Defining fast casual

From décor to price points, we look at what makes this segment.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters offers all-natural hot-beverage cup

July 11, 2006

WATERBURY, Vt. — Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and International Paper launched an all-natural paper hot beverage cup July 12.   The cup is lined with a…

El Pollo Loco rolls out Tequila Lime Chicken LTO

July 11, 2006

IRVINE, Calif. — El Pollo Loco kicks off summer with a new limited-time offer, the Tequila Lime Chicken.      The company said the dish is made with fresh…

Paradise Bakery & Café boosts menu with gourmet coffee line

July 11, 2006

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Paradise Bakery and Café has partnered with Royal Cup Coffee to launch a new line of gourmet coffee in its 43 U.S. restaurants. …

Investors purchase Fresh Bakery Café

July 11, 2006

Charlotte Biz Journal: A group of Charlotte investors has purchased the Just Fresh Bakery Café & Market chain with the goal of adding as many as 1…

Cosi turns in soft Q2

July 10, 2006

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Cosi Inc. said heavy rainfall along the East Coast contributed to a soggy second quarter for the sandwich chain.   Same-store sales rose…

Tijuana Flats signs N.C. franchisee

July 10, 2006

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando-based Tijuana Flats has signed 20th franchisee, P.J. Moore of Jacksonville, N.C.   According to a news release, Moore plans to expand…

Beyond the four walls

Catering is a value-added service worth consideration.

Wingstop Q2 comps up 11.1%

July 9, 2006

DALLAS — James Flynn, Wingstop president and chief executive, said second-quarter comp-store sales increased 11.1 percent.   According to a news release…

Burke Corp. appoints new EVP

July 6, 2006

NEVADA, Iowa — Burke Corp., a manufacturer of fully cooked meat toppings and fillings, has promoted David J. Weber, its vice president of operations, to…

California ABC running alcohol sting ops in restaurants

July 6, 2006

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — An item in the California Restaurant Association's (CRA) Quick Bites newsletter revealed that the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC…

Starbucks June comps up 6%

July 6, 2006

SEATTLE —Starbucks Corp. said same-store sales rose 6 percent in June.   According to Thomson First Call, analysts had been looking for a 7-percent rise in…

Panera posts strong Q2 same-store sales

July 5, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Company reported a solid second quarter.   The company said company-owned same-store sales increased 3.7 percent while franchise…

Pei Wei Q2 sales drop

July 5, 2006

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Fast-casual Asian chain Pei Wei and its parent, P.F. Changs, saw same-store sales dip for the second quarter ended July 2. The company…

Cold Stone hires former VP as president

July 5, 2006

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Cold Stone Creamery said Jim Flaum has rejoined the company, accepting the position of president and chief operating officer.   Flaum…

Bruegger's celebrates 4th of July with Red, White and Blue Bagels Fundraiser

July 4, 2006

To celebrate the United States' independence, Bruegger's partnered with Operation Homefront to support deployed U.S. servicemen and women.   Bruegger's…

The perfect plot of land

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

What is the best fast-casual real estate?

Fast Casual magazine receives award

July 4, 2006

Fast Casual magazine received an APEX Award for Publication Excellence July 5.   The magazine, published by NetWorld Alliance, was one of only 22 magazines…

NRA says restaurant outlook remains high

June 29, 2006

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

Panda Express opens first military location

June 29, 2006

Panda Express is celebrating the opening of their first military base location on July 5 at Edwards Air Force Base. In honor of both the opening and…