PETA challenges Chipotle chicken suppliers

December 19, 2007

The Associated Press: Animal-rights group PETA has submitted a shareholder resolution asking Chipotle Mexican Grill to buy more from suppliers that use what it…

Cuppy's Coffee sees year of growth in '07

December 18, 2007

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Cuppy's Coffee, Smoothies & More Inc. has announced a record year of growth in 2007 marked by the opening of 33 stores and signed…

Salad Creations receives Entrepreneur honor

December 18, 2007

MARGATE, Fla. — Salad Creations was named the No. 1 salad-only franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine's "2008 Franchise 500" ranking, appearing in the January…

Hot stuff

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Coffees and chocolates warm consumers' hearts, but they are picky.

Panda Express receives best people practices award

December 17, 2007

ROSEMEAD, Calif. — Panda Express has announced it is the 2007 winner of the Best People Practices Award given by People Report, a provider of human resource…

Franktitude expands menu offerings

December 17, 2007

MIAMI — Miami-based Franktitude has unveiled a new menu that includes create-your-own salads, a line of sandwiches, wraps and panini, and an array of new…

Spicy Pickle opens first Ariz. location

December 17, 2007

DENVER — Spicy Pickle has announced two new restaurant openings in Arizona and Nevada, marking the 34th and 35th store in the chain and the first Spicy Pickle…

Emergency preparedness

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

When disaster strikes, a restaurant's survival can depend on a good plan.

Panera shareholder asks for operational change

December 16, 2007

Yahoo Finance: California-based Shamrock Activist Value Fund LP, partially controlled by family members of entertainment pioneer Walt Disney, issued a list of…

Dagwood's lays off corporate employees

December 16, 2007

The Tampa Tribune: The Dagwood's Sandwich Shoppe chain has laid off the bulk of its corporate headquarters employees and allegedly has closed its Florida-based…

Boneheads adds lobster, sea bass menu items

December 16, 2007

ATLANTA — Boneheads Grilled Fish & Piri Piri Chicken has introduced four limited-time seafood entrées: Fire Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, Lobster Salad…

New Zealand Starbucks catches holiday spirit

December 16, 2007

The New Zealand Herald: Starbucks locations in New Zealand have launched a marketing campaign with a simple premise — attach a fake coffee cup to the top of a…

Starbucks employee 'feels the noise'

December 13, 2007

Reuters: A former Starbucks barista with an ear condition is suing the company for $4 million because she says changes to the Manhattan coffee shop where she…

Panera stock dips after president resigns

December 13, 2007

The Associated Press: Shares of Panera Bread Co. declined Dec. 12 following president Neal Yanofsky's resignation. His resignation is effective Jan. 4.

Hurricane Grill opens in Vero Beach

December 13, 2007

VERO BEACH, Fla. — Hurricane Grill & Wings will open its latest location in Vero Beach, Fla., the company has announced.   The new location will feature…

Energy Kitchen set for '08 expansion

December 13, 2007

NEW YORK — Energy Kitchen has announced the expected 2008 opening of five new franchise stores, expected to increase the number of Energy Kitchen locations to…

Starbucks to test automated coffee machine

December 12, 2007

CNN Money: Starbucks  Corp. and Coinstar Inc. have teamed up to test an automated coffee machine under the Starbucks Seattle's Best Coffee label, according…

NRA releases '08 forecast, partners with Podcast Grill

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

December 12, 2007

NetWorld Alliance, publisher of Fast Casual magazine and Podcast Grill, has partnered with the National Restaurant Association on the production of several…

Food costs to increase

December 12, 2007

The Economist: The Economist magazine has predicted that world food prices will continue to inflate, primarily caused by a rise in the government's policies…

Panera president resigns

December 11, 2007

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Company has announced the resignation of president Neal Yanofsky, effective Jan. 4, 2008. Yanofsky is leaving the company to pursue…