National, state restaurant associations file suit over tip credit regs

June 16, 2011

The National Restaurant Association, Council of State Restaurant Associations and the National Federation of Independent Business have filed suit against the…

Is “Jane Q Diner” responsible or is the counter person?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Recently I had the pleasure and challenge of doing what I would call a “mystery dine” on a concept near the town where I live. This desire to go play Food PD…

Jamba Juice continues South Korean expansion

June 15, 2011

South Koreans now have a fifth Jamba Juice location to score their daily juice fixes. The store opened in Seocho, a popular residential and commercial district…

Panda Restaurant Group helps Japanese earthquake survivors

June 15, 2011

The Panda Restaurant Group, parent company of Panda Express, Panda Inn and Hibachi-San contributed more than $450,000 to the American Red Cross in support of…

Fast Casual Industry Council names new board members

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

June 15, 2011

The Fast Casual Industry Council has voted in four new members – who each will serve two-year terms on the council’s steering committee. The new members are…

DMA, P.F. Chang’s sign multi-year deal

June 15, 2011

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro has renewed its partnership with Distribution Market Advantage Inc. (DMA) by entering into a multi-year agreement allowing DMA to…

NRA Educational Foundation names executive director

June 15, 2011

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation has named Lynette McKee as executive director, effective July 5.

Quiznos signs major deal for Brazilian expansion

June 15, 2011

As part of Quiznos' international development initiative, the chain has signed a master franchise agreement that calls for the development of 200 restaurants…

America’s Next Great Restaurant closes two of three units

June 15, 2011

Soul Daddy, which was named the winner of the America's Next Great Restaurant reality show in May, has closed its Los Angeles and New York City locations after…

Chains ramp up presentation schedules

June 15, 2011

As summer kicks into full gear, many large restaurant chains have committed to conference and event presentations. A schedule is listed as follows.

California law requires safety training for foodservice employees

Deadline for the state's 900,000 employees to be in compliance is July 1.

Let Freedom Eat: FREEBIRDS debuts create-your-own salads

June 14, 2011

The restaurant is serving $1 beers Father's Day weekend.

Panera spends $40M to demo authenticity

June 14, 2011

Panera Bread Co. is spending $40 million on a new TV and radio ad campaign called "Make Today better," but Chief Marketing Officer Michael Simon told Forbes…

Chicago welcomes Tossed

June 14, 2011

Tossed, home of garden fresh salads, crepe wraps and sandwiches, announced today the signing of a franchise agreement with a Chicago ownership team.

Starbucks lets Android users pay via phone

June 14, 2011

Portland store serves wine and beer.

Moe’s Southwest Grill awarded LEED Silver certification

June 13, 2011

The Williston, Vt. location of Moe's Southwest Grill received LEED silver certification, making it the first restaurant in the chain and state to earn the…

bd’s Mongolian Grill’s iPhone App puts guests in control of meals

June 13, 2011

bd's Mongolian Grill, a concept that allows guests to create their own stir-fry meals, is now bringing that experience to the iPhone, iTouch or iPad with the…

Big Game Brands adds new fro-yo concept to portfolio

June 13, 2011

Atlanta-based Big Game Brands, formally Raving Brands, has added Cowlicks Yogurt and Floats to its portfolio.

NRA Show exhibitors donate 37K meals to Chicago’s hungry

June 13, 2011

The National Restaurant Association announced today that exhibiting companies at the 2011 NRA Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show – held May 21-24 at Chicago's…

Red Mango guests getting spooned

June 13, 2011

Red Mango today launched its Spoonable Smoothies and Mealworthy Smoothies, both designed to eat with a spoon and made with the company's frozen yogurt and…