Einstein Bros. continues growth through licensing

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group is more than halfway past its goal of 180 licensed locations by the end of 2009

Beautiful Brands launches Greenz franchise program

August 13, 2009

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has officially launched its franchise program for Dallas-based Greenz, the company has announced. BBI is currently…

FOCUS parent looks to add new brands

August 13, 2009

Roark Capital Group, parent company of FOCUS Brands and its Schlotzsky's, Carvel and Cinnabon chains, could invest more money this year than in its previous…

Albany County, N.Y., passes menu labeling

August 13, 2009

Albany County, N.Y., lawmakers have passed a local law requiring restaurant chains with 10 or more units to post calorie counts on menus and menu boards…

El Pollo Loco comps down nearly 7%

August 12, 2009

EPL Intermediate Inc., parent company of El Pollo Loco Inc., has reported financial results for its 13-week second quarter and 26 weeks ended June 30.   For…

Red Mango builds Austin, Texas, presence

August 12, 2009

Red Mango has plans to develop six new units in the Austin, Texas, market as part of a franchise development agreement the company has signed with Ramiro…

RedPrairie to launch new Workforce Management user interface

August 12, 2009

RedPrairie Corp., a productivity software provider, has announced the upcoming September 2009 release of its Workforce Management enhanced user interface…

Kimberly-Clark receives Forest Stewardship Council certification

August 12, 2009

Kimberly-Clark Professional has received Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain-of-custody certification for a range of tissue and towel products, making it…

Salsarita's launches back-to-school promo

August 11, 2009

Fresh Mex chain Salsarita's Fresh Cantina has launched a back-to-school scratch & win promotion, the company has announced.   During August and September…

Firehouse Subs donates equipment to Texas firehouse

August 11, 2009

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has donated $12,500 worth of lifesaving equipment to the Round Rock, Texas, Fire Department, according to a story…

Consumer concern over sodium intake impacts product development

August 11, 2009

Americans love sodium, but many consumers are starting to pay more attention to their intake, according to new research from consumer, product and market…

Fitch report finds financial risk for restaurants moderating

August 11, 2009

Fitch Ratings has found that financial risk is moderating for the U.S. restaurant industry, despite continued weakness in same-store sales performance.   In a…

Uno official offers tips on revitalizing your brand

Fast casual restaurants are a key part of the pizza chain's growth strategy.

Western Foodservice Expo names keynote speaker

August 10, 2009

Reed Exhibition Cos., producers of the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, has announced that Garry Ridge, president and CEO of WD-40 Co., will be the…

Così Inc. comps down 12%

August 10, 2009

Così, Inc. has reported a systemwide same-store sales decline of 12.2 percent for the second quarter ended June 29 as compared to the second quarter of 2008.

McAlister's Deli announces executive changes

August 10, 2009

McAlister's Corp. is moving forward with its plan for growth and national expansion with the strengthening of its executive team. The organizational changes…

Coca-Cola moves forward with fountain of the future

August 10, 2009

The company expands its test market for the self-serve Freestyle dispenser.

Fast casual interview with FETCO

Fastcasual.com's senior editor Valerie Killifer gets put in the hot seat during the 2009 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Killifer was…

Quiznos CEO rolls out product Flex Plan

August 9, 2009

Quiznos CEO Rick Schaden has announced the Quiznos' Flex Plan business model, a pipeline for new product innovation that adjusts based on economic shifts. The…

Chick-N-Grill earns Green Restaurant Association certification

August 9, 2009

South Florida-based Chick-N-Grill has become the first Hispanic-owned restaurant chain to be certified by The Green Restaurant Association.   Through their…