Sales in the fast casual segment are projected to top $20 billion this year, according to a story in the Dallas Morning News. That's a gain of 25 percent. …

Smashburger taps SHS for PR services

September 13, 2009

Smashburger has named Sullivan Higdon & Sink as its public relations agency of record for the Wichita, Kan., and Tulsa, Okla., markets, the company has…

Premium burgers satisfy consumer cravings for more value, Technomic finds

September 13, 2009

Consumers are relying on restaurants to provide value in hamburgers through premiumization. According to a new report from foodservice industry consultant…

National Restaurant Association names new board officers

September 13, 2009

The National Restaurant Association has announced the election of its new officers during the association's September board meeting in the nation's capital. …

Dean Lindsay delivers Fast Casual Summit keynote

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

September 13, 2009

The Fast Casual Executive Summit got its official start today at the Hotel Palomar in Dallas. The Summit, being held Sept. 14-15, launched with a luncheon…

NRA outlines industry imperatives

The association is focusing on strengthening the industry and its services as it implements its five-year strategic plan.

FC Summit: Brand leaders say emotional connection key

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

September 13, 2009

The top three ingredients fast casual operators must have in place in order to build a successful concept are food, service and an unusual, creative…

Western 2009: Auphon demos integrated online ordering

At the recent foodservice expo, the company shows how its site OftenDining.com connects directly to Auphon Dining POS for a user friendly customer experience…

Fast Casual Summit kicks off with food tour

Industry executives gathered in Dallas on the eve of the annual conference for a tour of some top and up-and-coming fast casual restaurants.

Pinkberry lands at LA airport

September 10, 2009

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and HMSHost Corp. have opened Pinkberry at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It is the first airport site for…

UFood launches new yogurt flavors, two new giveaway promos

September 10, 2009

Boston-based UFood Grill has announced new UBerry soft serve yogurt flavors at its Landmark Center/Fenway location. The flavors, vanilla and chocolate, are…

ChefTec Software adds Allergen Alerts solution

September 10, 2009

Culinary Software Services Inc., provider of back-of-house technology for the foodservice industry, has announced the addition of Allergen Alerts to its…

Eco-friendly foodservice wholesaler debuts online store

September 10, 2009

Green Choice Vendors Distribution, a wholesale distributor of sustainable products and packaging for foodservice, has launched its online store…

Einstein Bros. Bagels signs Lubbock franchise deal

September 10, 2009

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc. has signed a multiunit development agreement with Bluebonnet Hospitality Management to franchise Einstein Bros. Bagels…

Raising Cane's opens 86th restaurant

September 10, 2009

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers has opened its 86th location overall and its 11th Texas store in Plano, site of the company's recently opened restaurant support…

Western 2009: Freshtxt.com offers solution to pagers

Restaurants can alert guests of available seating via text messaging, while the solution also handles online reservations and queuing.

Western 2009: AccuTemp demos Accu-steam Griddle

John Pennington, vice president of territory sales and corporate chef for AccuTemp Products Inc., cooks up bacon cheeseburger sliders on the steam-heated…

Starbucks withdraws closure of 30 locations

September 9, 2009

Starbucks' chief financial officer Troy Alstead said Wednesday the company will not close 30 locations it had scheduled to shutter because of improved…

Green Seal develops national standard for restaurants

September 9, 2009

Green Seal Inc. has announced that the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Restaurants and Food Services, GS-46, has been approved by the American National…

Chipotle to improve tomato pickers wages

September 9, 2009

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that it has reached an agreement with East Coast Farms, one of Florida's largest tomato growers, under which workers who…