Webby awards seek nominations for best restaurant Web sites

September 3, 2007

NEW YORK — From Sept. 18 to Dec. 14, 2007, the 12th Annual Webby Awards will accept entries for the Best Restaurant Web site of the year.    Last year, KFC's…

New report highlights worldwide QSRs

September 3, 2007

DUBLIN, Ireland — Research and Markets has announced the addition of the 2007 Worldwide Fast Food Restaurants Industry Report to its offering.   The Fast…

Christopher Smith joins Mission Burritos as SVP

September 3, 2007

HOUSTON — Mexican Restaurants Inc. has announced the appointment of Christopher Smith as senior vice president for Mission Burritos.   Smith formerly served…

Quiznos legal counsel gives exclusive interview

September 3, 2007

BlueMauMau: Quiznos legal counsel, Richard Emmett, has given an exclusive interview to franchisee Web site BlueMauMau.   In the article, Emmett discusses how…

Qdoba intros shredded pork, ancho chile barbecue sauce

September 3, 2007

DENVER — Qdoba Mexican Grill has announced the nationwide addition of seasoned shredded pork to its menu.   Additionally, Qdoba has created an Ancho Chile…

Mid-Atlantic expo to offer expert advice

September 3, 2007

The voice of experience will speak loudly at the 2007 Mid-Atlantic Food, Beverage & Lodging Expo. At the two-day show, Sept. 19 and 20 at the Baltimore…

Starbucks to open in Russia

September 3, 2007

The Seattle Times: Starbucks plans to open its first coffee shop in Russia Sept. 6, 2007, in a mall north of Moscow.   Along with its traditional…

Menu labeling bill OK'd by Calif. appropriations committee

August 30, 2007

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California State Assembly Appropriations Committee has passed SB 120 (Padilla), legislation that requires fast-food and chain…

Starbucks to open in A&Ps

August 30, 2007

Forbes: The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. said it has signed an agreement to operate Starbucks coffee shops in some of its A&P grocery stores in…

Restaurant Performance Index dropped in July

August 30, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The outlook for the restaurant industry softened somewhat in July, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of…

Summit to tackle marketing, branding challenges

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

August 30, 2007

According to Fast Casual's 2007 Benchmark Study, 76 percent of respondents said they market to local businesses.   While marketing at the local level is a…

Focus Brands, Roark Capital complete Moe's purchase

August 29, 2007

ATLANTA — Focus Brands, an Atlanta-based franchisor and affiliate of Roark Capital, has announced the completion of the previously announced purchase of Moe's…

Franktitude sells first franchise location

August 29, 2007

MIAMI — Gourmet hot dog chain Franktitude has announced the sale of its first franchise location near Miami. The company's goal is to sign 24 more franchise…

Port City Java signs Dubai development deal

August 29, 2007

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Port City Java has announced it has signed a development agreement with the Dubai-based Almahmoud Group to develop the Port City Java brand…

Marketing at the local level

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

August 29, 2007

Community involvement now could mean more sales later.

Baker Bros signs five-unit Texas deal

August 28, 2007

DALLAS — Baker Bros American Deli announced it has signed a second area-development agreement to open five more franchise units in western Texas. The two…

Starbucks to launch 'Coffee is Culinary' campaign

August 28, 2007

SEATTLE — Starbucks has announced it is collaborating with chef Marcus Samuelsson for its new campaign, "Coffee is Culinary."   Through a collaboration…

Atlanta Bread intros panini, salad, pasta, soup

August 28, 2007

SMYRNA, Ga. — Atlanta Bread Co. has announced its launch of several new Latin American-inspired menu additions. The offerings are the Cubano Panini, Salsa…

Bruegger's receives 2007 NRAEF Spirit award

August 28, 2007

CHICAGO — The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), along with Nation's Restaurant News (NRN), have announced the winners of the…

Starbucks to carry 'SNL' DVD

August 27, 2007

USA Today: Saturday Night Live's "The Best of 06/07" DVD will be available for sale only at Starbucks.   Starbucks draws 40 million customers each week into…