Fast-casual barbecue is heating up

January 2, 2007

The Associated Press: Fast-casual barbecue might be a segment on the upswing. Ron Paul, president of Technomic, a Chicago food service industry research and…

CKE repurchases 2 million shares

January 1, 2007

CARPINTERIA, Calif. — CKE Restaurants Inc. has repurchased two million shares of its common stock from its largest shareholder, Pirate Capital LLC, for $37.…

Pizza operators develop fast-casual concepts

Following the trend: Several pizza players are jumping on the fast-casual bandwagon.

PAR Tech intros iSIVA Delivery software

January 1, 2007

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — PAR Technology Corp. recently unveiled its iSIVA Delivery software, which improves management of delivery and catering operations with…

Taco Bell faces another E. coli lawsuit

December 28, 2006

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Another E. coli lawsuit was filed against Taco Bell in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York.   According to a news…

Same-store sales remain positive for restaurant industry

December 28, 2006

WASHINGTON — The outlook for the restaurant industry remains optimistic going into 2007, despite a modest decline in the National Restaurant Association's…

Bowl games mean big business for Oklahoma pizzerias

December 27, 2006

The Daily Oklahoman: From the big chains to the independents, Oklahoma pizzerias are gearing up for Oklahoma State University's and University of Oklahoma's…

Chipotle founder named newspaper's man of the year

December 27, 2006

Rocky Mountain News: Chipotle Mexican Grill founder Steve Ells' vision and quest for excellence earned him the Rocky Mountain News Business Person of the Year…

Fast Casual 2006: A year in review

Despite lawsuits and mergers, it was a good year for the fast-casual segment.

Cosi ready for 2007

December 26, 2006

Chicago Tribune: Despite its struggles over the years, Cosi's believes it has finally found its niche. Operating in the premium convenience-dining arena, Cosi…

Organic farmers are doing well

December 26, 2006

The Register Guard: In 1978, growers who made up the fledgling organic farming industry in the Willamette Valley were, in the words of David Lively, "knocking…

Boston Market launches GutCheckChallenge.com

December 26, 2006

GOLDEN, Colo. — Boston Market is announcing "The Gut Check Challenge," encouraging people to measure their waists and take steps toward ridding themselves of…

ARAMARK unveils new bakery café

December 26, 2006

PHILADELPHIA — ARAMARK Corporation recently unveiled a new urban-style bakery concept, Bleecker Street Café, to meet the demand for more fast-casual dining…

UPDATED: Taco John's reacts to lawsuit

December 21, 2006

In a lawsuit recently filed, a woman said she ate at a Taco John's in Waterloo, Iowa, and later became ill with E. coli, which would make four stores…

Build customer loyalty with e-mail marketing

December 21, 2006

One in four Americans is likely to receive e-mails from a restaurant — a big booster of sales. Just ask Qdoba Mexican Grill.

Lenny's Sub Shops select Cybera for networking services

December 21, 2006

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lenny's Franchisor LLC, franchisor of Lenny's Sub Shops, has selected Cybera Inc. to provide broadband wide-area networking services to…

Gift cards boost profits

Huge sales prove customers love gift cards.

Shane's Rib Shack signs 126 agreements

December 20, 2006

ATLANTA — Raving Brands' Shane's Rib has signed 126 franchise agreements. The franchisee operators include:  Bada Bing Barbecue, LLC – multiple units in…

Taco John's customer sues over E. coli case

December 20, 2006

Associated Press: Taco John's has been hit with another lawsuit, this one by a customer who claims she contracted E. coli after eating at a Waterloo…

Judge grants Quiznos franchisees injunction hearing

December 19, 2006

A judge has ordered Quiznos to halt the terminations of 10 operators and to resume sending food supplies to their stores.   The operators, who are board…