Planet Smoothie acquired by Tasti D-Lite

November 30, 2011

Atlanta-based Planet Smoothie LLC, a franchise system with more than 100 units in 16 states, has been acquired by Tennessee-based Tasti D-Lite, a frozen…

Restaurant industry donates $3 billion annually

November 30, 2011

As part of its ongoing campaign to tell the story of America’s restaurants, the National Restaurant Association has unveiled its latest “America Works Here…

Kitchens with Confidence launches gluten-free, allergy-free webinar

November 29, 2011

Kitchens with Confidence LLC has announced the launch of an online 90-minute interactive webinar focused on gluten- and allergy-free dining. AllerTrain, a…

Schlotzsky's returns ribeye favorites

November 29, 2011

Schlotzsky’s will head into the holiday season with the return of its popular premium ribeye steak sandwiches. From now until Feb. 26, the menu will feature…

Smashburger crosses into Canada

November 29, 2011

Smashburger has announced that it has signed its first two lease agreements in the Calgary market, marking the chain's first entry into Canada. The company…

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group acquires Kettleman Bagel Co.

November 29, 2011

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

Beautiful Brands' CherryBerry heads into Montana

November 29, 2011

Beautiful Brands International has announced the signing of a master franchise agreement with Chris Holland to open at least 25 new CherryBerry Self-Serve…

MonkeyMedia Software promotes Mo Asgari to president

November 29, 2011

MonkeyMedia Software, a provider of catering solutions for multi-unit restaurant operators, has announced an organizational change designed to facilitate…

Top 100: Bean Sprouts No. 42

November 29, 2011

42.  Middleton, Wis. / No. of units: 3  A dining concept that focuses on the dietary needs of children rather than adults? Founders Shannon Seip and…

Fast Casual Executive Summit: What's up at Bennigan's

Bennigan's CEO Paul Mangiamele updates the health of the chain and reviews his session at the Fast Casual Executive Summit 2011.

Fast Casual Executive Summit: FCIC tackles labeling

NRA's Beth Madden, who is on the association's Fast Casual Industry Council, talks about the council's meeting and its efforts on issues such as menu…

Crispers restaurants test breakfast

November 28, 2011

Lakeland, Fla.-based Crispers Restaurants has introduced a new breakfast menu at the St. Augustine and Jacksonville-Roosevelt locations. The new Crispers…

HuHot Mongolian Grill eyes 2012 expansion

November 28, 2011

HuHot Mongolian Grill will continue to stay focused on concept growth as the chain moves into 2012.

New ad agency to focus on QSR, fast casual growth strategies

November 28, 2011

The Good Eats Agency has officially opened its doors in New York and will focus on advertising and marketing campaigns designed to strategically position…

FastCasual.com publishes Restaurant State of the Industry Report 2012: Workforce Management

November 28, 2011

FastCasual.com has published its Restaurant State of the Industry Report 2012: Workforce Management, which provides a comprehensive view of hiring, retention…

NRA show to debut Healthier Kids Fare pavilion

November 28, 2011

This year's National Restaurant Association's Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, May 5-8, will feature a new pavilion focused entirely on healthful children's…

Personal safety tips for the holidays

D.B. "Libby" Libhart has more than 30 years of experience in the loss prevention industry. He has provided security and safety leadership in retail settings…

Fast Casual Executive Summit 2011 Wrap Up

The 6th annual Fast Casual Executive Summit in Chicago was a rousing success. We got to catch up with some old friends and to get acquainted with many new…

Making Decisions as a Leader - Part V

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

Over the course of my 37-year-career in the restaurant industry, I have had the privilege of serving in leadership positions at all organizational levels, from…

Red Robin opens fast casual offshoot

November 27, 2011

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers has opened the doors of its fast casual restaurant, Burger Works, in Denver.