Report: Soup and salad purchases increase

March 26, 2012

As consumers seek lighter, healthier and more affordable food choices, away-from-home soup and salad purchases are on the rise, according to market research…

The Chalak Group secures $17 million in funding

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

March 25, 2012

The Chalak Group has raised $17 million in equity financing that will be used to expand its Genghis Grill and Baker Bros. American Deli chains, in addition to…

Tropical Smoothie Café promotes menu makeover

March 25, 2012

Tropical Smoothie Café has announced a new menu rollout for all 305 locations nationwide that includes a 40 percent reduction of sodium in all chicken-based…

La Madeleine unveils spring line of LTOs

March 25, 2012

La Madeleine has launched its new spring menu that features tartines, light pasta and a citrus salade. The selections will be available through May 15.

NRA's Operator Innovations winners to be revealed during “Destination: Celebration” event

March 25, 2012

The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will play host to the show’s first-ever “Destination: Celebration” event -- a kick-off party…

Piada: Fast casual Italian style

The fast casual concept has a menu focused on Italian street food.

MOOYAH expands in North Texas

March 22, 2012

Denton, Texas, has become the next city on MOOYAH's expansion list as it plans to open a location there March 26.

Rising Roll Gourmet launches Springtime LTOs

March 22, 2012

Rising Roll Gourmet welcomes the warm days of spring with the rollout of several new limited-time items.

Foodservice Social Media Universe conference seeks 'Best of' award nominations

March 22, 2012

The Foodservice Social Media Universe conference, set for Sept. 16-18, 2012 at the Swissotel in Chicago, is seeking award nominations for social media…

Smashburger takes Fresh Mex Burger nationwide

March 21, 2012

Smashburger has introduced its Fresh Mex Burger, available through April 29 in restaurants nationwide.

Panda Restaurant Group marks 20,000th associate hire

March 21, 2012

Panda Restaurant Group (PRG) has reached an important company milestone with the hiring of its 20,000th associate. PRG's mission is to build an organization…

Boloco hires new VP of IT

March 21, 2012

James Lux has been named as the newest member of the Boloco team as its vice president of Information Technologies. Jim will work from Boloco's global…

Mintel: Local produce edging out organic in terms of consumer importance

March 21, 2012

According to the latest research data from Mintel, locally purchased fruits and vegetables by grocery stores and restaurants are now more important to…

Saladworks builds Calif. presence with fourth location

March 21, 2012

Saladworks is opening its fourth California location in Tustin, Calif., through a franchise agreement with Karen Weber, a 25-year veteran of Trader Joe's…

Daphne's California Greek launches national franchise plan

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The new franchise program is expected to double Daphne's unit count over a three-year period.

Foodservice distribution company expands network

March 20, 2012

Consolidated Distribution Corporation LLC, a provider of QSR, fast casual and casual dining supply chain solutions in the U.S., has opened a new Dallas…

FMS solutions partners with Bang Bang Mongolian Grill

March 20, 2012

FMS Solutions has announced that it will provide accounting and payroll services to Bang Bang Mongolian Grill. The fast casual restaurant chain joins more than…

Dickey's Barbecue Pit expands in Denver

March 20, 2012

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is building momentum in the Denver area. With four stores open there already, the company is looking for multiple new spaces.

The leadership of Ray Kroc to drive catering sales

by Erle Dardick — CEO, Monkeymedia

I have been reading a lot about Ray Kroc these days. As I dig deeper into his story, I become more fascinated with his meticulous attention to detail. Like all…

Report shows a jump in chain restaurant growth

March 20, 2012

The 500 largest U.S. restaurant chains registered a 3.4 percent annual sales increase in 2011, a sharp improvement over 1.8 percent the prior year, according…