McDonald's specialty coffee beats out Starbucks

Fast Casual and QSRWeb hosted an informal taste test and although McCafe coffees were preferred, the Starbucks customer experience is still tops.

Wingstop reports 23rd consecutive month of comps growth

April 15, 2009

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced that comparable restaurant sales have increased for the 23rd consecutive quarter.   The increase for the first quarter of 200…

Western Foodservice Show, Expo Comida Latina join forces

April 14, 2009

NORWALK, Conn. — The producers of the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Expo Comida Latina, a trade event focused on the Hispanic retail and…

Healthy Fast Food Appoints COO and EVP, enters Las Vegas

April 14, 2009

HENDERSON, Nev. — Healthy Fast Food Inc. has announced the appointment of Paul Schloss as the company's chief operating officer and executive vice president.

Jamba Juice launches school fundraiser

April 14, 2009

LOS ANGELES — Jamba Juice has announced the kick-off of its latest promotion, School Bananananza ‘09 — a 6-week-long program that begins the…

Analyst gives Panera stock green light

April 14, 2009

iStock Analyst: Cabot Heritage Corp.'s vice president of investments Michael Cintolo said in The Cabot Top Ten Report that Panera Bread's revenue growth in the…

Caribou names new SVP of Commercial Businesses

April 14, 2009

MINNEAPOLIS — Caribou Coffee Company Inc. has announced the addition of Henry J. "Hank" Suerth as senior vice president of Commercial Businesses. The creation…

Retail Brand Group president elected to Fast Casual Alliance board

April 14, 2009

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Husein Kitabwalla, president of the Retail Brand Group LLC, Sodexo's award-winning retail restaurant development team, was appointed to the…

Fast Casual Alliance launches Web site, adds board members

Board members include Rubio's, Au Bon Pain and Forklift Brands executives.

Identity stolen from McAlister's employment application

April 13, 2009

News 3 (Memphis, Tenn.): Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies said Ashley Johnson, 24, has opened up as many as 100 credit card accounts since December using…

Judge rules Quiznos abused discovery process

April 13, 2009

Blue MauMau: A federal judge ruled April 1 that Quiznos had abused the discovery process in a case that involves more than 36 franchise owners. It was found…

Red Mango announces franchise repurchase program

April 13, 2009

DALLAS — Red Mango has announced that it has launched the "Red's Real Deal" franchise program, which provides financial incentives for new franchisees.   Under…

James O'Reilly named Einstein Noah chief concept officer

April 13, 2009

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Einstein Noah Restaurant Group has announced the appointment of James P. O'Reilly as chief concept officer, effective immediately.   O'Reilly…

Wahoo's opens new Calif. location

April 13, 2009

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Wahoo's Fish Tacos will host a grand opening event April 19 in Chino Hills, Calif., for their 55th restaurant. Hosted by Wahoo's founders…

Schlotzsky's changes service model

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

In an effort to enhance the brand experience, the sandwich chain is beefing up service and operational procedures.

Starbucks closes several Maryland locations

April 12, 2009

Baltimore Sun: Starbucks is closing seven stores in Maryland as part of the company's overall plan to shutter 195 stores nationwide. Starbucks has more than…

Pollo Campero draws thousands of hungry diners

April 12, 2009

The Boston Globe: Thousands of hungry customers are pouring into the Boston area from across New England, waiting as long as two hours in the rain, wind and…

Manitowoc to display three NRA Kitchen Innovation Award products

April 12, 2009

MANITOWOC, Wis. — Lincoln Foodservice Products, a Manitowoc Foodservice company, will display its Quest Energy Management System at the 2009 National…

Red Mango announces U.S. franchise deals

April 9, 2009

DALLAS — Red Mango has announced record franchise development during the first quarter of 2009 as development deals with existing and new franchisees will…

Grand Traverse Pie Co. intros Strawberry Cream Pie

April 9, 2009

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Grand Traverse Pie Co. has announced the addition of Strawberry Cream Pie, just in time for Easter. The new 9-inch pie is made with…