Taco Bell taking cues from higher-end rivals

January 15, 2012

Amidst declining unit counts and a consumer perception of poor food quality, executives at Taco Bell are working to reimage the former Yum! Brands star.

Top 100: Panera Bread No. 29

January 15, 2012

29. Panera Bread St. Louis / No. of units: 1,421+ In a year of economic downturn, top player Panera Bread, acting through its nonprofit Panera Bread…

NRA accepting nominations for inaugural Operator Innovations Awards

January 12, 2012

The National Restaurant Association is calling for nominations for its inaugural Operator Innovations Awards.

Veggie Grill expands beyond Calif. roots

January 12, 2012

Veggie Grill is about to open its first location outside of Southern California in Beaverton, Ore. Veggie Grill is able to move into the Portland, Ore., market…

Fazoli's rings in 2012 with record sales year

January 12, 2012

Fazoli’s wrapped up 2011 with record-setting sales increases, completing a 17-month streak in guest traffic and sales growth.

Pinkberry to hold 'Design-Over' sweepstakes

January 12, 2012

Pinkberry is giving its customers a unique way to experience its iconic and inspired design aesthetic in their own homes. Now through Jan. 31, Pinkberry fans…

Fresh To Order to build growth on 'fast fine' platform

January 12, 2012

New menu items, re-imaged restaurants, leadership changes and grand openings are just a few of the developments ahead that will drive growth for Fresh To Order…

Screening your background screener

by Amanda Richardson — Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing, Snagajob

If your application process takes too long, it could repel top talent, leading to bad hires, high turnover and lost profits.

Starbucks promotes blonde ambition

January 11, 2012

Starbucks Coffee Company has announced the availability of Starbucks Blonde Roast, a lighter roast coffee from the company designed to meet the needs of the 5…

La Madeleine adds to 'Smart Choices'

January 11, 2012

La Madeleine Country French Cafés are adding several new options to its everyday SMART CHOICES menu. The new alternatives are available now through March 20.

Charley's Grilled Subs promotes Bob Wright to president

January 11, 2012

Charley’s Grilled Subs has promoted Bob Wright to president and chief operating officer to help guide the brand into the future.

Chipotle to open second ShopHouse

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

January 11, 2012

Steve Ells is looking to open a second ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen location near the original Washington, D.C., restaurant.

Five Guys takes online ordering to international markets

January 10, 2012

OLO has announced the expansion of its mobile and online ordering service for restaurants outside the U.S. on behalf of Five Guys Burgers & Fries. The new…

Top 100: Portillo's Hot Dogs No. 30

January 10, 2012

30. Portillo’s Hot Dogs Oak Brook, Ill. / No. of units: 34 With an initial investment of $1,100, Dick Portillo opened his first restaurant—The Dog House—in…

Quiznos expanding into the Philippines

January 10, 2012

Quiznos has announced a partnership with the ACA Group, the master franchise selected to launch the first Quiznos restaurants in the Philippines. The first…

Zpizza introduces fan-created pizza

January 9, 2012

To celebrate National Pizza Week, Jan. 9-15, zpizza has added the fan-created Pepperoni Caprese Pizza to its menu through the end of January.

Moe's goes touchscreen with Coca-Cola Freestyle

January 9, 2012

Moe's Southwest Grill has announced it will launch the Coca-Cola Freestyle in all 420 locations. To date, the machine has been in use in 140 Moe's locations.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation approves 28 new grants

January 9, 2012

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has announced 28 approved grant requests, valued at $337,000. Since 2005, more than $3.5 million has been allocated…

Wingstop celebrates successful 2011

January 9, 2012

Wingstop celebrated a groundbreaking year in 2011 – opening 34 new restaurants, including its 500th location in Brooklyn, N.Y. – and reaching more than eight…

California Tortilla says "VegMe!"

January 9, 2012

California Tortilla wants guests to eat their vegetables this month and they are giving back to the community in the process.