Culinary Experience for the Innovators (Slides)

Follow industry leaders as they discuss current trends in fast casual dining, what customers are seeking, and how one company operates with a Guest-Driven…

Presented by Fast Casual Executive Summit

Executive Summit Keynote Presentation (Slides)

Fast Casual Executive Summit Keynote Address. Download the slides from presentations given by: Paul Barron, Publisher and Founder FastCasual.com/ Dean…

Presented by Fast Casual Executive Summit

Learning the New Financial Business Model (Slides)

Industry leaders share ways to capitalize on financial business models. Download the slides from presentations given by: Louis J. Basile Jr., Wildflower…

Presented by Fast Casual Executive Summit

Chipotle to offer free kids' meals

September 22, 2009

According to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth, Chipotle will launch a new kids' menu Sunday, along with a new free kids' meal promotion.   Every Sunday between Sept. 2…

Starbucks unveils iPhone app

September 22, 2009

Starbucks Corp. has caught the iPhone buzz with its launch of a store-location and menu application, and is testing a second app that will let customers use…

Costa Vida adds fish tacos to the menu

September 22, 2009

Costa Vida has announced the addition of fresh-baked, made-to-order fish tacos to the chain's health-conscious menu options. Costa Vida's fish tacos consist of…

TargetCast Networks purchases Ripple TV, expands fast casual footprint

September 22, 2009

TargetCast Networks Inc. (TCN) has acquired Ripple TV, creating a national ad-based digital out-of-home (DOOH) network in more than 1,400 locations on 3,42…

Smashburger franchise deal focuses on airport locations

September 22, 2009

Smashburger has announced its partnership with PhaseNext Hospitality — a minority- and woman-owned multi-concept franchise operator focusing on non-traditional…

Fast Casual Executive Summit: Tough times bring operators together

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The most successful brands are opening up to one another as the industry awaits signs of recovery.

Smashburger signs seven-unit Oklahoma City deal

September 21, 2009

Smashburger has signed a deal with Klepper Capital Group LLC. to operate seven restaurants in the Oklahoma City metro area. The first store will open in March…

Baja Fresh opens second NYC location

September 21, 2009

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has announced the grand opening of its second New York City location.   The store celebrated its opening Sept. 16 by selling $…

NPD: Lingering unemployment will delay restaurant industry recovery

September 21, 2009

Current economic indicators point to recovery, but persistent high unemployment will continue to plague the restaurant industry several months after the…

Togo's stands by pastrami sandwich with money-back guarantee

September 21, 2009

Togo's Eateries Inc., the California sandwich chain known for its made-to-order sandwiches, will announce the launch of an its Pastrami Guarantee with a new…

Panera Bread continues with Indianapolis expansion

September 21, 2009

Panera Bread Co. will open its most recent Indianapolis location Sept. 23. The new store is in downtown Indianapolis at Claypool Court and features an outdoor…

Restaurant Magic, Heartland Payment Systems partner

September 20, 2009

Payments processor Heartland Payment Systems has partnered with Restaurant Magic Software to provide regional and national chains with a variety of operational…

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill opens fifth location

September 20, 2009

Centennial, Colo.-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill has opened in Englewood, Colo., marking the concept's fifth location.   The restaurant was founded in…

Steve Ells talks about Chipotle's success

September 20, 2009

Steve Ells was looking to launch a fine-dining restaurant when he opened his first Chipotle Mexican Grill. However, he found Chipotle's "food with integrity…

Boston Market launches 'two kids eat free' promo

September 20, 2009

Boston Market has launched a "Two Kids Eat Free" dining program where two children, ages 14 and younger, can receive a free kids' meal all day, every day with…

Part II: NRA outlines industry imperatives

The association's new strategic plan tackles issues from food safety to profitability and sustainability.

Charley's Grilled Subs adds Oreo cookies to kid's meals

September 17, 2009

Starting this month, Charley's Grilled Subs will team-up with Nabisco to add Oreo cookies to its kids' meals at participating locations worldwide. The addition…