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…

Daphne's Greek Cafe expands to Oregon

December 11, 2007

SAN DIEGO — Daphne's Greek Cafe has announced its plans to expand the company's chain of restaurants to Oregon with the opening of three new locations there.

Bruegger's adds holiday retail merchandise

December 11, 2007

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's is celebrating the 2007 holiday season by offering new and returning retail merchandise.   Making its annual comeback, the…

Intura Solutions certifies eThor Media, ONOSYS

December 11, 2007

ARLINGTON, Texas — Intura Solutions LP, manufacturer of point-of-sale and enterprise-management software for quick-service, fast-casual and delivery restaurant…

Rubio's adds to real-estate team

December 10, 2007

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Rubio's Restaurants Inc. has announced the appointment of two restaurant industry veterans to its real-estate development team. Valerie L.

Wingstop takes online ordering systemwide

December 10, 2007

DALLAS — Wingstop has announced its decision to roll out online ordering systemwide, the result of the company's successful year-long test of online ordering.

Hot dog nation

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Chains such as Evos and Franktitude are taking hot dogs one step further.

Kelly Roddy named Schlotzsky's brand president

December 9, 2007

ATLANTA — FOCUS Brands has announced that Kelly Roddy has been named brand president of Schlotzsky's, which operates approximately 365 locations nationwide. …

Maui Wowi to open in Singapore

December 9, 2007

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — Maui Wowi Hawaiian has announced it has signed its first international master-franchise agreement in Singapore.    Maui Wowi, which…

Greenz adds seasonal soups

December 9, 2007

DALLAS — Greenz has added Chicken Enchilada and Turkey Chili soups to its menu offering, the company announced. The soups are available December through…

Pizza Marketplace launches industry study

December 9, 2007

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Pizza Marketplace has unveiled its 2007 Pizza Marketplace Industry Study, an in-depth look at trends and topics in the pizza industry around…

Jens Retlev joins Au Bon Pain as culinary director

December 6, 2007

BOSTON — Au Bon Pain has announced that Jens Retlev, who joined the company three years ago as its corporate chef, has been named culinary director.   In his…

Ziggi's Coffee House, Envysion partner

December 6, 2007

LOUISVILLE, Colo. — Envysion Inc., provider of web-based video management for surveillance and operational improvement, has announced that Ziggi's Coffee House…

Panera same-store sales rise

December 6, 2007

Reuters: Same-store sales at Panera Bread company-owned locations rose 3.8 percent in the five weeks ended Nov. 27. Comps at franchise locations increased 2.…

Smoothie King: Free smoothies for cans

December 5, 2007

COVINGTON, La. — Smoothie King will give away a free 20-ounce smoothie to guests who donate five canned goods Dec. 8, 2007, at any participating location.…

Employers must use revised I-9

December 5, 2007

Business First (Louisville, Ky.): Employers must begin using a revised I-9 employment eligibility verification form for new employees by Dec. 26, 2007. The…