NRA Chairman Michael Kaufman

Fast Casual's Paul Barron interviews NRA Chairman Michael Kaufman during the 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago.

Conn., Tenn. governors respond differently to states' menu labeling bills

July 5, 2009

The Connecticut Post: Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has vetoed legislation that would have required chain restaurants to post nutritional information on their…

Bruegger's adds Sun-Drenched Tomato and Bagel Salad

July 5, 2009

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's is offering a unique Italian-inspired salad to its bakeries with the addition of its Sun-Drenched Tomato and Bagel Salad, the…

Pat & Oscar's rolls out $5 pizza meals

July 5, 2009

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — "Five Big Choices, Five Little Bucks," is the theme on the menu this summer at Pat & Oscar's Restaurants. The restaurant chain…

Smashburger names new regional ad agency

July 5, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY — Smashburger has announced it has named Intrepid, a hybrid communications firm specializing in public involvement and media relations, as its…

Vapiano signs Manhattan franchise deal

July 5, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Christophe Scherman has purchased the rights to open Vapiano restaurants in New York City, the company has announced.   Scherman attended…

California Tortilla hosts secret password day

July 5, 2009

ROCKVILLE, Md. — California Tortilla will host a "Secret Password Day" on July 22 in honor of their recent victory in Washingtonian Magazine's "Best Burrito…

Fast casual food trends: 2009 and beyond

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

From probiotics to family meals, restaurant brands tackle healthful menu items and value offerings.

Starbucks expands bakery offerings

July 1, 2009

SEATTLE — Starbucks Coffee Co. is introducing several new baked goods in an effort to give customers healthier and better tasting food options. "Starbucks…

Qdoba, Tetherball partner on mobile loyalty program

July 1, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS — Tetherball, an industry provider of mobile loyalty and rewards solutions, has announced the launch of Qdoba Mobile Rewards, designed to expand…

Tropical Smoothie launches BBQ trio sandwiches, lemonade smoothies

July 1, 2009

DESTIN, Fla. — Tropical Smoothie Café is offering for a limited time its BBQ Trio Sandwiches and Lemonade Smoothies. The items are available at all 28…

Jamba Inc. announces multiunit restaurant sale

July 1, 2009

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Jamba Inc. has announced sale of nine restaurants as part of its ongoing strategic refranchising program that was announced in May 28. The…

Five Guys looks to raise $15M

July 1, 2009

Nashville Business Journal: Five Guys is looking to raise $15 million in private equity and has already raised $10 million of that total, according to a filing…

The Loop Pizza Grill intros new toasted ciabatta sandwiches

July 1, 2009

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Loop Pizza Grill has rolled out two new toasted ciabatta sandwiches: the Grilled Veggie Ciabatta and the Pesto Chicken Ciabatta. …

Former Organic To Go catering CEO in court

July 1, 2009

Courthouse News: The former CEO of an Organic To Go's catering business slapped customers with unexpected credit card bills for more than 25,000 transactions…

Restaurant Insurance - How to choose the proper coverage and the right policy

Worker's compensation, umbrella insurance, property insurance...finding the right coverage can feel overwhelming. But not have adequate insurance could spell…

Caribou Coffee added to Russell stock indexes

June 30, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS — Caribou Coffee Company Inc. has announced that its stock has been added to the Russell 2000 Index.   Annual reconstitution of Russell's U.S.

Zytronic, Coca-Cola partner on beverage dispensing platform

June 30, 2009

TYNE, England -- Zytronic has been chosen by The Coca-Cola Co. to supply the touch panel for its proprietary Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispenser, the…

Panera Bread to present at Oppenheimer consumer conference

June 30, 2009

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Panera Bread Company has announced that Jeff Kip, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will be presenting at the 9th Annual…

How KidsMealDeals.com connects families to restaurant specials

The site features operator-posted content with the option for Web site and Google Maps links.