Caribbean, Japanese flavors increase on restaurant menus

February 16, 2011

According to Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), lesser-known ethnic fare has experienced a robust product growth in the consumer marketplace. 

Boloco unveils new ordering app

February 16, 2011

Boloco has rolled out its new online ordering app for iPhones through a partnership with Mobilaurus, a Boston-based app company that creates mobile ordering…

Food trucks: Taking your brand to the streets

By Tom Smith

UFood Grill approved for SBA Franchise Registry

February 15, 2011

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has been approved for listing on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) official Franchise Registry. UFood submitted its…

Tom & Eddie’s donates opening-week proceeds

February 15, 2011

Tom & Eddie’s will donate $4,000 made during opening week of its Geneva, Ill., restaurant to two local organizations – the Geneva Academic Foundation (GAF…

S.M.A.R.T. Restaurant Group to deploy MonkeyMedia Software

February 15, 2011

MonkeyMedia Software, a provider of web-based software, strategy and education services for multi-unit restaurant operators, has announced that S.M.A.R.T.

The expanding Panda

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Who wouldn’t want 70% growth in five years? That’s just what Panda Express is gunning for with its expansion plans over the next few years, and if its track…

Phil Friedman joins Brandstand Group as vice chair

February 14, 2011

Former McAlister’s Deli president and CEO Philip Friedman has been named vice chairman of the Board of Directors at Brandstand Group, a restaurant brand…

Firehouse pits sub against sub

February 14, 2011

Firehouse Subs is hosting its first sub vs. sub “Chompetition," a nationwide battle for the chain's supreme specialty sandwich.

BBI co-brands Smallcakes, FreshBerry

February 14, 2011

Beautiful Brands International has launched its first ever co-branded store in Jenks, Okla., combining Smallcakes Cupcakery with FreshBerry’s lineup of frozen…

NAFEM: Hobart's 'Back to Scratch' program

Editor Valerie Killifer met with Hobart to discuss the company's focus on returning cooking to greater use of scratch ingredients.

NAFEM: Vollrath's shrink wrapper

Valerie Killifer talks to Vollrath's vp of marketing about his company's new shrink wrapper. The interview took place at NAFEM 2011.

Jamba Juice partners with SYGMA Alliance

February 13, 2011

Jamba Inc. and national foodservice distribution SYGMA, have announced their plans to form a supply chain distribution alliance. The proposed alliance will…

Women make restaurant ownership gains

February 13, 2011

New research from the National Restaurant Association shows that nearly 50 percent of restaurants are now owned by women.

Corn at center of price increases

By Steve Coomes

P.F. Chang's names Lane Cardwell as CEO

February 13, 2011

P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc., operator of P.F. Chang's restaurants and Pei Wei Asian Diner, has announced that former board member F. Lane Cardwell will…

Excessive exposure results in sunburn, frostbite, violent robbery

Exposure to the elements for any length of time can lead to devastating consequences. Skin unprotected from the sun may result in serious sunburn.  With…

Keep your customers out of the ER For dessert

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Does it seem to anyone else that almost out of nowhere, all of a sudden, people are expressing food allergies in amazing numbers? 

NAFEM: The Everpure high-efficiency water filter

At NAFEM 2011, Everpure showed its MRS 600 high-efficiency, reverse-osmosis water filtration system.

NAFEM: Scotsman Ice luvs the nug

Editor Valerie Killifer talks to Terry Toth about Scotsman's chewable ice and the social media affection the product receives.