Starbucks, Ai Ni Group partner on joint China coffee venture

February 5, 2012

As part of its ongoing efforts to help elevate the coffee industry in China’s Yunnan Province, Starbucks Coffee Company has announced that it has signed an…

Buffalo Wild Wings taps eSite for business intelligence solution

February 5, 2012

Business intelligence firm eSite has partnered with Buffalo Wild Wings to help the restaurant chain expand beyond 1,000 locations by 2013.

Top 100: Lime Fresh Mexican Grill No. 23

February 5, 2012

23. Lime Fresh Mexican Grill Miami Beach, Fla. / No. of units: 10 South Florida–based Lime Fresh Mexican Grill entered into a licensing agreement in 2010…

Chipotle to open second ShopHouse, additional international locations

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Company discusses new HR software program that provides enhanced analytics to target potential new employees.

Einstein Noah marketing & brand leader to leave post

February 2, 2012

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, operating under the Einstein Bros. Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels, and Manhattan Bagel brands, has announced that James P.

Get 'in' on the biggest trend In foodservice

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

Healthy, affordable dining — for kids.

Baja Fresh returns to Windy City

February 1, 2012

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has announced the grand opening of its newest location in Niles, Ill. The 2,100-square-foot Baja Fresh is owned and operated by…

New Boloco lineup reflects flavors of India

February 1, 2012

The globally inspired menu at Boloco is giving consumers an inside look at the flavors of India with the launch of three new menu items: The Simple Curry and…

YO!Sushi to open U.S. locations

February 1, 2012

London-based YO!Sushi signed its first U.S. franchisee in 2011 and plans to open its first two American locations this year in Washington, D.C., with leases…

Asian Box to debut in San Francisco

February 1, 2012

San Francisco-based FK Restaurants & Hospitality will debut its fast casual Asian Box concept in Palo Alto, Calif., this month. The restaurant, inspired by…

The Secret Decoder Ring and Loss Prevention

Over the holidays I watched “A Christmas Story” for the gazillionth time. One of the scenes in the movie is Ralphie getting his secret decoder ring to unlock…

Togo's to open 28 units in 2012

February 1, 2012

Togo’s Eateries Inc. experienced an unprecedented year of growth in 2011 with the signing of 23 agreements for new restaurants and the opening of seven new…

Greenz wellness to promote healthy diners

January 31, 2012

Dallas-based Greenz, salads for z' adventurous, is using a three-tier wellness program for its guests that includes special menu guides (such as points-based…

Qdoba reaches 600-store milestone

January 31, 2012

Qdoba Mexican Grill will celebrate the grand opening of its 600th restaurant in Roseville, Mich., on Feb. 6. To celebrate the milestone, the restaurant, which…

James Greco, former Bruegger's CEO, joins Sbarro

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Former Bruegger's chief executive James Greco has been named president, CEO of Sbarro Inc.

Top 100: La Madeleine Country French Café No. 24

January 31, 2012

24. La Madeleine Country French Café Dallas / No. of units: 60 The combination French bakery, European café and family-style bistro La Madeleine is…

As serious as a heart attack

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

It's a good idea to designate a senior member of the waitstaff or a manager to be the point person when dealing with diners with allergy concerns.

The top 10 (unmentioned) food industry trends

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Adventure in food and flavor is back, comfort food is out.

Mississippi partners with Healthy Dining to launch nutrition program

January 31, 2012

The Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association (MHRA) has unveiled an initiative called "Eat Healthy Mississippi" that aims to curb the state's…

Restaurant performance at highest level in six years

January 31, 2012

Fueled by solid same-store sales and traffic results and a bullish outlook among restaurant operators, the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant…