Restaurant industry's 2012 trends shaped by demographics, nutrition

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

NPD Group's research also expects retail competition to increase and commodity prices to affect menu offerings.

Boloco presents at ICR Xchange

January 16, 2012

Boloco presented its operational outlook at this year’s 14th Annual ICR XChange Conference on Jan. 10, 2012. This is the third year that Boloco received an…

But I thought it was being done – Inspecting the expected

We may have too much faith that it cannot happen, or won’t happen or we’re simply naïve. Perhaps we don’t seek, therefore we don’t find. Maybe it’s…

A lesson in loyalty

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Recession or not, the restaurant industry is here and growing. Consumers spend a huge percentage of their food budgets on eating out at restaurants, and…

Webinar: Restaurant loyalty - Mobile innovations to build traffic in 2012

More than 1 billion smart phones will be in use across the globe by 2015, according to technology research firm IDC. For restaurant operators, the…

Muscle Maker opens in founder's hometown

January 15, 2012

Muscle Maker Grill has opened the doors to a restaurant in founder Rod Silva’s hometown of Newark, N.J., marking the chain's 45th location nationwide.

Genghis Grill launches 2nd Annual Health Kwest

January 15, 2012

To jumpstart the New Year, Genghis Grill is getting ready to launch its Health Kwest campaign Feb. 1. The weight-loss campaign will last for 60 days. Last…

Fast Casual segment heads into Q1 with new store openings

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Fast casual chains such as Baja Fresh, Fuddruckers and MOOYAH are among several concepts starting the New Year with new openings across the United States. The…

Taco Bell taking cues from higher-end rivals

January 15, 2012

Amidst declining unit counts and a consumer perception of poor food quality, executives at Taco Bell are working to reimage the former Yum! Brands star.

Top 100: Panera Bread No. 29

January 15, 2012

29. Panera Bread St. Louis / No. of units: 1,421+ In a year of economic downturn, top player Panera Bread, acting through its nonprofit Panera Bread…

NRA accepting nominations for inaugural Operator Innovations Awards

January 12, 2012

The National Restaurant Association is calling for nominations for its inaugural Operator Innovations Awards.

Veggie Grill expands beyond Calif. roots

January 12, 2012

Veggie Grill is about to open its first location outside of Southern California in Beaverton, Ore. Veggie Grill is able to move into the Portland, Ore., market…

Fazoli's rings in 2012 with record sales year

January 12, 2012

Fazoli’s wrapped up 2011 with record-setting sales increases, completing a 17-month streak in guest traffic and sales growth.

Pinkberry to hold 'Design-Over' sweepstakes

January 12, 2012

Pinkberry is giving its customers a unique way to experience its iconic and inspired design aesthetic in their own homes. Now through Jan. 31, Pinkberry fans…

Fresh To Order to build growth on 'fast fine' platform

January 12, 2012

New menu items, re-imaged restaurants, leadership changes and grand openings are just a few of the developments ahead that will drive growth for Fresh To Order…

Screening your background screener

by Amanda Richardson — Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing, Snagajob

If your application process takes too long, it could repel top talent, leading to bad hires, high turnover and lost profits.

Starbucks promotes blonde ambition

January 11, 2012

Starbucks Coffee Company has announced the availability of Starbucks Blonde Roast, a lighter roast coffee from the company designed to meet the needs of the 5…

La Madeleine adds to 'Smart Choices'

January 11, 2012

La Madeleine Country French Cafés are adding several new options to its everyday SMART CHOICES menu. The new alternatives are available now through March 20.

Charley's Grilled Subs promotes Bob Wright to president

January 11, 2012

Charley’s Grilled Subs has promoted Bob Wright to president and chief operating officer to help guide the brand into the future.

Chipotle to open second ShopHouse

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 11, 2012

Steve Ells is looking to open a second ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen location near the original Washington, D.C., restaurant.