Nothing But Noodles announces new store ownership

May 4, 2009

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Noodles Development LP has announced the sale of its two Nothing but Noodles restaurants in Albuquerque, N.M., to local entrepreneur Gerald…

Smashburger inks Iowa franchise deal

May 4, 2009

DENVER — Smashburger has announced that it has secured its eighth franchisee, Smashguys LLC, which will develop 16 locations throughout Iowa. The latest…

Burgerville adds beer and wine pairings to menu

May 4, 2009

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Burgerville has launched the pairing of local beers and wines to its new, gourmet seasonal menu offerings at its Salmon Creek restaurant in…

Seven top fast casual independent operations

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

From Kansas City to New York City, these independent operations are changing the fast casual landscape.

Planet Smoothie opens first New York locations

May 3, 2009

NEW YORK — Planet Smoothie has announced the grand opening of its three newest locations inside Manhattan's Penn Station, opening May 18. The opening marks…

Elevation Burger furthers Philadelphia expansion

May 3, 2009

ARLINGTON, Va. — Elevation Burger has announced the addition of a multiunit franchising deal with Chris Phillips to bring three Philadelphia-area locations. …

Noodles & Co. launches spaghetti & meatballs dish across Oregon

May 3, 2009

PORTLAND, Ore. — Noodles & Company is introducing a new signature dish to its Oregon menu -- Spaghetti & Meatballs. The new dish will be available at…

Starbucks cited for employee violations

May 3, 2009

Minneapolis — The Starbucks Workers Union has announced that the National Labor Relations Board has found merit with 17 counts of labor rights violations at…

Pinkberry announces new growth capital, expansion agreements

May 3, 2009

LOS ANGELES — Pinkberry has announced two significant milestones — more than $9 million of new funding from both current and new investors as well as global…

Cinnabon Inc. and The DAISY Foundation celebrate Nurses Week

April 30, 2009

ATLANTA — Cinnabon Inc. and The DAISY Foundation are offering nurses a free Cinnabon Classic Roll when they show their healthcare ID or badge at participating…

DashOrder launches online ordering system

April 30, 2009

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — DashOrder.com has announced its entrance into the restaurant industry with the launch of its new online ordering system.   DashOrder…

Quiznos franchisee closes stores, pursues legal action

April 30, 2009

The Star (Toronto): The president of a group of disgruntled Quiznos franchisees says the fast-food chain has been granted a court injunction, forcing him to…

Caribou Coffee announces 1st quarter earnings call

April 29, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS — Caribou Coffee Co. Inc. has announced that it will release financial results for its first quarter ended March 29, 2009, after the market close…

Technomic: Healthy won't push out fried

April 29, 2009

CHICAGO — Health and wellness may be top-of-mind trends in consumer dining, but a new study by foodservice consultants Technomic finds that there has not been…

Restaurant industry outlook continues to improve

April 29, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry improved in March, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant…

Chipotle to present at Robert W. Baird conference

April 29, 2009

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has announced that the company will be presenting at the Robert W. Baird Growth Stock Conference on May 13, 2009, at the…

Starbucks same-store sales drop 8%

April 29, 2009

SEATTLE — Starbucks Corp. has reported financial results for its second quarter ended March 29, 2009.   For the second quarter of fiscal 2009, consolidated…

Even in a recession, strategic hiring should still go on

Employers may be tempted to stop recruitment and hiring to save money. However, this lockdown approach may do more harm than good.

Swine flu and restaurants: Tips for protecting your customers and staff

The current scare underscores the need for solid communication with employees and customers.

Buffalo Wild Wings announces Q1 results

April 28, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS — Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 29.   For the quarter, same-store sales increased 6.…