Schlotzsky’s returns three chee-zy promo

February 28, 2011

Schlotzsky’s has returned its Cheezy Three-zy sandwiches,  -- the Chicken & Bacon Smoke Cheezy, Turkey & Bacon Smoke Cheezy and Ribeye Steak &…

Mintel research: Customers want healthy breakfast options

February 28, 2011

According to the latest research from Mintel, 66 percent of customers want restaurants to provide them with healthier breakfast options. The healthy eating…

Commentary: 13 reasons NOT to open a restaurant

Thinking about opening a restaurant? Consider these 13 points before you jump into unknown territory.

Three critical mistakes in managing a social media crisis

By Sue Reninger

The expansion and contraction of consumer behavior

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

I struggle with choosing the best metaphor to describe the difference between consumer behaviors during a good economy vs. a bad economy vs. a recovering…

Weather leads to restaurant performance decline

February 27, 2011

The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index stood at 100.2 in January, down 0.8 percent from its December level. Despite the decline…

Consumers moving away from comfort

February 27, 2011

Culinary Tides Inc. has released a new report “Shifting Sands 2011,” that is a cross analysis of predictions across government, technology, health, consumer…

Ron Shaich: The accidental philanthropist

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

How Panera Bread's chairman and former CEO used skill, knowledge and know-how to launch an industry movement.

Emerald City Smoothie to open first international locale

February 24, 2011

With more than 60 locations operating across the United States, Emerald City Smoothie is embarking on its first international journey with a new-store opening…

Au Bon Pain finds success in store redesigns

February 24, 2011

Au Bon Pain’s store redesign in several Boston locations has proven positive for the bakery-café chain of more than 300 locations.

NBC offers free Chipotle for America's Next Great Restaurant promo

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 24, 2011

NBC has launched a promotion with Chipotle in anticipation of its new television show, America’s Next Great Restaurant.

Commentary: Coffee wars shift to oatmeal

Foodservice giants have upped the ante on menu competition, and McDonald's recent introduction of oatmeal is the perfect example.

Thanks, Tyler

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

As Firehouse Subs continues to grow (407 restaurants and counting), it is imperative that my HQ team assists our franchisees in their efforts to establish and…

Menusoft Systems integrates mobile platform into Digital Dining POS

February 23, 2011

Menusoft Systems and Mocapay have entered into a strategic partnership to integrate Mocapay’s mobile platform into the Digital Dining point-of-sale software…

Einstein Noah to restate FY 2009 financial results

February 23, 2011

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc., primary operator of Einstein Bros. Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels, and Manhattan Bagel brands, will postpone its…

Garbanzo uses Facebook to launch customer-diet initiative

February 23, 2011

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill introduced its Mediterranean Middle Meltdown (MMM) Diet initiative in early February on the company’s Facebook page.

NRA collaboration aims for zero waste

February 23, 2011

The National Restaurant Association is collaborating with the Atlanta-based Zero Waste Zone program to identify best practices, create resources and measure…

Jeffrey Schlosser appointed Freshii COO

February 23, 2011

Industry veteran and former Freshii San Francisco franchise partner Jeffrey Schlosser has been appointed COO of the company. Schlosser headed up Freshii…

Qdoba units, comps increase in Q1

February 23, 2011

Jack in the Box Inc., parent company of Jack in the Box and Qdoba, reported its first quarter earnings for fiscal 2011, ended Jan. 23.

Green Mountain Coffee appoints VP of HR

February 22, 2011

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. has appointed Linda Kazanova as vice president and chief human resources officer effective immediately.