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…

Trans fats: On or off the menu?

Lawsuits and consumer trends say it's time to change.

Bruegger's adds apple bagel, pumpkin-spiced coffees for autumn

October 15, 2006

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's is adding limited-time-only menu items that complement the fall season.   The additions include apple bagels, Green Mountain…

Mad Greens opens sixth store

October 15, 2006

DENVER — Mad Greens Inspired Eats, a fast-casual salad concept, has opened its fifth company-owned store.   According to a news release, the store was the…

Moe's Southwest Grill to open Hawaii first store

October 12, 2006

ATLANTA — Moe's Southwest Grill will open its first restaurant on the Hawaiian Islands in early November.    "We couldn't be more excited to be opening a…

Chipotle free from McDonald's rule

October 12, 2006

McDonald's has fully divested its shares in 500-unit Chipotle Mexican Grill, a company it bought in 1998 when it was 15 units strong.   McDonald's grew to…

Wendy's to sell Baja Fresh for $31M

October 11, 2006

DUBLIN, Ohio— Wendy's International Inc. announced a definitive agreement to sell the Baja Fresh Mexican Grill restaurant chain to a West Coast restaurant…

College football and NFL fans are loyal customers

Include this demographic into your marketing plans because they will spend money in your store.

Minnesota fresh-Mex concept acquired and set for regional expansion

October 11, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS — An independently owned and operated fast-casual concept called Baja Sol has been acquired by a group of Minnesota businessmen. The group said it…

El Pollo Loco withdraws IPO

October 11, 2006

El Pollo Loco Holding Inc. withdrew its $135 million initial public offering with underwriter Bank of America.   "El Pollo Loco's decision not to execute an…

Bruegger's to serve Kettle chips

October 10, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Classic Foods Inc. announced that Bruegger's will offer the Kettle Classics line of chips.   "Bruegger's is the perfect place to relax…

Wendy's noteholders drop lawsuit

October 10, 2006

DUBLIN, Ohio — Wendy's International Inc. said noteholders seeking to block the spin-off of Wendy's holdings in Tim Hortons dropped a lawsuit filed recently…

Panera Bread to buy 13 franchise stores for $15.3M

October 10, 2006

ST LOUIS — Panera Bread will spend $15.3 million to buy 13 franchised bakery-cafés and the area development rights for certain markets in Iowa, Nebraska and…

McAlister's Deli selects Dell technology

October 9, 2006

ROUND ROCK, Texas — McAlister's Deli has selected Dell technology to support its point-of-sale and administrative challenges.   According to a news release…