Fast-casual franchising: Is your chain ready?

You don't want to franchise too quickly.  Most experts say to wait at least five years before announcing franchising plans.    

Planet Smoothie rolls out coffee smoothies

October 22, 2006

ATLANTA — Planet Smoothie has partnered with NESCAFÉ, a Nestlé beverage brand, to develop coffee smoothies.   Beginning this month, every Planet Smoothie will…

Dunkin' Brands to sell Togo's

October 22, 2006

CANTON, Mass. — Dunkin' Brands Inc. plans to sell Togo's Eateries Inc., the restaurant chain specializing in fresh sandwiches, salads and soups.   Trinity…

McDonald's gets a facelift

October 22, 2006

ABC News: No matter where you grew up, the McDonald's across the street looked a lot like the McDonald's across the country. That familiarity made the…

Fazoli's acquired by Sun Capital

October 19, 2006

Sun Capital Partners has acquired Fazoli's Restaurants for an undisclosed amount.   Effective immediately, former McDonald's executive Robert Weissmueller…

McSubway Study finds Subway food is not that healthy

October 19, 2006

The Star: A new study shows that Subway is not as healthy as it claims to be. The new research — labeled the "McSubway Study" — was based on exit interviews…

Gov. Bush appoints former NRA chair to head Florida Tourism Commission

October 19, 2006

HEATHROW, Fla. — Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has appointed the former chairman of the National Restaurant Association to head the state's Florida Tourism…

Little Caesars and Detroit Tigers celebrate with pizza

October 19, 2006

DETROIT — With the Detroit Tigers going to the World Series, Little Caesars is celebrating baseball and pizza.   The Tigers owner Mike Ilitch is also the…

Garden Fresh selects Peppercoin's small payment suite

October 18, 2006

WALTHAM, Mass. — Peppercoin announced that Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. will use Peppercoin's Small Payment Suite and consulting services to enhance its…

Garden Fresh selects Peppercoin's small payment suite

October 18, 2006

WALTHAM, Mass. — Peppercoin announced that Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. will use Peppercoin's Small Payment Suite and consulting services to enhance its…

Garden Fresh selects Peppercoin's small payment suite

October 18, 2006

WALTHAM, Mass. — Peppercoin announced that Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. will use Peppercoin's Small Payment Suite and consulting services to enhance its…

Einstein Bros. aids fight against breast cancer

October 18, 2006

GOLDEN, Colo. — Einstein Bros. Bagels, one of the brands under New World Restaurant Group, is continuing its partnership with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer…

Cosi suffers a Q3 loss

October 18, 2006

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Cosi Inc. reported a weak third quarter ended Oct. 2, 2006.   The fast-casual sandwich chain said comparable same-store sales fell 4.…

Post Baja Fresh: State of the fresh-Mex segment

The Mexican fast-casual category is doing just fine, insiders say. "Baja (Fresh) seems to be the only one having difficulties," one operator said.

El Pollo Loco introduces $5 reward card

October 17, 2006

IRVINE, Calif. — El Pollo Loco is offering a free $5 reward card to every guest who purchases a family meal through Jan. 7.    Family meals come in several…

Panera Bread partners with Take Back Your Time Day

October 16, 2006

SEATTLE — Panera Bread is joining the efforts of Take Back Your Time Day, an event where people are supposed to take a break and enjoy their relationships. …

Middleby Corporation Ranks No. 9 on Forbes Best Small Companies list

October 16, 2006

ELGIN, Ill. — The Middleby Corporation has been ranked No. 9 on the Forbes Magazine 2006 Best Small Companies list, as featured in the magazine's Oct. 3…

Giles Foodservice launches new ventless hood

October 16, 2006

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Giles Foodservice Equipment has launched an extended version of its POVH ventless hood.    According to a news release, this new option…

Bruegger's reports solid Q3

October 16, 2006

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's Enterprises Inc. reported its strongest third quarter in recent years.   The fast-casual bakery café reported comp increases of…

NRA: Wage hikes should be set by statute, not Constitutional Amendment

October 16, 2006

WASHINGTON — The National Restaurant Association is challenging state lawmakers who want to set minimum wage increases based on the annual increase of the…