Former McAlister’s Deli CEO joins Bagger Dave’s board

March 23, 2011

Diversified Restaurant Holdings Inc. (DHR), the owner/operator and franchisor of Bagger Dave’s restaurant and bar concept, and a leading franchisee of Buffalo…

GE Capital, Franchise Finance gives Five Guys $100 million boost

March 23, 2011

GE Capital, Franchise Finance has provided a $100 million credit facility to Five Guys Holdings Inc., franchisor of Five Guys Burgers and Fries. The facility…

Former Chipotle employees in D.C. protest recent firings

March 23, 2011

According to the WashingtonPost.com, about 40 former employees of Chipotle restaurants throughout Washington D.C. gathered Wednesday to protest terminations…

Starbucks Digital Network debuts new content providers

March 23, 2011

The Starbucks Digital Network, in partnership with Yahoo!, has introduced new content providers, including The Economist, ESPN Insider Rumor Central, Marvel…

Caribou Coffee earns J.D. Power and Associates honor

March 23, 2011

Caribou Coffee, the nation’s second-largest coffeehouse chain, was recognized as a J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Customer Service Champion. Caribou is one of…

Buffalo Wild Wings tackles football stand-off

March 22, 2011

When basketball fans cheer on their college teams this week, they may notice a seemingly out-of-place advertisement from Buffalo Wild Wings. During one of its…

Panda Express to match American Red Cross and Tzu Chi Foundation proceeds

March 22, 2011

Panda Restaurant Group Inc., parent company of Panda Express, has announced a fundraising campaign to assist with disaster relief in Japan. Panda Restaurant…

Boloco tests LevelUp group buying service

March 22, 2011

Boston-based Boloco has partnered with new group buying platform LevelUp, a pilot program from location-based game SCVNGR. The platform offers three levels of…

Cornell Study: QSR and fast casual making best use of online ordering

March 22, 2011

A Cornell University analysis of the electronic ordering practices of the top 326 U.S.-based restaurant chains finds that fast casual and quick service…

Stonefire Grill rolls out ‘Healthy Alternatives’ line

March 22, 2011

Southern California-based Stonefire Grill has launched a “Healthy Alternatives” menu that features entrée salads, pizzas, salmon and chicken dishes with fewer…

Daphne's California Greek unveils new brand identity

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The former Daphne's Greek Cafe has changed its logo, name and corporate culture since August 2010.

CTIA 2011: Wi-Fi reliability and mobile transactions

David Callisch, VP of marketing for Ruckus, discusses the importance of reliable Wi-Fi, especially when it comes to mobile payments.

Starbucks and Gabrielle Giffords

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurant operators talk a lot about the value of creating a memorable experience for their guests, but nothing has struck me more about the guest experience…

Business intelligence solutions shed light on fast casual operations

by Kim Williams — Reporter, NetWorld Alliance

Potbelly, Panera Bread and zpizza are just a few of the restaurant chains utilizing new solutions offered by business intelligence providers.

Concept review: America’s Next Greatest Restaurant

By Linda Duke

NPD: Calorie counts on menus unlikely to change ordering patterns

March 21, 2011

As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) readies to submit its proposed regulations for the federal menu labeling law by the March 23, 2011 deadline, the…

Shane’s Rib Shack founder to appear on QVC

March 21, 2011

Shane’s Rib Shack founder and president, Shane Thompson, is scheduled to appear on QVC during its new gluten-free culinary broadcast Eating Gluten Free – Food…

Baja Fresh expands “Earth Fresh” initiative

March 21, 2011

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has announced the nationwide rollout of its pioneering Earth Fresh Initiative. In December 2009, Baja Fresh began testing a number of…

Chipotle Mexican Grill to announce Q1 results

March 21, 2011

Chipotle Mexican Grill will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2011 financial results April, 20 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. A press release…

Top 100: I Love Falafel No. 100

March 20, 2011

I Dream of Falafel