Casual-dining restaurants at lowest point

August 14, 2006

AdAge: Sharp declines in same-store sales among some of the biggest players in the $331 billion restaurant industry have analysts and marketers worrying…

Airport security measures hardly impact store sales

  Panda Express and Starbucks do not anticipate major bumps. But some experts say it's too early to judge.  

LaNova Wings intros new line of cleaning products

August 13, 2006

  BUFFALO, N.Y. — La Nova Wings, known for its fully cooked, heat-and-eat wings, announced the introduction of a new line of cleaning products specifically…

New Technomic report studies rising pizza market

August 13, 2006

CHICAGO — Technomic Information Services is set to deliver its 2006 Pizza Category Report, highlighting trends within the pizza category and offering…

Opinion: Fuddruckers or Five Guys?

August 10, 2006

The State: A columnist debates his dilemma when deciding on a burger joint. For his money, it's between Fuddruckers and Five Guys Burgers. He writes: "My…

Chipotle displaces Baja Fresh in Pittsburgh market

August 10, 2006

Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh's ongoing burrito binge is officially about to get an extra helping.  Denver-based Chipotle Mexican Grill has made…

El Pollo Loco reports solid Q2

August 10, 2006

IRVINE, Calif. — El Pollo Loco reported results for its 13-week second quarter ended June 28, 2006.   System-wide same-store sales increased 4.1 percent…

Restaurant Doctor to make house call at Mid-Atlantic Expo

August 9, 2006

The largest foodservice show on the East Coast offers outstanding free educational opportunities

Land O' Lakes introduces new specialty cheeses

August 9, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS — Land O Lakes is rolling out two specialty flavored cheese slices for easier portioning and menuing on popular entrees. Available in a 4-inch…

Bar-B-Cutie creates franchisee-store standards

August 9, 2006

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bar-B-Cutie, a fast-casual barbecue concept, said single-unit franchise sales have doubled in the past three months. To ensure franchisees…

New World Restaurant Group reports 3.6% comps increase

August 9, 2006

GOLDEN, Colo. — New World Restaurant Group Inc. announced improved financial results for its second quarter ended July 4, 2006.   Comps were up 3.6 percent…

Wingstop promotes Anthony Cooke to regional VP

August 8, 2006

DALLAS — Wingstop has promoted Anthony Cooke to regional vice president of operations. Cooke has been with the company since 2005 as a franchise field…

Shane's Rib Shack launches catering menu

August 8, 2006

ATLANTA, Ga. — Shane's Rib Shack launched a system-wide catering menu. To drive initial sales, Shane's is running a viral marketing campaign.   The Raving…

Au Bon Pain creates new concept for suburban customers

August 8, 2006

BOSTON — Au Bon Pain will open a new suburban prototype in Woburn, Mass., Aug. 10.    The company seeks to serve an active customer base with diverse dining…

Opinion: Free Wi-Fi draws office crowds

August 8, 2006

Technology Evangelist: Since discovering Panera's free Wi-Fi service, our company has eaten at Panera at least once a week; both at restaurants near our…

FireHouse Subs to open shop in Arizona

August 7, 2006

Arizona Business Gazette: Firehouse Subs, a Jacksonville, Fla.-based chain, has announced plans to open its first Phoenix location. It currently has 23…

Mintel Report pegs fast casual as hot dining segment

August 7, 2006

CHICAGO — A recent Mintel report estimates that total sales at leading fast-casual chains in the United States doubled in the last five years.   "An increased…

Starbucks Coffee adding books to retail offerings

August 7, 2006

Seattle Times: Starbucks Coffee is extending its retail line to include a new book beginning in October. "For One More Day," is the latest novel from Mitch…

Qdoba helps Jack in the Box post firm Q3

August 7, 2006

SAN DIEGO — Jack in the Box Inc. reported positive results for its fiscal third quarter ended July 9, 2006.   According to a news release, same-store sales at…

Fast casuals draw customers with e-mail marketing

Viral marketing campaigns are cost effective and fast-casual customer focused.