El Pollo Loco, KFC carry on chicken fight

El Pollo Loco has challenged KFC to a taste test, but KFC's own failed giveaway may be all El Pollo Loco needs to win with consumers.

Bruegger's says thank you to Boston public transit riders

May 6, 2009

BURLINGTON, Vt. — On the morning of May 13, an estimated 20,000 Boston transit riders will be rewarded by Bruegger's for their environmentally-friendly…

NRA events include menu beverage pairings, Salute to Excellence gala

May 6, 2009

The National Restaurant Association will feature a new event during its International Wine, Spirits & Beer show (IWSB). The Menu Pairings Event will be…

NRA Show to reveal latest equipment, technology

May 5, 2009

CHICAGO — The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will feature the most up-to-date and innovative equipment and technology designed to…

Ben & Jerry's seeks flavor developer

May 5, 2009

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. — Ben & Jerry's is seeking a full-time, qualified product developer to create the next generation of funky, chunky, ice cream…

Reports outline restaurant traffic decline, potential failure

May 5, 2009

CHICAGO & NEW YORK — Rising unemployment, low consumer confidence and severe weather conditions kept consumers from visiting restaurants this past winter…

Rubio's rolls out all-American taco

May 5, 2009

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill has announced the introduction of its new All-American Taco, featuring a char-grilled, beef patty seasoned with…

UFood Grill joins Healthy Dining

May 5, 2009

BOSTON — UFood Grill has announced it has joined Healthy Dining and the online resource www.HealthyDiningFinder.com, in an effort to take a giant step forward…

Panera Bread comps up slightly

May 5, 2009

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Panera Bread Company has reported financials for its first quarter ended March 31.   In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, comparable…

Cuppy's Coffee CEO arrested

May 5, 2009

Blue MauMau: Cuppy's Coffee CEO and principal of FranSynergy, Robert Dale Nabors, was arrested March 31 by Alabama's Colbert County authorities for being a…

Chipotle founder to sit on NRA Show keynote panel

Steve Ells will participate in the interactive keynote panel, the first of its kind for NRA Show organizers, attendees.

Fazoli's names new marketing, purchasing VPs

May 4, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fazoli's has added two restaurant-industry veterans to its management team, the company has announced.   Monte Jump has been named vice…

Salsarita's launches ‘Cinco for Cinco' promotion

May 4, 2009

CHARLPOTTE, N.C. — Salsarita's Fresh Cantina is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a special Cinco promotion. From May 1-8 a large burrito, large quesadilla…

Nothing But Noodles announces new store ownership

May 4, 2009

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Noodles Development LP has announced the sale of its two Nothing but Noodles restaurants in Albuquerque, N.M., to local entrepreneur Gerald…

Smashburger inks Iowa franchise deal

May 4, 2009

DENVER — Smashburger has announced that it has secured its eighth franchisee, Smashguys LLC, which will develop 16 locations throughout Iowa. The latest…

Burgerville adds beer and wine pairings to menu

May 4, 2009

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Burgerville has launched the pairing of local beers and wines to its new, gourmet seasonal menu offerings at its Salmon Creek restaurant in…

Seven top fast casual independent operations

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

From Kansas City to New York City, these independent operations are changing the fast casual landscape.

Planet Smoothie opens first New York locations

May 3, 2009

NEW YORK — Planet Smoothie has announced the grand opening of its three newest locations inside Manhattan's Penn Station, opening May 18. The opening marks…

Elevation Burger furthers Philadelphia expansion

May 3, 2009

ARLINGTON, Va. — Elevation Burger has announced the addition of a multiunit franchising deal with Chris Phillips to bring three Philadelphia-area locations. …

Noodles & Co. launches spaghetti & meatballs dish across Oregon

May 3, 2009

PORTLAND, Ore. — Noodles & Company is introducing a new signature dish to its Oregon menu -- Spaghetti & Meatballs. The new dish will be available at…