DSE: WAND shows off new Cosi POP

by Christopher Hall — w, t

March 1, 2011

At this year's Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas, WAND Corp. showcased its broad array of digital menu board solutions, but also highlighted a…

Sodexo partners with Mai Pham to launch Star Ginger

March 1, 2011

Sodexo Inc. has signed a 10-year master retail license agreement with celebrity chef Mai Pham to bring her latest concept, Star Ginger Asian Grill & Noodle…

FreshBerry expands Middle East operations

March 1, 2011

Beautiful Brands International (BBI) has announced the opening of 12 new FreshBerry stores in the Middle East. It’s the biggest overseas expansion for the…

NPD: Restaurant visits up in second half of 2010

March 1, 2011

Although visits to U.S. restaurants are still below the level registered six years ago, there were signs of improvement in the second half of 2010, according…

Original SoupMan announces Fisherman’s Wharf opening

March 1, 2011

Original SoupMan has announced a new venture with Lloyd Sugarman and Matt Johnson to open the company’s first West Coast restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf in San…

EXIT41 expands client roster with Sweetgreen, Le Pain Quotidien

March 1, 2011

Exit41 has signed three new restaurant clients for its Social Ordering solution, which includes integrated online, mobile, Facebook and phone-in ordering…

Chipotle wraps burritos in gold

February 28, 2011

To celebrate the 18th anniversary of its focus on using high quality ingredients, Chipotle Mexican Grill is wrapping its burritos in gold.

Panda Express founders pledge $2.5 million

February 28, 2011

Andrew and Peggy Cherng, founders of Panda Restaurant Group, have pledged $2.5 million to Cal Poly Pomona's Collins College of Hospitality Management.

Bruegger's Bottomless Mug campaign raises $90,000

February 28, 2011

Bruegger's announced it will donate approximately $90,000 to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals as a result of its "Bottomless Mug" campaign, which ran from…

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.