Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill to franchise

October 15, 2009

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill Franchising LLC has announced it will begin franchising its fast casual concept to build on the success of five restaurant…

Spicy Pickle voted Denver's best sandwich

October 15, 2009

Spicy Pickle has won the Best Sandwich Award from ABC television Channel 7 in Denver's annual A-List Awards. More than 100,000 Spicy Pickle fans cast their…

Salsarita's launches national breakfast catering program

October 14, 2009

Salsarita's Fresh Cantina has expanded catering beyond lunch and dinner to include a breakfast program after testing its acceptance in select markets across…

Shane's Rib Shack launches proprietary sauce

October 14, 2009

Shane's Rib Shack, a Petrus Brands company, has introduced a new dipping sauce – Shane's Shack Sauce – to be served with Shane's original chicken tenders.

McCormick reveals holiday Flavor Forecast 2009

October 14, 2009

According to the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2009: Holiday Edition, restaurants can expect to see favorite holiday flavors used in new ways. McCormick spotlights…

Recession-time wing boon causes price flip flops for chicken

October 13, 2009

The recession has been a boon for many wing restaurants, the New York times reported, as many perceived wings to be "an affordable luxury." Now, that upswing…

Diversified Restaurant Holdings teams with online stock research company

October 13, 2009

Diversified Restaurant Holdings Inc. has joined www.StockProfile.com, a customized Web-based platform showcasing emerging growth stocks, according to a company…

Qdoba gets new Muzak programming

October 13, 2009

Muzak, a leading provider of in-store music, messaging and branded sensory media, announced a new music solution for Qdoba Mexican Grill today. After nine…

Poll finds Americans split on ads mentioning recession

October 13, 2009

As economic woes continue, companies have to decide how to deal with the issue of the recession in their advertising. Some ignore it and find different ways…

Fuddruckers intros new premium beef patty, Web site

October 13, 2009

Austin-based burger chain Fuddruckers launched Fudds Prime burgers at participating Fuddruckers in Texas and New Mexico Tuesday, along with a new supporting…

Back to business basics

Eight steps fast casual operators can follow to be well-positioned for 2010.

Food Safety Training Institute to receive federal funding

October 12, 2009

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have passed legislation that includes $1 million for The International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI…

Red Mango announces new flavor on Facebook

October 12, 2009

Red Mango has announced a new seasonal flavor on its Facebook page: pumpkin spice. Each order comes with free graham cracker topping.   "This week, as many of…

Pei Wei pioneer Brezinski to launch fast casual of Bengal Coast

October 12, 2009

Mark Brezinski, former Brinker International exec and development partner that brought Pei Wei Asian Diner to Dallas, is looking to develop his own Asian…

Carly Simon sues Starbucks over poor record sales

October 12, 2009

Musician Carly Simon filed a suit Friday against Starbucks, saying her latest album's dismal sales are a direct result of mismanagement from the Hear Music…

Raising Cane's opens sixth Columbus location

October 11, 2009

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers will promote physical activity and safety when it opens its sixth restaurant in Hilliard, Ohio, Oct. 19.   In partnership with…

New fast casual blog highlights quick-change scams

October 11, 2009

A new blog titled Fast Casual-ty tracks one employee's experiences as a worker in a fast casual restaurant. The first entry highlights a quick-change scam in…

Former Quiznos exec heads to Wendy's/Arby's Group

October 11, 2009

Industry veteran and former president of Europe, Africa and Middle East for Quizno's, Andy Skehan has been hired as senior vice president of Wendy's/Arby's…

Wingstop marks 25 consecutive quarters of comps growth

October 11, 2009

Wingstop, the nation's fastest-growing chicken wing chain, has announced positive comparable store sales for the 25th consecutive quarter.   Wingstop ended the…

Children become fast casual menu targets

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

More restaurants are launching or expanding their menus to appeal to children and their parents.