Menus in a crystal ball: Turning trends into action

by Cari Price, Corporate Development Chef, Food IQ

Getting the police to do something

I heard the complaint again today. The local police are not responding. The crime was a theft of a deposit from the safe of a small restaurant. An officer took…

Togo’s Sandwiches names Rand Ferris VP of operations

January 12, 2011

Togo’s Sandwiches, with more than 242 franchised restaurants, has named Rand Ferris vice president of operations. In his new position, Ferris will assume all…

Genghis Grill to conquer the Capital

January 12, 2011

Genghis Grill – The Mongolian Stir Fry has signed on franchisee Carlos Politano to lead the chain's expansion into the Washington, D.C. market.

Massachusetts restaurants prep for food allergy law

January 12, 2011

As of Feb. 1, all Massachusetts restaurants will be required to have a certified food protection manager on staff.

Daphne’s Greek Café undergoes name change, brand overhaul

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

January 12, 2011

As outlined last year when Daphne’s Greek Café was purchased by Trefethen Advisors LLC, the chain has undergone a complete brand overhaul and will debut a new…

Top That! Pizza inks multi-state deal

January 12, 2011

In a push to enter the small fast casual pizza segment, Lori Walderich -- chief creative officer at IdeaStudio -- and her husband Jeff recently founded Top…

Quiznos layoffs double original report

January 12, 2011

Less than a week after announcing it was laying off about 69 employees at its Denver-based headquarters, Quiznos is now expected to cut even deeper.

La Madeleine adds smart choices to the menu

January 11, 2011

La Madeleine Country French Cafés are adding new options to their everyday Smart Choices menu. The items are available now through March 7.

Panera Bread prepares to open third pay-as-you-go

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

January 11, 2011

A Panera Bread location in Northeast Portland, Ore., was closed Jan. 11 to transition into the company's third pay-as-you-go restaurant. The store will reopen…

Chipotle heats up Chicago with soup

January 11, 2011

The windy city of Chicago will join Chipotle's hometown of Denver as the only other market to offer soup on the menu.

Study: More dining out, smaller checks in 2011

January 11, 2011

Good news first: Americans are expected to dine out more in 2011. Not-so-good news: it's predicted they'll spend about 5 percent less per meal while doing so.

Seattle’s Best Coffee launches integrated ad campaign

January 10, 2011

Seattle’s Best Coffee has launched its first-ever integrated, multi-channel advertising campaign debuting the brand’s “Anywhere Great Coffee is Needed…

Togo's to celebrate National Pastrami Day

January 10, 2011

Togo’s Sandwiches has announced that in honor of National Pastrami Day, Jan. 14, the company’s unprecedented Pastrami Guarantee will be returning.

Brinker alum named Denny's CEO

January 10, 2011

Denny’s Corporation has announced the appointment of John C. Miller to the position of president and chief executive officer, effective Feb. 1, 2011. Miller…

Firehouse Subs expands Coke Freestyle rollout

January 10, 2011

Firehouse Subs will become the first chain to conduct a market-wide transition to the Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispenser.

NRA appoints EVP of political advocacy

January 9, 2011

Rob Gifford has been named executive vice president of political advocacy for the National Restaurant Association, effective Feb. 7. In this role, he will work…

Quiznos headquarters issues pink slips

January 9, 2011

Just three months after naming Greg MacDonald as its new CEO, Quiznos has laid off about 70 employees at its Denver-based headquarters.

Zaxby's reintros sandwich using famous TV mom

January 9, 2011

Zaxby's has reintroduced its Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Meal and is using the "Everybody Loves Raymond" TV mom Doris Roberts to spread the news. Roberts also…

Lower Calories for Bigger Profits

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Lower Calories for Bigger Profits: Healthy Menu Promotion Examples from 4 Industry Leaders