Mary's Pizza Shack to launch fast casual concept

June 22, 2009

SONOMOA, Calif. -- Mary's Pizza Shack has announced it will launch a new fast casual restaurant concept later this year under the leadership of Cully…

Quiznos partners with Balihoo for local marketing solution

June 22, 2009

BOISE, Idaho — Quiznos has partnered with Balihoo to deliver a comprehensive Local Marketing Automation solution to its franchise owners nationwide, the…

Mintel identifies healthy food menu challenges

June 22, 2009

CHICAGO -- Despite increased buzz about healthy dining and restaurant nutrition labeling, new findings from Mintel Menu Insights suggest healthy menu items…

Villa Enterprises taps Revention

June 21, 2009

HOUSTON -- Villa Enterprises has selected point-of-sale system supplier Revention Inc. for all of its quick-service and fast casual brands, the company has…

Fungus could threaten world wheat crop

June 21, 2009

Crop scientists fear an ancient fungus could wipe out more than 80 percent of worldwide wheat crops as it spreads from eastern Africa. At least $10 billion…

Salsarita's announces new store openings

June 21, 2009

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Salsarita's Fresh Cantina has announced it has opened in 2009 four new restaurants and signed agreements for 28 more locations in the United…

Bruegger's returns Pretzel Bagel to summer menu

June 21, 2009

BURLINGTON, Vt. — For a limited time only, Bruegger's is bringing back its Pretzel Bagel, which was first introduced in 2007.   Guests can choose to eat the…

How Lane Cardwell Jr. plans to re-marketize Boston Market

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Boston Market's CEO looks to recapture the meals-to-go niche by capitalizing on Boston Market's core strengths: value and product quality.

Beach Pit BBQ marks Calif., U.S. expansion

June 18, 2009

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Beach Pit BBQ has announced expansion plans that will bring new restaurants to the state of California and to new cities across the United…

Charley's Grilled Subs makes best franchise list

June 18, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Charley's Grilled Subs has announced it was named 145 out of 300 on Dun & Bradstreet's All Star Best of Best Franchise list. Still run by…

Qdoba franchisee capitalizes on Penguins coach's pre-game visits

June 18, 2009

Advertising Age: Pittsburgh Qdoba franchisee Chad Brooks noticed when the coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins came in for his "lucky burrito" before every game.

Parents magazine rates best fast casuals

June 17, 2009

Corner Bakery Cafe, Fazoli's, Noodles & Company, Taco Del Mar and others made the Parents magazine list of Top 10 Best Fast Casual Restaurants in 2009. …

Penn Station announces systemwide roll-out of cold subs

June 17, 2009

CINCINNATI — Penn Station East Coast Subs has created five new Cold Deli Classic subs to complement its menu of 12 hot, grilled-to-order subs.   Following…

Maine becomes 3rd state to require menu labeling

June 17, 2009

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Maine Gov. John E. Baldacci has signed three bills designed to combat the problem of obesity in the state, including one on menu labeling. …

Smoothie King recognizes top franchisees

June 17, 2009

NEW ORLEANS — When Smoothie King Franchises Inc. held its 2009 Franchise Conference June 12-13, it took a few minutes to honor top franchisees.   "In spite of…

Starbucks to close 500 more U.S. stores

June 17, 2009

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Starbucks Corp. has announced that it will close an additional 500 unprofitable company-operated stores in the next year, up…

HSI's New Mobile iPod Touch POS System

Hospitality Solutions International debuts its revolutionary new handheld POS system for iPod Touch and iPhone platforms.

Starbucks recalls half a million coffee grinders

June 16, 2009

Pacific Business News: Starbucks Corp. is recalling 530,000 Chinese-made coffee grinders sold from March 2002 to March 2009 and made by Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou…

Smashburger expands to Northglenn, Colo.

June 16, 2009

DENVER — Smashburger has announced it is opening its doors in Northglenn, Colo., on June 27, marking the state's 11th location and the 17th for the brand…

The Counter to give dads free burgers

June 16, 2009

CULVER CITY, Calif. — The Counter will be giving away a free 1/3-pound burger to all dads all day on Father's Day, June 21, the company has announced.   The…