Corner Bakery Café appoints new president

September 7, 2006

DALLAS — Corner Bakery Cafe, a 90-unit fast-casual bakery cafe, named Jim Vinz president, effective Aug. 23. Vinz will assume the duties of president  and…

McDonald's commences Chipotle exchange offer

September 7, 2006

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's Corp. has commenced an offer of its remaining shares of Chipotle class B common stock.   The company said the exchange should…

Coca-Cola jumps into the coffee market

September 7, 2006

Reuters: Hoping to tap into the market for premium espressos and lattes, Coca-Cola Co. launched its Far Coast brand of specialty coffees in the heart of…

Cutting through the complexity of POS systems at the Mid-Atlantic EXPO

September 7, 2006

Operators can go directly to the source on the show floor

McCurry Restaurant ordered to lose the "Mc" for trademark purposes

September 6, 2006

The Star: A Malaysian restaurant operator is feeling the heat for using the McDonald's "Mc" trademark for its business. The High Court has ordered McCurry…

Restaurant design: Fast casuals need more than a good décor

If the interior design does not complement the menu, the look is a lost cause — especially in fast casual.

August comps flat at Panera Bread

September 5, 2006

ST. LOUIS — Panera Bread Company reported system-wide comparable bakery-cafe sales increased 1.3 percent for the five weeks ended Aug. 29, 2006. The company…

El Pollo Loco rolls out Grilled Chicken Nachos

September 5, 2006

IRVINE, Calif. — El Pollo Loco is rolling out freshly prepared Grilled Chicken Nachos.   According to a news release, the nachos feature citrus-marinated…

Coffee bean prices expected to rise

September 4, 2006

Bloomberg.com: Prices for arabica coffee beans on the New York Board of Trade may climb more than 20 percent in the next 12 months. Demand is coming from…

Self-service automation in near future for quick-service restaurants

September 4, 2006

The Dallas Morning News: As the nation's restaurant industry scrambles to cope with an ongoing labor crunch, many players are looking to automation to fill…

Patriots' Bruschi drafted as pitchman for Papa Gino's Pizzeria

September 4, 2006

DEDHAM, Mass. — Papa Gino's Pizzeria has hired New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi to promote the chain's Crowd Pleaser Campaign and to co-support…

Legendary pizzerias bet on fast-casual makeovers

Shakey's Pizza and Papa Gino's Pizza are getting new names and makeovers to strengthen their positions in the growing fast-casual dining segment.

InstaPrep Table provides flexible workspace for kitchen workers

August 31, 2006

SAN DIEGO — The InstaPrep Table creates additional sanitary kitchen workspace in any environment by using waste receptacle for a pedestal.   Alan Lake of…

NRA survey: High gas prices soften restaurant traffic

August 31, 2006

WASHINGTON D.C. — The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index registered a moderate decline in July. According to a news release, the…

Visa issues security alert

August 31, 2006

BROOKFIELD, Wis. — If your restaurant accepts Visa credit cards, beware. Visa USA issued a data security alert Aug. 31 to warn merchants about the risks…

Starbucks comps increase 5%

August 31, 2006

SEATTLE — Starbucks Corporation reported solid sales for the four-week period ended Aug. 27.  The company said comparable store sales increased 5 percent and…

Chipotle operator wins over students with free food

August 30, 2006

Journal and Courier: The restaurant handed out burritos, tacos and soft drinks to a mostly Purdue University student crowd that at times stood in a line more…

Middleby Corporation acquires Houno A/S

August 30, 2006

ELGIN, Ill. — The Middleby Corporation announced the acquisition of Houno A/S ("Houno"). The acquired company, located in Denmark, manufactures combi-ovens…

Mr. Goodcents selects InfoSoft POS

August 30, 2006

ST LOUIS — Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pastas has selected a point-of-sale solution from InfoSoft Technologies.   According to news release, the sub chain will…

Labor-starved restaurant industry turns to automation for help

August 30, 2006

Dallas Morning News: Today, there's enough restaurant equipment on the market or awaiting patent to take a customer's order and payment and cook and package…