McAlister's Deli inks Denver development deal

September 11, 2006

DENVER — McAlister's Deli has signed a multiunit development deal with an existing franchisee here.   According to a news release, Southern Deli LLC, a…

Buffalo Wild Wings installs interactive NFL game

September 11, 2006

CARLSBAD, Calif. — NTN Buzztime Inc., a developer and distributor of Play Along TV entertainment and technology, announced a promotional partnership with…

Panda Express dwarfs other Chinese chains

September 11, 2006

USA Today: Panda Express chain dwarfs other Chinese fast-food chains; none come even close in terms of revenue or number of stores. Last year, the company…

Restaurant operators are not prepared for a terrorist attack, experts say

Five years after 9/11, restaurants may be one of the country's most vulnerable targets.

Starbucks investors worry about company's future

September 10, 2006

Seattle Times: For most of a decade, it opened more than four stores a day, spreading its menu to all parts of the land and into other countries, where its…

Lenny's signs New Mexico franchisee

September 10, 2006

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Lenny's Franchisor LLC, franchisor of Lenny's Sub Shops, announced plans to open 15 restaurants in New Mexico.   Eat Subs LLC, led by Nat…

J.M. Garret intros Buffalo Chicken and Fajita meats

September 7, 2006

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — J.M. Garret Foods is introducing two new meat products: Buffalo Chicken strips and Steak Fajita meats, which can be used on pizzas…

Corner Bakery Café appoints new president

September 7, 2006

DALLAS — Corner Bakery Cafe, a 90-unit fast-casual bakery cafe, named Jim Vinz president, effective Aug. 23. Vinz will assume the duties of president  and…

McDonald's commences Chipotle exchange offer

September 7, 2006

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's Corp. has commenced an offer of its remaining shares of Chipotle class B common stock.   The company said the exchange should…

Coca-Cola jumps into the coffee market

September 7, 2006

Reuters: Hoping to tap into the market for premium espressos and lattes, Coca-Cola Co. launched its Far Coast brand of specialty coffees in the heart of…

Cutting through the complexity of POS systems at the Mid-Atlantic EXPO

September 7, 2006

Operators can go directly to the source on the show floor

McCurry Restaurant ordered to lose the "Mc" for trademark purposes

September 6, 2006

The Star: A Malaysian restaurant operator is feeling the heat for using the McDonald's "Mc" trademark for its business. The High Court has ordered McCurry…

Restaurant design: Fast casuals need more than a good décor

If the interior design does not complement the menu, the look is a lost cause — especially in fast casual.

August comps flat at Panera Bread

September 5, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Company reported system-wide comparable bakery-cafe sales increased 1.3 percent for the five weeks ended Aug. 29, 2006. The company…

El Pollo Loco rolls out Grilled Chicken Nachos

September 5, 2006

IRVINE, Calif. — El Pollo Loco is rolling out freshly prepared Grilled Chicken Nachos.   According to a news release, the nachos feature citrus-marinated…

Coffee bean prices expected to rise

September 4, 2006

Bloomberg.com: Prices for arabica coffee beans on the New York Board of Trade may climb more than 20 percent in the next 12 months. Demand is coming from…

Self-service automation in near future for quick-service restaurants

September 4, 2006

The Dallas Morning News: As the nation's restaurant industry scrambles to cope with an ongoing labor crunch, many players are looking to automation to fill…

Patriots' Bruschi drafted as pitchman for Papa Gino's Pizzeria

September 4, 2006

DEDHAM, Mass. — Papa Gino's Pizzeria has hired New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi to promote the chain's Crowd Pleaser Campaign and to co-support…

Legendary pizzerias bet on fast-casual makeovers

Shakey's Pizza and Papa Gino's Pizza are getting new names and makeovers to strengthen their positions in the growing fast-casual dining segment.

InstaPrep Table provides flexible workspace for kitchen workers

August 31, 2006

SAN DIEGO — The InstaPrep Table creates additional sanitary kitchen workspace in any environment by using waste receptacle for a pedestal.   Alan Lake of…