uWink to expand in Canada

June 24, 2007

LOS ANGELES — uWink Inc., developer of digital media entertainment software and an interactive restaurant concept, has announced plans for the creation of…

The fresh factor

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

June 24, 2007

Restaurants tout freshly prepared to add consumer appeal.

Panera Bread purchases 32 franchise locations

June 21, 2007

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Company announced June 22 that it has purchased 32 franchise-operated bakery-cafes and the area development rights for certain markets…

IDS completes menu board installation

June 21, 2007

HOLBROOK, N.Y. — IDS Menus has installed its digital menu-board system for the grand opening of a Salad Spinners location in Chicago. The restaurant is the…

Chicken chains expand in California

June 21, 2007

San Francisco Examiner: A franchise of El Pollo Loco will be opening five new stores in California's San Mateo County and four in San Francisco by the end of…

Starbucks, Ethiopia reach coffee-licensing agreement

June 20, 2007

International Herald Tribune: Starbucks Corp. and the Ethiopian government said June 20 they will work together to promote three of the African nation's…

Schlotzsky's launches first online contest

June 20, 2007

AUSTIN, Texas — Schlotzsky's is giving restaurant patrons a chance to win $25,000 a year for life through its new online Winning Combination Game.   Between…

Fatburger eyes China market

June 20, 2007

CattleNetwork: Fast casual chain Fatburger has plans to expand into China within the next year. Expansion plans for the California-based chain involve the…

Bakery café Zebu Forno launches franchise program

June 20, 2007

RED BANK, N.J. — Zebu Forno, a European-style bakery and café, has announced plans to expand through the sale of franchises in other parts of New Jersey and…

Salad Creations

June 20, 2007

The Florida-based chain is sprouting up all over.

Restaurants to miss July 1 calorie deadline

June 19, 2007

MSNBC: Fast food restaurants in New York are getting a temporary reprieve from a precedent-setting rule requiring them to put calorie information on their…

Noodles & Co. launch Good Balance initiative

June 19, 2007

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Noodles & Company has announced the launch of its Good Balance educational program in all 150 restaurants and on the company's Web…

Quiznos investor bets on gourmet burgers

June 19, 2007

Chain Leader: Quiznos investor Cervantes Capital is launching another fast-casual restaurant concept: high-end burgers. The concept, Smashburger, will let…

Moe's intros the Chicken Club Quesadilla

June 19, 2007

ATLANTA — Moe's Southwest Grill has introduced its first limited time offer — the Chicken Club Quesadilla.   The new LTO combines the choice of chicken, steak…

Nextep deploys self-order kiosks

June 18, 2007

TROY, Mich. — Nextep Systems, provider of automated-ordering solutions to the restaurant, concession and casino industries, announced the completion of several…

Four chains partner to build franchise interest

June 18, 2007

Saladworks, Nathan's Famous, Carvel and Philly Soft Pretzel have teamed up on franchise seminars designed to boost franchise interest. Each of the chains are…

Record sales reported at Kansas Bar-B-Cutie

June 18, 2007

HAYS, Kan. — Record sales were reported at the Hays, Kan., grand opening of fast-casual chain Bar-B-Cutie. The opening marks the company's 13th location. …

Q & A with Chris McCracken

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The curtain is open for Planet Smoothie to take center stage.

Starbucks adds salad to menu, settles discrimination lawsuit

June 17, 2007

Starbucks Corp. will begin selling a curried chicken and Asian sesame-noodle salad at its U.S.-based locations, according to an article in the Seattle…

Sandella's set for Nevada expansion

June 17, 2007

REDDING, Conn. — Fast casual flatbread chain Sandella's has secured in April its first master-franchise agreement for Nevada.   Dan Rowe and Stephen Crystal of…