Chipotle warns 4Q sales will cool

November 2, 2006

Houston Chronicle: Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. late Tuesday reported third-quarter earnings well ahead of analysts' forecasts, but the restaurant chain warned…

Oct. comps rise 3.2% at Panera Bread Co.

November 2, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Co. reported system-wide comparable bakery-cafe sales increased 3.2 percent (made up of a 2.9 percent increase at company-owned units…

Interior and Architectural Concepts for the Fast-Casual Chain

Fast casual restaurants are uniquely different from QSRs and casual dining outfits. But many operators are still falling short in store design. In this guide…

Premium sodas make a splash in fast casual

Several top tier fast-casual restaurants are taking advantage of the "New Age" soda trend. Are you?

Raving Brands hires first CFO

November 1, 2006

ATLANTA — Raving Brands, an Atlanta-based fast-casual dining restaurant developer, has elevated Tom Hermann to senior vice president and chief financial…

Chipotle honored by television ad created by a 'big fan'

November 1, 2006

OC Register: In a 30-second television ad, titled "Monumental," a college student compares Chipotle's burritos to monuments from around the world such as the…

Rubio's Q3 comps up 1.8%

November 1, 2006

CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Rubio's Restaurants announced financial results for the third quarter ended Sept. 24, 2006. Comps increased 1.8 percent versus 0.…

Caribou Coffee reports Q3 comps down 1%

November 1, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS – Caribou Coffee reported financial results for third quarter 2006 ended Oct. 1, 2006.   Comparable coffeehouse sales decreased 1 percent, and…

NRA pleased MasterCard will publish interchange rates

November 1, 2006

WASHINGTON D.C. — The National Restaurant Association (NRA) said it's pleased MasterCard will join Visa in disclosing its interchange fee schedules, but a…

Intura Solutions broadens POS reach to Domino's Pizza in India

November 1, 2006

ARLINGTON, Texas — POS provider Intura Solutions announced the signing of Futuristic Info Solution Pvt. Ltd. as an Intura Distributor in the Republic of…

NRA: Operators say wage hikes will cost jobs, hurt customers

October 31, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A recent survey of restaurant operators by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) shows restaurateurs believe any mandated increases in…

NRA: Operators say wage hikes will cost jobs, hurt customers

October 31, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A recent survey of restaurant operators by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) shows restaurateurs believe any mandated increases in…

Chipotle Q3 sales skyrocket

October 31, 2006

DENVER — Chipotle Mexican Grill reported its strongest quarter of 2006.   For 12 weeks ended Sept. 30, 2006, comparable-restaurant sales increased 11.…

Hot sauce and spicy menus attract scores of customers

Is your operation taking advantage of the "hot foods" trend?

Givex and FireFly POS integrate gift-card processing

October 30, 2006

TORONTO — Givex, a card management company specializing in customer acquisition and retention programs, and POS software developer FireFly Technologies…

NRA index: September was a good month for restaurants

October 30, 2006

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

McAlister's workers donate tips to charity

October 30, 2006

Times News: Several McAlister's Deli workers – made up of mostly high school students – are donating their tips to make sure kids have clothes this winter. …

New York trans-fat ban receives big-time support

October 30, 2006

Reuters: The New York City proposal to ban trans-fats is receiving a lot of support. The American College of Cardiology was one of several medical groups that…

Freebirds World Burrito executes TV ad campaign

October 29, 2006

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Freebirds World Burrito, a fast-casual fresh-Mex concept, is searching for loyal customers to share their fanatical stories about…

New York Burger Co. set for franchising

October 26, 2006

NEW YORK — New York Burger Co., an all-natural QSR with two stores, has announced franchising plans.   According to a news release, Michael Seid of MSA and…